Internet Explorer Problems - Please help!

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/02/2005 11:56:39 AM · #1

Here's my problem:

For the last few weeks, when I open Internet Explorer (I'm using Windows XP) it goes to the home page (google) for a split second then automatically goes to "//" and gives me the "web page not found" message.

Even if I go to another page like www.hotmail.com, it'll begin to load then automatically click to another page ("//") and give me the same message.

Sometimes it does this but opens a new window each time it clicks (several times/second) so I get a million IE windows opening up and they all go to "//" with the error message.

Also, one other thing it's been doing (on those rare occasions that it does work properly) is automatically pop-up a "Visit our sponsor - www.tickle.com" page right from my home page (google.com) for no apparent reason.

I could really use your help, as I'm forced to use MSN explorer (the one with the butterfly icon) until I figure out what the problem is...

brownt

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

01/02/2005 11:58:30 AM · #2

If you have a look here : //www.brownt.co.uk/support/spyware.htm

I've put together a page because quite a few people have problems with spyware and things that shouldn't be on their computer.

Follow the steps on the page and it'll get rid of anything that shouldn't be there.

Message edited by author 2005-01-02 11:59:04.

Intelli

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

01/02/2005 11:58:58 AM · #3

Download Firefox Mozilla... use it instead of Internet Exploder

Message edited by author 2005-01-02 11:59:35.

ButterflySis

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

01/02/2005 11:59:21 AM · #4

Not sure but I would get Spybot and Adaware and run both as many times as needed to clean out any spyware. Usually when your pages don't go where you want them to it's some kind of spyware redirecting you.

I could be wrong. Just guessing. This would be my first step though.

Jen

hsteg

Fujifilm X-T20

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

01/02/2005 11:59:55 AM · #5

Originally posted by Intelli:

Download Firefox Mozilla... use it instead of Internet Exploder

amen.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

01/02/2005 12:00:05 PM · #6

Go to control panel, add/remove programs. Click on Internet Explorer. Click "remove". Get a dialogue box with "repair" as an option. Choose "repair". See if that helps.

If that doesn't work get Mozilla Firefox. If it works, get Mozilla Firefox anyway. You'll be glad you did.

Robt.

Oh yeah, what they said: check for spyware first.

Message edited by author 2005-01-02 12:00:50.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/02/2005 12:13:34 PM · #7

It sounds like you have a browser hijacker, more than a problem with IE itself. As stated above use Adaware & Spybot first to try and clean it (may want to run them in Safe Mode). Depending on how tricky it is, a good scrubbing of the Regestry may need to be done. However, I would not suggest working in the Registry, if you're not experienced with it. :)

01/02/2005 12:56:37 PM · #8

Sounds like the Google CPanel virus/hijack (Qhost hijack) where an entry is placed in the HOSTS file on your computer and redirects you to 1 or more of the hijackers sites.

I'm looking for a good site that explains (easily...it is an easy fix) to direct you to. One site I browsed to actually had the trojan as McAfee found and would not let me access the site.

gloda

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/02/2005 01:01:02 PM · #9

Originally posted by bear_music:

If that doesn't work get Mozilla Firefox. If it works, get Mozilla Firefox anyway. You'll be glad you did.

Ditto.

01/02/2005 01:26:23 PM · #10

Hope you guys with Firefox, Mozilla or any other third party browsers are all Patched and Up to date.

Internet Week about Tabbed Browsers

01/03/2005 12:59:09 AM · #11

Originally posted by brownt:

I can't thank you enough! I had 73 "objects" and after removing them, my Internet Explorer is back to it's good old "apparently-sub-par-compared-to-Firefox" self...

Thanks again!

bod

01/03/2005 03:23:23 AM · #12

Originally posted by awpollard:

Hope you guys with Firefox, Mozilla or any other third party browsers are all Patched and Up to date.

Internet Week about Tabbed Browsers

Or more accurately, patched up to two-and-a-half-months-ago.

If you have the old affected version of Firefox installed you will be well aware of the need to upgrade believe me. The browser tells you so in nice big red letters : )

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

01/19/2005 05:44:49 PM · #13

Okay, since I'm the original poster and I didn't feel like starting a new thread to display my computer idiocy, I'll ask here.

I have downloaded a virus check software recommended by brownt and it found 7 viruses (all of the "Trojan Horse Downloader Agents").

Now what?

I don't just delete these do I? I'm confused...

Edit: I should mention that the program is AVG AntiVirus and that the 7 files have been quarantined.

Message edited by author 2005-01-19 17:48:03.

coolhar

01/19/2005 06:29:20 PM · #14

Why not delete them? Are their any instructions with AVG ? I'm not familiar with that one.

How is the `puter operating now that you have them quarantied? You may not need to do anything more.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

01/19/2005 06:43:09 PM · #15

Create a save point then erase. If you have problems restore.

Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR

01/19/2005 06:48:10 PM · #16

Um...how do I do the save point. I think I know but I just want to be sure. And if I restore, will I lose anything at all?

drz01

Pentax K50

01/19/2005 07:06:40 PM · #17

Make sure the you run windows update at least once a week! Like any software update update update...

vince31874

01/19/2005 07:12:58 PM · #18

In the the future after you get everything straightened out, you should invest in a firewall, good virus agent (I use Symantec Corporate Edition)and a spyware checker.

Microsoft is now providing its own Spyware software which is in Beta:

Microsoft Spyware

I have used this, and it works well. It has a feature to help cut down browser hijacks, and it will probably find more junk on your computer.

Message edited by author 2005-01-19 19:14:21.

coolhar

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

01/19/2005 07:43:20 PM · #19

To create a Restore Point, click the Start menu button, then Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then System Restore, click Create a Restore Point, then hit Next. you'll be asked to supply a name for the new Restore Point, usually the date. Then click Create. It's easy.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR

01/19/2005 07:46:35 PM · #20

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Um...how do I do the save point. I think I know but I just want to be sure. And if I restore, will I lose anything at all?

Actaully XP does a save point everytime you boot up (successfully) unless you have physically turned that off (most likely not).

Check by:
Start button > Right Click My Computer > choose properties
Click the System Restore Tab.

If you have NO check mark a restore point is saved every time you reboot, add a new application or device. (yes this does hog a lot of disk space if that min....Max number is very high...but leave that alone)

I have never had a problem deleting Quarantined files before, but if you had to do a restore:

Start Button > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore...

A wizard will pop up that allows you to choose which date to restore back to.

Andy

ED: Whoops a little slow...

Message edited by author 2005-01-19 19:48:10.

aerogurl

Nikon D300

01/19/2005 07:50:41 PM · #21

sounds very much like a browser hijacker. try "hijack this", its a program that can remove pesky registry spyware. good luck!

Norris

Fujifilm FinePix 6900Z

01/19/2005 07:56:36 PM · #22

I agree with aerogurl. Are you running a good, uptodate virus protection program? How about spyware protection? A lot of people use AdAware(?) but do not subscribe to the paid version. I am using Spyware Doctor which found 50+ more infestations after I had run AdAware. I signed up for the paid version SD and am good for the next year.

Zoomdak

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/19/2005 07:56:47 PM · #23

Originally posted by gloda:

Originally posted by bear_music:
If that doesn't work get Mozilla Firefox. If it works, get Mozilla Firefox anyway. You'll be glad you did.

Ditto.

Ditto the Ditto =)