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Question

Cannot connect to outside servers. ISP "can't help"

by Jul 31, 2011 9:09AM PDT

XP home - HP 1034n 2005 - Cannot connect to any outside server for software updates or installs. Cannot update AVG, Malwarebytes, Rhapsody, etc etc etc. My ISP checked proxy settings in my PC and checked my modem and gave up. HELP?

Discussion is locked

6 Posts
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Answer
Does any networking work?
by Forum moderator Jul 31, 2011 9:09PM PDT

Do you mean that you cannot access the internet using your internet browsers? What happens when you try? What internet browsers have you tried and what error messages do you see?

Did this ever work, and if so, what has changed since then?

Have you tried System Restore to go back to a time when it did work?

If you have no internet access at all, this may be a malware infection, and if so, find some other computer and follow the advice by Grif in his post here;
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-19411_102-5128854.html?tag=posts;msg5128854

Mark

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response
by Keith369 Aug 1, 2011 1:59AM PDT

Not exactly. I can connect to the internet as I'm doing now. I have only one PC and one cable modem.
The problem is that all programs which require updating themselves IE: Virus protection or music programs are unable to connect to their servers. Total connection failure. It started in March, and yes it was at a time when I had gotten some malware and had to use Malwarebytes to get rid of it. But for example; Malwarebytes cant update its definitions because it can't connect out. Neither can AVG. I've added them to the windows firewall exceptions list and even tried shutting the firewall off but it will not connect. Thanks for the article; I will try it. does this sound like what might be going on?

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Yes it does
by MarkFlax Forum moderator Aug 1, 2011 4:20AM PDT

Some viruses or malware will actively attempt to disable all security software.

Does your AVG and MBAM still scan? If so, why not reboot into Safe Mode and run scans with them both one after the other, even though you cannot update them. With any luck the existing definitions they have might be sufficient.

So, even though AVG and MBAM might tell you they need updating, can you bypass those messages to get to the scanners themselves?

Mark

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Can't start in Safe Mode
by Keith369 Aug 1, 2011 8:41AM PDT

Yes they still scan; but I'm in more trouble than I thought. I can't start up in Safe Mode. Windows gets caught in a loop and continually tells me it couldn't start successfully.

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That's a sign. Not a good one.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Aug 1, 2011 8:47AM PDT

When XP can't start in safe more it's a sign the OS is damaged. Most machines can't use any of the repair methods because none are enabled with HP and other makes.

I'd prepare for a fresh install.
Bob

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Try those scans in Full Mode.
by MarkFlax Forum moderator Aug 1, 2011 10:34PM PDT

But I'm agreeing with Bob. When Safe Mode fails it begins to look bad.

Get your personal files backed up as soon as you can, just in case.

Mark

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