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General discussion

Odd doings with Internet Explorer

Jun 19, 2005 2:20AM PDT

Not sure what is going on.

IE closes if I use it. If I go to the "options" area it tells me I dont have administrative rights to change settings.

Admittedly did go to safe mode last week trying to fix something and may have mislogged somehow. That could explain the why I don't have admin rights (I accidentally hit the wrong button and it asked me for my password, I merely cancelled because, frankly, don't know my password for sure).

I can open IE but if I click a link it immediately closes, sometimes closes if I just change pages. Scans all coming up clean and it does open on my home page. The occasional closings had been going on a few days (didn't pay much attention since I primarily use Firefox, but did use IE to do a Panda Scan on Friday, so I know it was ok for downloading then). Now it closes almost immediately.

Ideas?

Discussion is locked

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Addendum
Jun 19, 2005 3:07AM PDT

I noticed something very odd.

It seems IE only closes when I am jumping around this site-- i can seemingly move ok with it as long as I am NOT using it to navigate Cnet!

Have no idea how to account for this. Any help would be much appreciated.

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RE: IE closes
Jun 19, 2005 4:48PM PDT

Are you receiving any error messages?

Is CNET on Restricted Sites list?

It only seems to happen on CNET?

Are you blocking popups? Some sites cannot be accessed while popups are blocked. But CNET shouldn't be one of them. If you are blocking popup you might try turning it off to see if that heps.

Have you checked for viruses, adware, etc.?

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I can't access tools-options
Jun 19, 2005 7:35PM PDT

So I cannot answer all your questions but yes i am blocking popups and yes I have run every scan under the sun (5 different anti spies and 3 antiviruses) to check for malware.. all is clear.

However, right before this odd problem started I did delete a supposedly infected DLL and I tend to think that is related to this problem.

I do not think it's a virus or adware causing it.. but I can't be sure. Ir it were I think IE would close more than just on cnet. I can still download Active X (I was able to go to trend micro to do a scan which requires Active x). It may be java related (seen this behavior with java settings changed in the past, but can't access java thru tools-options to change it.. can get there thru thru the console).

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Re: I deleted a dll
Jun 19, 2005 7:56PM PDT

Then get it back from the recycle bin or your Windows CD (with sfc) or by a Repair IE from Config Panel>Add and Remove. This will confirm that it was the cause, or that it's something else.
And why not tell what dll it was?
And what more did you do without telling us?

Kees

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I dont remember the name of the DLL
Jun 19, 2005 8:42PM PDT

It was removed in a panda scan. If i could restore it I would and I have no idea that would fix it in any event.

I only suspect it may have something to do with it. I have no idea. I suspect maybe it's a java problem (I cleared my java cache but that didnt help). I suspect it might be malware but a zillion scans turned up nothing.

In other words I really do not know what could cause this behavior, have no idea how i might recaccess my Internet Explorer options (not sure it would do anything if I could), etc.

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Let's do something.
Jun 19, 2005 9:47PM PDT
Part I:

Please note that just above the text editor (where you enter a question on the forum) is the following paragraph in RED, and if certain information is not present in your question, our reply may not be very helpful:

Note: If you're asking for technical help, please be sure to include all your system info, including operating system, model number, and any other specifics related to the problem.

Note also: You have the option of using the hyperlink ''Edit My Profile'' on the right side of the main page to fill in applicable system information so that it is available.

So. I have no idea whether anything I may write is going to be applicable to the machine and operating system used.

Part II:

Caktus asked " is CNET on Restricted Sites list? -- you didn't pickup on this and clarify.

1. Most World Wide Web (WWW) Browsers running on non-Microsoft network operation systems rely on a Domain Name Server (DNS) and a Hosts file to resolve host names to IP addresses even if the Web client and the Web server are on the same subnet. Normally, Microsoft Internet Explorer does not use the DNS and HOSTS file -- but will, but usually relies on the Windows Internet Name Service (WINS), the LMHOSTS file and NetBIOS broadcasts for name resolution when it is running on Microsoft network operating systems such as Windows.

2. The following is a list of problems which can occur if a Hosts file exist in the Windows folder which has incorrect or invalid entries, [Q219843]:

? Internet Explorer cannot open the Internet site Web address: A connection with the server could not be established

? Internet Explorer cannot open the internet site "URL: Web site the connection to the server was reset"

? "error message" - Host not found

==OR==

? A different Web site may be displayed

Note however: A Hosts file is just the tip of an iceberg. There are numerous programs you may have downloaded from the Web and use which similarly adds addresses to this file to circumvent user access. It is not unheard of that intrusive software is also the causes this anomaly.

3. Possible resolution(s):

a. If your computer is not connected to a network or does not require a Hosts file for Domain Name System (DNS) resolution, rename the Hosts file -- at least for a test run. To rename a file, right-click the file, select rename, type the new name, and then press Enter.

b. If a system is using or is connected to a network requiring Hosts file use, edit this file and disable all lines circumventing the use of a particular Web site Internet Protocol (IP) address:

(1) Click Start, Find, Files Or Folders and in the Named box, type hosts

(2) In the Look In box, click My Computer, and then click Find Now.

(3) In the list of found files, double-click the Hosts file.

(4) In the Choose the program you want to use box, click Notepad.

Warning: Click to clear the Always use this program to open this file check box, and then click OK.

(5) Place a number sign (#) at the beginning of a line containing the IP address of the Web site you are unable to view/access.

(6) On the File menu, click Exit. When you are prompted to save the changes, click Yes.

c. Caveats to be aware of:

(1) Many Internet accelerator programs monitor Web sites visited and write the Web sites' corresponding IP addresses into the Hosts file. The next time one of these Web sites is visited, the site can be displayed faster because the browser does not need to use a Domain Name Server (DNS) to find the Web site's IP address.

(2) However, URL addresses are subject to change. Since entries in a Hosts file never change, a URL address may eventually refer to a server that is no longer in use and you are unable to connect.

(3) In addition. I'm sure just about everybody has accessed a Web site which was really corrupted. At the same time, corruption somewhere which a user has accessed could attempt a Host file write and cause corruption in that file as well. Remember, anything can happen on this "superhighway".

(4) The following is a list of some Internet accelerator programs:

BlazeWeb
EZsurfer98
FastNet99
Legion - The HOSTS Master
MicroSurfer
PeakJet
TurboExplorer
WebEarly
WebTurbo


(5) If a Hosts file cannot be edited because it is in use, close Internet Explorer and try again. However, a Hosts file could be in use by several other programs too. Therefore, rename the file at the MS-DOS prompt (Start, Programs, MS-DOS Prompt). In WinXP, the Hosts file must be saved by a user with administrator-level access.

Note: Save a Hosts file in c:\windows directory for Windows 9x/Me, c:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\ for Windows NT/2000/XP Pro, or c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\ for XP Home.

4. Supplemental reading:

a. "Internet Explorer Cannot Open the Internet Site... (Q175722)."

b. "Troubleshooting LMHOSTS Name Resolution Issues (Q180099)."

c. "Description of Hypertext Transport Protocol Error Messages (Q218155)."

d. "Cannot Gain Access to Certain Security-Enhanced Web Sites (Q246727)."

e. "Zone: Error Message When You Attempt to Connect to a Secure Zone Web Page: The Page Cannot Be Displayed (Q310731)."

f. "You Receive a "System Error 1230" Error Message When You Browse the Network (Q318332)."

g. "Welcome to Ray Marron's Hostess page!" for a free utility for maintaining Hosts files.

h. "Gorilla Design Studio", Using the Hosts file.

Note: The member also asked "Are you blocking popups? Some sites cannot be accessed while popups are blocked. But CNET shouldn't be one of them. If you are blocking popup you might try turning it off to see if that heps."

Your answer " can't access tools-options
So I cannot answer all your questions but yes i am blocking popups and yes I have run every scan under the sun (5 different anti spies and 3 antiviruses) to check for malware.. all is clear."

Which has nothing to do with "tools-options" for Windows unless you mean something else. Usually such options are set by the utilities used to circumvent the blocking.

Part III: Kees made the statement "Repair IE from Config Panel>Add and Remove. This will confirm that it was the cause, or that it's something else."

You haven't indicated you've done anything to either repair IE or to repair Windows. Why not?

In other words I really do not know what could cause this behavior, have no idea how i might recaccess my Internet Explorer options (not sure it would do anything if I could), etc.

Answer, but I don't see that it would be required to accomplish the above mentioned tasks by Kees: This can happen if you use "Spybot-S&D" in advanced mode, Tools, IETweaks, and uncheck the check boxes Lock IE control panel . . .. You'll need to close IE and perhaps restart Windows for the setting change to take affect.

Conclusions

1. Repair IE as suggested. Otherwise, download and use "IEFix" - a general purpose fix for Internet Explorer (Win 98/ME/2000/XP):

a. Registers Urlmon.dll, Mshtml.dll, Actxprxy.dll, Oleaut32.dll, Shell32.dll, Shdocvw.dll, [Q281679].

b. Refreshes Internet Explorer using IE.INF method. Note:

? "Unable to Install Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP (Q304872)"

? "How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP (Q31837Cool"

c. Initiates "SFC /Scannow" (Win2K&XP), [Q310747].

2. Understand fully the section titled "Using System File Checker" in the TechNet article "Chapter 27 - General Troubleshooting" concerning the use and troubleshooting strategy with this utility.

3. The article "SFC" at the TechAdvice site is recommended reading.

4. Please be advised that the article [Q186157] states that during the installation of a new program (including Win98), files on your hard disk may be detected and replaced with older versions, and describes the use of the Version Conflict Manager. If a newer version of a file is detected by Win98 Setup, a version conflict occurs. Prior to Win98, most installation programs (including Windows 95) prompt you to either keep the existing file or overwrite the file with the older file. When you install Win98, this prompt does not appear and newer files replaced by Win98 Setup are automatically backed up to your hard disk for compatibility purposes.

Note: When certain other tools in the Microsoft System Information utility have been used prior to running the SFC there are virtual device driver (.vxd) files normally updated after their use. SFC will always prompt when one of these files are found with a newer date: Drwatson.vxd, Hwinfod.vxd, and Msisys.vxd. Simple click the option "Update verification information", [Q188133].

5. The article [Q192832] warns that when using the System File Checker (Sfc.exe) tool to restore a file (for example, the User.exe, Gdi.exe, Setupx.dll or Krnl386.exe file) from a cabinet (.cab), the wrong version of the file may be extracted. This can result in the inability to start Windows (for example, the computer may stop responding/hang) or a Windows Protection Error messages may be rendered. This article explains that after starting the computer, a user should extract the correct file.

Hint: If you have the Windows media resident on your hard disk you may want to rename the Mini.cab in that folder to something else. At least take the b off the end of the extension so you'll not forget that an incorrect file could be extracted.

6. Supplemental reading:

a. "Prompted for CD-ROM When You Run System File Checker While Correct CD-ROM Is in Drive - Q263499."

b. "Error Message: The File Was Not Found. Verify That You Have Selected the Correct 'Restore from' Location and Try Again - Q180465."

c. "Unable to Extract the Desk.cpl File from the Windows 98 CD-ROM - Q193312."

7. The article [Q183887] explains that when a computer is started successfully, the Windows Registry Checker tool (Scanreg.exe) creates a backup of system files and registry configuration information (including user account information, protocol bindings, software program settings, and user preferences) once daily. Files backed up include, System.dat, User.dat, System.ini, and Win.ini. To use this tool with the /restore parameter, the tool must be run from a command prompt (booted to) outside of Windows where one of up to five registry backup files may be chosen from the list to restore.

8. Review the article [Q184023] for the many Command-line Switch options which may be used with the Registry Checker tool.
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(NT) (NT) Sorry I missed that "XP" in your "Profile" -- forgot to look
Jun 19, 2005 10:10PM PDT
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I think you maybe hit on something!
Jun 19, 2005 11:40PM PDT

I had turned on SpyBots Hosts protection. I'd also replaced my hosts file with the MVS file.

I turned off the hosts file protection and as of right now I am able to access Cnet. Will keep experimenting. But, I had forgetten I'd enabled SpyBot hosts file protection among the many things I've changed recently to my setting. So far, I've been able to navigate within CNET and click links without it closing on me.

Not 100% sure yet, but looking good.

Thanx!

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PS
Jun 20, 2005 12:01AM PDT

Oops forgot to mention I restored the original MS hosts file while I did all this.

I then put back the MVPS file using Hoster and sure enough, the browser closed again using IE.

Replaced with original MS file and it was fine again.

Now have gotten a fresh copy of MVPS file.. will let you know if IE works using that (have gotten several alerts past week about things being added to hosts file == always thought they were related to things I was scanning but could be a funny entry got in there without me realizing, as I did download an "iffy" spyware cleaner the other day, around time this began. Thinking maybe that added a rogue entry).

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The simple protection ...
Jun 20, 2005 8:07AM PDT

against programs secretly changing hosts is making it read-only (select in Explorer, right click>Properties, check readonly checkbox). I do it routinely on all three PC's here at home.

And it should be interesting to know what entry in hosts causes IE to close.

Kees

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Well I wish I knew as well
Jun 20, 2005 9:23AM PDT

I have had this hosts file a while.

I downloaded a clean copy but the problem still persists ONLY WITH THE MVPS hosts file in place. If I switch back to the original MS hosts file things are fine.

Maybe it has to do with my Spybot settings (I'd almost bet it does at this stage) but it doesn't really matter. I don't use IE all that much and I use Hoster. With Hoster I can easily switch back and forth between the MVPS and MS host files if I really need to use IE for an extended period of time.

Thanx for everyone's input. It helped me track it to Spybot's settings at least, and the workaround solution outlined above is really not a terrible solution for me, given how little IE is open on my system.