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Question

REALLY STRANGE PROBLEM WITH INTERNET - PLEASE HELP!

Jan 31, 2015 3:02AM PST

Hi, I really could use some help on this one as I can't afford to get my PC fixed and I'm disabled and need my PC.
Here are some details that may be helpful: Windows 7 OS; Default Browser- Firefox.

PR4OBLEM: Yesterday, I had cleaned my computer as I have done a 100 times over going through the same process with the same utilities with no problems ever. I removed some unwanted programs; ran my Anti-Virus (Avast - no threats found); ran Malwarebytes (only one PUP issue which was deleted); ran my Registry Cleaner; ran CCleaner; ran my defrag utility (Auslogics). In addition, I updated Adobe Flash Player Active X; Adobe plug-in for Mozilla; updated Java; and, updated Mozilla. Then I restarted my PC.
Following restart, I tried to go online and it connected, but, would not display my homepage, nor could I go to any other website. The upper tabs (File, View, Bookmarks, Tools etc) all work to display their options. Also my "Favorites" toolbar is shown, but, when I click on a link - nothing. One other thing I found odd is regarding my Password Manager (Last Pass). Normally, when I first open my home page, a Last Pass box will pop up wanting me to put in my Master Password. Now, when I open Mozilla, the Last Pass box displays twice. When I try to insert my Master PW in the first box it does nothing and when I X that one out and go to the nex LP popup and insert my Master PW, it works (the Last Pass icon lights up and I can o9pen the Last Pass Vault).

I have tried everything I know to do: I have unplugged both my Modem (Comcast) and my Router (Lynksis) at the same time for 2 minutes - problem remains. I have attempted to go to at least 6 different restore points and all of them fail (System Restore unsuccessful window pops up though it seems to go through the normal procedure as it tries to restore). So, System Restore will not work!
Also, let me mention that everything that can be used Offline such as word seems to work fine. I can also print from Word with no problem.
I think that's about all of the information I can provide. I would Really Appreciate any assistance anyone could provide. Like I said earlier, I'm disabled and can't afford to bring it to a computer shop to get it fixed and I really need it.
Thanks, in advance, for you kind help!
MIKEY

Discussion is locked

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Answer
I see troubles.
Jan 31, 2015 3:11AM PST

Registry Cleaner? Here we find those create troubles rather than cure machines.

Why not eject Last Pass since that would be optional.

-> OK, what about Safe Mode with Networking? (google if you forget how.)

Remember there are possible hardware issues too. My trick for sniffing that out is a bootable CD. I noted that a decade ago at http://tips.oncomputers.info/archives2004/0401/2004-Jan-11.htm
Bob

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Hi Mr Profitt
Jan 31, 2015 9:32PM PST

Thank You for responding; I can always count on You! My problem is I'm not that computer savoy. I know how to get to Safe Mode with Networking, But, what do I do then? By a bootable CD, do you mean the OS CD? I have that! I noted in advanced Recovery that was an option. What do you think? Again, Thank You for you kind assistance3.

MIKEY

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My guess.
Jan 31, 2015 9:49PM PST

- You mention Firefox doesn't work. Did you try Internet Explorer? That's the first thing I'd do. If that works OK, delete your Firefox profile and start all over with it.
- What happens if you go into command prompt and ping some site (just type ping www.cnet.com + enter and see what happens).
- In Safe Mode with Networking you can try if you can connect to Internet (Firefox, IE, ping). If that works, you know it's some software issue in normal mode.
- With bootable CD he means a Linux Mint or Ubuntu disk, that you can download, burn to DVD (not CD, it doesn't fit!), boot from and see if Firefox connects to Internet. If it doesn't , it's a hardware issue.

Are you ready to reinstall Windows 7, if necessary to solve this issue?
After that better don't install a registry cleaner, only install Java if you're sure you need it, and don't install unwanted programs, so there is no need to uninstall them either. And research how to backup to an 'image' so you can always go back to a working system (an 'image' is a copy of your full c:-drive on an extermal hard disk or on any other internal drive).

Kees

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Hi Kees
Feb 2, 2015 12:02AM PST

Hi Kees,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my problem. I think I'm going to put an 'image' on my external hard drive and re-install windows 7. I did try internet explorer and that doesn't work either. Again, Thank you for responding.

MIKEY

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Answer
If your only problem seems internet
Jan 31, 2015 11:09AM PST

then check your incoming system, the modem, the router, the line, the connections, etc, then the settings in the router.

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Hi James
Jan 31, 2015 9:46PM PST

Thank You for responding. I have already check the Incoming Hardware with no changes. As far as the settings in the Router, I really don't know how to do that? Ny wife has a computer hard-wired to the router just like me and is experiencing no problems. Again, as far as LAN settings and such, I am really not that computer savoy. Again, I really appreciate your trying to help.

MIKEY

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routers today
Feb 1, 2015 2:54AM PST

have html pages you can access with any browser and change settings. You'd use your wife's or plug yours to the LAN, and put the proper IP address into the browser.

http://www.techspot.com/guides/287-default-router-ip-addresses/

http://www.computerworld.com/article/2474776/network-security-find-the-ip-address-of-your-home-router.html

Search for more if needed.

When you get into the settings, go to the wireless section. See if it's set for WEP or WPA and copy down the string of characters that open the wireless access for any device into the router. You then setup a connection for the wifi on your device, set to WEP or WPA which matches the router's and the put in the string of characters which will allow entry to the router.

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Answer
have a friend bring laptop over
Jan 31, 2015 11:11AM PST

see if he can connect by LAN port direct to modem and have it work for him. If not, then incoming signal is messed up.

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Answer
To add to other responses
Feb 2, 2015 12:32AM PST

You said you updated Java. Did you remember to uncheck any boxes allowing installation of 3rd party stuff? The "Ask" toolbar that's frequently offered can be a killer. Some call it malware. It will change your home page and redirect your searches. It will cause pop-ups galore and isn't easy to get rid of as it won't show in programs and features allowing easy removal.