Internet Explorer not working

[ajbrun]

Here's the problem:
This started yesterday. When ever I connect to the internet and try to load a web page in internet explorer, it just keeps loading, and doesn't get anywhere I know it isn't a problem with the connection because I can send and recieve email using outlook express. I can access web pages using Real players online web part (that's how I've written this ).

Does anyone know how to fix this problem ?

Thanks

P.S. - I have a 576 kbps connection - hope that helps.

[Paul Adams]

Be prepared for a stampede of people shouting at you to install Firefox

That said, have you tried deleting temporary Internet files and cookies yet?

Also, if you've not run Spybot Search & Destroy recently then I'd recommend that in case some spyware has attempted to insinuate itself and failed.

Failing that, try a reinstall of IE over the top?

[ajbrun]

I've deleted tempory files etc, so that can't be the problem.

I wouldn't have thought that spyware could be the problem because I've only had the computer built a few weeks ago, and the internet working about 1 week ago.

Now, I have 2 questions:

1) What is firefox
2) How do I reinstall IE? - Where's the file?

Thanks

[Paul Adams]

I've deleted tempory files etc, so that can't be the problem.

Okey doke...

I wouldn't have thought that spyware could be the problem because I've only had the computer built a few weeks ago, and the internet working about 1 week ago.

A lot can happen in a few minutes, never mind a week
I hope you've been to Windows Update at least once and checked for any critical patches?

I would still recommend you get Spybot S&D and give it a run.

Now, I have 2 questions:

1) What is firefox
2) How do I reinstall IE? - Where's the file?

Thanks

Mozilla Firefox is a browser that seems to be very popular with Hexus users, but it's vastly different from IE so scares a few people.
Personally I don't like the interface and it has a couple of issues with authentication and proxy servers, so I stick with MyIE2 which uses the regular IE rendering engine but replaces the front end - this makes it compatible with a lot of "IE only" sites, but less susceptible to IE's vulnerabilities.

To try reinstalling IE, I would go to Add/Remove Programs and select the Repair option if it's there - failing that go to Microsoft and run the active setup again, maybe?

Good luck!

[ajbrun]

Thanks- I'll try spybot first.

[ajbrun]

Whilst we're on the issue of viruses/spyware etc, can someone tell me if PC-cillin is a good piece of virus software? - It came with the motherboard.

[Paul Adams]

I don't recall hearing anything bad about it, only a few people that say it's their favourite.

I think they're all "much of a muchness", the various AV products, and it's down to personal taste, experiences (bad ones leave more of an impression on your memory) and how much it impacts your system performance.

Do a quick Google for "PC-Cillin review" and see what the general consensus is?
The guys at CNET have a review here, with feedback from users, plus a couple of comments - see if you agree?

[ajbrun]

I ran spybot, and it came up with some stuff. I got rid of everything that doesn't include registery stuff. Is this right? Is it safe to let it change the registery?

Also - I managed to access 1 page using IE, but no others - it's just being VERY weird.

[ajbrun]

Ohhh - I've just thought. Just before the problem happened, I think I downloaded a pop up blocker. Could this be the problem? It's working fine on our other computer though...

[Proplus]

Go FireFox!!!

I never thought I'd ever move away from IE, esp after I didn't like Netscape Navigator all those eons ago, but installed Firefox recently and absolutely love it...!!!

[ajbrun]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

You were right - I ran spybot, got rid of everything, restarted, scaned again, got rid of more and now it's working.

Thanks

[Paul Adams]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

You were right - I ran spybot, got rid of everything, restarted, scaned again, got rid of more and now it's working.

Thanks

Job's a good'un

Make sure to use Windows Update regularly (ideally automate it to download the updates as you have broadband) - at least on the second Wednesday of each month (Microsoft issue their monthly patches on the second Tuesday of each month, but it's CST time).

Also run Spybot S&D periodically - maybe set a day aside to perform both tasks once a month to make sure you're up to date and clean?

Oh, and both the browsers mentioned earlier as alternatives to IE have built-in popup blockers btw

Glad you got your problem sorted.