2nd computer won't "connect" via DSL

We have 2 computers hooked to a DSL router via a hub and have had for
4 years. For unknown reasons, my wife's computer will no longer
connect and open pages or download email. Everything internet related
will not function. I've changed ethernet cards, called my ISP and checked
all hardware issues and they are working fine, which leaves software issues.
IE will open and appears to be connecting, but the result is "cannot find server".
I have re-ran Windows ME setup twice and noticed that IE files have changed.
There is no provision now to repair IE and system restore was disabled
prior to the problem. My computer has not changed and connects fine.
Short of reformatting and reinstalling everything, what are choices?
My last thoughts are Norton Systemworks or finding a cd with everything
needed to install IE, since I can't download anything with her computer.
Thanks,
John

In article , John Fisher says...

We have 2 computers hooked to a DSL router via a hub and have had for
4 years. For unknown reasons, my wife's computer will no longer
connect and open pages or download email. Everything internet related
will not function. I've changed ethernet cards, called my ISP and checked
all hardware issues and they are working fine, which leaves software issues.
IE will open and appears to be connecting, but the result is "cannot find server".
I have re-ran Windows ME setup twice and noticed that IE files have changed.
There is no provision now to repair IE and system restore was disabled
prior to the problem. My computer has not changed and connects fine.
Short of reformatting and reinstalling everything, what are choices?
My last thoughts are Norton Systemworks or finding a cd with everything
needed to install IE, since I can't download anything with her computer.

Damaged Winsock? Maybe? Caused by removal of crapware? Something along the
lines of a browser hijack, or the like. I've never had to deal with the
problem, but if I had it, I'd Google on something like, "damaged winsock",
and see what came up.

An altered 'hosts' file? Maybe? Most people don't even have one; but, again,
a browser hijack may install one, or modify one that already exists. This is
usually found in the base Windows install folder, "C:\Windows\" for the
Windows Me computer. If you don't know about it, you most likely don't have
one; look anyway, because of the browser hijackers. If you do have one, you
must have put it there; find it, and check it.

Also, if you really think it is the browser, go to the Control Panel; you
should be able to find MS Internet Explorer 6 in the list. Clicking to
remove offers three choices; choose "Repair".

--
Norman
~Win dain a lotica, En vai tu ri, Si lo ta
~Fin dein a loluca, En dragu a sei lain
~Vi fa-ru les shutai am, En riga-lint