Internet/ADSL problem

Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple peer-to-peer lan
through which an ADSL connection is shared. All works well when browsing the
internet until after some time. Then browsing is tedious as I have to
refresh the page in Internet Explorer a few times to load the page.
Otherwise, IE behaves as if there is no internet connection eg. tries to
search on popular URL's such as www.yahoo.com or displays the typical
"cannot find server" page. Also, Outlook Express tends to not download
messages from some accounts. OE will get mail from most (not all) POP
accounts and almost always fail to get mail from a Hotmail account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are accessed
as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly on all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue? Any
suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve it would be
greatly appreciated.

CR

Can't see it being network related as I have this problem too, and am not
connected to a network.

--

Regards

Steven Burn
Ur I.T. Mate Group
www.it-mate.co.uk

Keeping it FREE!


"CR" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple peer-to-peer lan
through which an ADSL connection is shared. All works well when browsing
the
internet until after some time. Then browsing is tedious as I have to
refresh the page in Internet Explorer a few times to load the page.
Otherwise, IE behaves as if there is no internet connection eg. tries to
search on popular URL's such as www.yahoo.com or displays the typical
"cannot find server" page. Also, Outlook Express tends to not download
messages from some accounts. OE will get mail from most (not all) POP
accounts and almost always fail to get mail from a Hotmail account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed
as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly on all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue? Any
suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve it would be
greatly appreciated.

CR

Overfull/corrupt cache. Create a new one as per the instructions at the URL
below:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple peer-to-peer
lan through which an ADSL connection is shared. All works well when
browsing the internet until after some time. Then browsing is tedious
as I have to refresh the page in Internet Explorer a few times to
load the page. Otherwise, IE behaves as if there is no internet
connection eg. tries to search on popular URL's such as www.yahoo.com
or displays the typical "cannot find server" page. Also, Outlook
Express tends to not download messages from some accounts. OE will
get mail from most (not all) POP accounts and almost always fail to
get mail from a Hotmail account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly on
all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue? Any
suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve it would
be greatly appreciated.

CR

Hi Sandi,

I have tried the advice in the link you posted - it does not work. Any other
suggestions?

Thanks,
CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Overfull/corrupt cache. Create a new one as per the instructions at the
URL
below:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple peer-to-peer
lan through which an ADSL connection is shared. All works well when
browsing the internet until after some time. Then browsing is tedious
as I have to refresh the page in Internet Explorer a few times to
load the page. Otherwise, IE behaves as if there is no internet
connection eg. tries to search on popular URL's such as www.yahoo.com
or displays the typical "cannot find server" page. Also, Outlook
Express tends to not download messages from some accounts. OE will
get mail from most (not all) POP accounts and almost always fail to
get mail from a Hotmail account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly on
all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue? Any
suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve it would
be greatly appreciated.

CR

Hi Sandi,

I have tried the advice in the link you posted - it does not work. Any other
suggestions?

Thanks,
CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Overfull/corrupt cache. Create a new one as per the instructions at the
URL
below:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple peer-to-peer
lan through which an ADSL connection is shared. All works well when
browsing the internet until after some time. Then browsing is tedious
as I have to refresh the page in Internet Explorer a few times to
load the page. Otherwise, IE behaves as if there is no internet
connection eg. tries to search on popular URL's such as www.yahoo.com
or displays the typical "cannot find server" page. Also, Outlook
Express tends to not download messages from some accounts. OE will
get mail from most (not all) POP accounts and almost always fail to
get mail from a Hotmail account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly on
all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue? Any
suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve it would
be greatly appreciated.

CR

Check for malwa

There are many people who have helped this FAQ improve over time - MVPs and
newsgroup users. I thank all of you who have made the newsgroups,
anti-malware websites and dedicated mailing lists into such a wonderful
resource.

IMPORTANT: Before trying to remove spyware, download a copy of LSPFIX from
the URL below - some malware can kill your internet connection when it is
removed, and this software should get things going for you again:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

IMPORTANT: After obtaining the software below, make sure you check for
updates and then run the programmes in safe mode.

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites (supplied by
Doxdesk.com):
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Malware removal (beginners guide):

First, go to Control Panel, add/remove programs. Check for malware entries
and use the uninstall programs.

Second, get AdAware. [..Warning: AdAware is now version 6.181. All previous
versions are NO LONGER SUPPORTED and will not be updated...]

AdAware is available at www.lavasoft.de. Make sure you check for updates
every time you use it.

To be most effective, you must run AdAware while Windows is in safe mode.

Modern malware uses more than one process, and these processes are
'co-dependent'. In other words, when one processes detects that the other
has been shut down, it automatically restarts its sibling, often using a
different name.

Disable the ability of suspect processes to start automatically by using
MSCONFIG (startup tab) before booting into safe mode. Use the information
at the URL below as a guide:

http://www2.whidbey.com/djdenham/Uncheck.htm

Reboot your computer and hold down the F8 key until the boot menu options
appear. Select 'safe mode'. After you are in safe mode, check to make sure
the suspect processes did not start up. If they did start up, we are going
to have to track down *where* they are coming from before going any further.
An experienced computer technician can use programme such as AutoStart
Viewer for in-depth diagnosis:
http://www.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=asviewer

While still in safe mode, and after you have shut down as many malware
processes as possible, start AdAware. AdAware, when run using default
settings, simply does not cope with new 'intelligent' malware. Make sure
'activate in depth scan' is enabled. Select 'use custom scanning options'
and then click on the 'customize' button. Turn on the following scan
options - scan within archives, active processes, registry (including deep
scan), IE favorites and hosts file. You must also turn on the following
option via the 'tweak' button:

Cleaning engine: 'automatically try to unregister objects prior to deletion'

IMPORTANT: Before letting AdAware delete malware, write down on a piece of
paper exactly where the malware is stored. You will need to delete those
directories after AdAware has done its work, but ONLY IF IT IS NOT A
STANDARD WINDOWS DIRECTORY.

After running AdAware, run it again, this time using the option 'select
drives/folders to scan'. Click on 'select'. Scan your entire hard drive.
Also do the following:

Empty your IE cache and your other temporary file folders, eg:
c:\windows\temp (if using Windows 98) or C:\Documents and
Settings\name\Local Settings\Temp (the path to your temp folder will
change depending on your name) - sometimes programmes can be hidden in
there - watch out for mysterious *.exe files or *.dll files in those
folders.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Temporary Internet Files {Settings
Button}, View Objects, Downloaded Programme Files. Check for unusual objects
there.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Accessibility. Make sure there is no
style sheet chosen (under User Style Sheet - format documents using my style
sheet). If the option is turned on, turn it OFF.

It is possible to turn off third party extensions (Enable third-party
browser extensions (requires restart) at IE tools, internet options,
advanced) to disable *all* plug-ins but troubleshooting will be difficult
and it is only a BANDAID. Nothing gets fixed. There is software that
depends on 'third party browser extensions" to work, including Acrobat,
Microsoft Money, and many other programmes.

Once your computer is clean, and if it applies to your operating system,
create a new restore point. Your old ones may, of course, be infected with
the malware and therefore cannot be used. Run disk cleanup to remove old
restore points (if you operating system has this option you will find it on
the 'more options' tab of the disk cleanup utility).

If you are still having problems:

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites and
hopefully identify your problem (supplied by Doxdesk.com):

http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Download and run the latest version of "Cool Web Shredder"
http://www.merijn.org/files/CWShredder.exe

The more experienced user can try Spybot. Again, it is a free programme
which can be downloaded from: http://spybot.eon.net.au/. Warning: it is NOT
a good programme for the inexperienced. If you want to use this programme,
please get the advice of those more experienced before 'fixing' anything
that it finds.

Another excellent programme that allows you to examine your system and
*create a results log for experts to examine* is HijackThis, available from:
http://209.133.47.12/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe (direct download)

MS have released a limited KB article regarding what they call 'deceptive
software'.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;827315

Here is advice specific to:

home page hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers.htm#home_page

pop-up ads
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/popup.htm

search engine hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers4.htm#search_engine


--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/




CR wrote:
Hi Sandi,

I have tried the advice in the link you posted - it does not work.
Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Overfull/corrupt cache. Create a new one as per the instructions at
the URL below:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple
peer-to-peer lan through which an ADSL connection is shared. All
works well when browsing the internet until after some time. Then
browsing is tedious as I have to refresh the page in Internet
Explorer a few times to load the page. Otherwise, IE behaves as if
there is no internet connection eg. tries to search on popular
URL's such as www.yahoo.com or displays the typical "cannot find
server" page. Also, Outlook Express tends to not download messages
from some accounts. OE will get mail from most (not all) POP
accounts and almost always fail to get mail from a Hotmail account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly on
all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue? Any
suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve it would
be greatly appreciated.

CR

Hi Sandi,

I've checked that already. There is no malware installed on this computer.
What else could be the cause?

CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Check for malwa

There are many people who have helped this FAQ improve over time - MVPs
and
newsgroup users. I thank all of you who have made the newsgroups,
anti-malware websites and dedicated mailing lists into such a wonderful
resource.

IMPORTANT: Before trying to remove spyware, download a copy of LSPFIX
from
the URL below - some malware can kill your internet connection when it is
removed, and this software should get things going for you again:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

IMPORTANT: After obtaining the software below, make sure you check for
updates and then run the programmes in safe mode.

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites (supplied
by
Doxdesk.com):
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Malware removal (beginners guide):

First, go to Control Panel, add/remove programs. Check for malware
entries
and use the uninstall programs.

Second, get AdAware. [..Warning: AdAware is now version 6.181. All
previous
versions are NO LONGER SUPPORTED and will not be updated...]

AdAware is available at www.lavasoft.de. Make sure you check for updates
every time you use it.

To be most effective, you must run AdAware while Windows is in safe mode.

Modern malware uses more than one process, and these processes are
'co-dependent'. In other words, when one processes detects that the other
has been shut down, it automatically restarts its sibling, often using a
different name.

Disable the ability of suspect processes to start automatically by using
MSCONFIG (startup tab) before booting into safe mode. Use the information
at the URL below as a guide:

http://www2.whidbey.com/djdenham/Uncheck.htm

Reboot your computer and hold down the F8 key until the boot menu options
appear. Select 'safe mode'. After you are in safe mode, check to make
sure
the suspect processes did not start up. If they did start up, we are going
to have to track down *where* they are coming from before going any
further.
An experienced computer technician can use programme such as AutoStart
Viewer for in-depth diagnosis:
http://www.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=asviewer

While still in safe mode, and after you have shut down as many malware
processes as possible, start AdAware. AdAware, when run using default
settings, simply does not cope with new 'intelligent' malware. Make sure
'activate in depth scan' is enabled. Select 'use custom scanning options'
and then click on the 'customize' button. Turn on the following scan
options - scan within archives, active processes, registry (including deep
scan), IE favorites and hosts file. You must also turn on the following
option via the 'tweak' button:

Cleaning engine: 'automatically try to unregister objects prior to
deletion'

IMPORTANT: Before letting AdAware delete malware, write down on a piece of
paper exactly where the malware is stored. You will need to delete those
directories after AdAware has done its work, but ONLY IF IT IS NOT A
STANDARD WINDOWS DIRECTORY.

After running AdAware, run it again, this time using the option 'select
drives/folders to scan'. Click on 'select'. Scan your entire hard drive.
Also do the following:

Empty your IE cache and your other temporary file folders, eg:
c:\windows\temp (if using Windows 98) or C:\Documents and
Settings\name\Local Settings\Temp (the path to your temp folder will
change depending on your name) - sometimes programmes can be hidden in
there - watch out for mysterious *.exe files or *.dll files in those
folders.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Temporary Internet Files {Settings
Button}, View Objects, Downloaded Programme Files. Check for unusual
objects
there.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Accessibility. Make sure there is no
style sheet chosen (under User Style Sheet - format documents using my
style
sheet). If the option is turned on, turn it OFF.

It is possible to turn off third party extensions (Enable third-party
browser extensions (requires restart) at IE tools, internet options,
advanced) to disable *all* plug-ins but troubleshooting will be difficult
and it is only a BANDAID. Nothing gets fixed. There is software that
depends on 'third party browser extensions" to work, including Acrobat,
Microsoft Money, and many other programmes.

Once your computer is clean, and if it applies to your operating system,
create a new restore point. Your old ones may, of course, be infected
with
the malware and therefore cannot be used. Run disk cleanup to remove old
restore points (if you operating system has this option you will find it
on
the 'more options' tab of the disk cleanup utility).

If you are still having problems:

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites and
hopefully identify your problem (supplied by Doxdesk.com):

http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Download and run the latest version of "Cool Web Shredder"
http://www.merijn.org/files/CWShredder.exe

The more experienced user can try Spybot. Again, it is a free programme
which can be downloaded from: http://spybot.eon.net.au/. Warning: it is
NOT
a good programme for the inexperienced. If you want to use this
programme,
please get the advice of those more experienced before 'fixing' anything
that it finds.

Another excellent programme that allows you to examine your system and
*create a results log for experts to examine* is HijackThis, available
from:
http://209.133.47.12/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe (direct download)

MS have released a limited KB article regarding what they call 'deceptive
software'.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;827315

Here is advice specific to:

home page hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers.htm#home_page

pop-up ads
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/popup.htm

search engine hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers4.htm#search_engine


--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/




CR wrote:
Hi Sandi,

I have tried the advice in the link you posted - it does not work.
Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Overfull/corrupt cache. Create a new one as per the instructions at
the URL below:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple
peer-to-peer lan through which an ADSL connection is shared. All
works well when browsing the internet until after some time. Then
browsing is tedious as I have to refresh the page in Internet
Explorer a few times to load the page. Otherwise, IE behaves as if
there is no internet connection eg. tries to search on popular
URL's such as www.yahoo.com or displays the typical "cannot find
server" page. Also, Outlook Express tends to not download messages
from some accounts. OE will get mail from most (not all) POP
accounts and almost always fail to get mail from a Hotmail account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly on
all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue? Any
suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve it would
be greatly appreciated.

CR

I really don't know; assuming you really have tried *everything* and not
just bits and pieces, that's my entire repertoire.

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi Sandi,

I've checked that already. There is no malware installed on this
computer. What else could be the cause?

CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Check for malwa

There are many people who have helped this FAQ improve over time -
MVPs and newsgroup users. I thank all of you who have made the
newsgroups, anti-malware websites and dedicated mailing lists into
such a wonderful resource.

IMPORTANT: Before trying to remove spyware, download a copy of
LSPFIX from the URL below - some malware can kill your internet
connection when it is removed, and this software should get things
going for you again: http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

IMPORTANT: After obtaining the software below, make sure you check
for updates and then run the programmes in safe mode.

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites
(supplied by Doxdesk.com):
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Malware removal (beginners guide):

First, go to Control Panel, add/remove programs. Check for malware
entries and use the uninstall programs.

Second, get AdAware. [..Warning: AdAware is now version 6.181. All
previous versions are NO LONGER SUPPORTED and will not be updated...]

AdAware is available at www.lavasoft.de. Make sure you check for
updates every time you use it.

To be most effective, you must run AdAware while Windows is in safe
mode.

Modern malware uses more than one process, and these processes are
'co-dependent'. In other words, when one processes detects that the
other has been shut down, it automatically restarts its sibling,
often using a different name.

Disable the ability of suspect processes to start automatically by
using MSCONFIG (startup tab) before booting into safe mode. Use the
information at the URL below as a guide:

http://www2.whidbey.com/djdenham/Uncheck.htm

Reboot your computer and hold down the F8 key until the boot menu
options appear. Select 'safe mode'. After you are in safe mode,
check to make sure the suspect processes did not start up. If they
did start up, we are going to have to track down *where* they are
coming from before going any further. An experienced computer
technician can use programme such as AutoStart Viewer for in-depth
diagnosis: http://www.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=asviewer

While still in safe mode, and after you have shut down as many
malware processes as possible, start AdAware. AdAware, when run
using default settings, simply does not cope with new 'intelligent'
malware. Make sure 'activate in depth scan' is enabled. Select
'use custom scanning options' and then click on the 'customize'
button. Turn on the following scan options - scan within archives,
active processes, registry (including deep scan), IE favorites and
hosts file. You must also turn on the following option via the
'tweak' button:

Cleaning engine: 'automatically try to unregister objects prior to
deletion'

IMPORTANT: Before letting AdAware delete malware, write down on a
piece of paper exactly where the malware is stored. You will need
to delete those directories after AdAware has done its work, but
ONLY IF IT IS NOT A STANDARD WINDOWS DIRECTORY.

After running AdAware, run it again, this time using the option
'select drives/folders to scan'. Click on 'select'. Scan your
entire hard drive. Also do the following:

Empty your IE cache and your other temporary file folders, eg:
c:\windows\temp (if using Windows 98) or C:\Documents and
Settings\name\Local Settings\Temp (the path to your temp folder
will change depending on your name) - sometimes programmes can be
hidden in there - watch out for mysterious *.exe files or *.dll
files in those folders.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Temporary Internet Files {Settings
Button}, View Objects, Downloaded Programme Files. Check for unusual
objects there.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Accessibility. Make sure there is
no style sheet chosen (under User Style Sheet - format documents
using my style sheet). If the option is turned on, turn it OFF.

It is possible to turn off third party extensions (Enable third-party
browser extensions (requires restart) at IE tools, internet options,
advanced) to disable *all* plug-ins but troubleshooting will be
difficult and it is only a BANDAID. Nothing gets fixed. There is
software that depends on 'third party browser extensions" to work,
including Acrobat, Microsoft Money, and many other programmes.

Once your computer is clean, and if it applies to your operating
system, create a new restore point. Your old ones may, of course,
be infected with the malware and therefore cannot be used. Run disk
cleanup to remove old restore points (if you operating system has
this option you will find it on the 'more options' tab of the disk
cleanup utility).

If you are still having problems:

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites and
hopefully identify your problem (supplied by Doxdesk.com):

http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Download and run the latest version of "Cool Web Shredder"
http://www.merijn.org/files/CWShredder.exe

The more experienced user can try Spybot. Again, it is a free
programme which can be downloaded from: http://spybot.eon.net.au/.
Warning: it is NOT a good programme for the inexperienced. If you
want to use this programme, please get the advice of those more
experienced before 'fixing' anything that it finds.

Another excellent programme that allows you to examine your system
and *create a results log for experts to examine* is HijackThis,
available from: http://209.133.47.12/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe
(direct download)

MS have released a limited KB article regarding what they call
'deceptive software'.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;827315

Here is advice specific to:

home page hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers.htm#home_page

pop-up ads
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/popup.htm

search engine hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers4.htm#search_engine


--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/




CR wrote:
Hi Sandi,

I have tried the advice in the link you posted - it does not work.
Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Overfull/corrupt cache. Create a new one as per the instructions at
the URL below:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple
peer-to-peer lan through which an ADSL connection is shared. All
works well when browsing the internet until after some time. Then
browsing is tedious as I have to refresh the page in Internet
Explorer a few times to load the page. Otherwise, IE behaves as if
there is no internet connection eg. tries to search on popular
URL's such as www.yahoo.com or displays the typical "cannot find
server" page. Also, Outlook Express tends to not download messages
from some accounts. OE will get mail from most (not all) POP
accounts and almost always fail to get mail from a Hotmail
account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly
on all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue?
Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve
it would be greatly appreciated.

CRI

Hi Sandi,

I still haven't found a cause for the problem yet. Nevertheless, thanks for
the help offered.

CR

"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
I really don't know; assuming you really have tried *everything* and not
just bits and pieces, that's my entire repertoire.

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi Sandi,

I've checked that already. There is no malware installed on this
computer. What else could be the cause?

CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Check for malwa

There are many people who have helped this FAQ improve over time -
MVPs and newsgroup users. I thank all of you who have made the
newsgroups, anti-malware websites and dedicated mailing lists into
such a wonderful resource.

IMPORTANT: Before trying to remove spyware, download a copy of
LSPFIX from the URL below - some malware can kill your internet
connection when it is removed, and this software should get things
going for you again: http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

IMPORTANT: After obtaining the software below, make sure you check
for updates and then run the programmes in safe mode.

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites
(supplied by Doxdesk.com):
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Malware removal (beginners guide):

First, go to Control Panel, add/remove programs. Check for malware
entries and use the uninstall programs.

Second, get AdAware. [..Warning: AdAware is now version 6.181. All
previous versions are NO LONGER SUPPORTED and will not be updated...]

AdAware is available at www.lavasoft.de. Make sure you check for
updates every time you use it.

To be most effective, you must run AdAware while Windows is in safe
mode.

Modern malware uses more than one process, and these processes are
'co-dependent'. In other words, when one processes detects that the
other has been shut down, it automatically restarts its sibling,
often using a different name.

Disable the ability of suspect processes to start automatically by
using MSCONFIG (startup tab) before booting into safe mode. Use the
information at the URL below as a guide:

http://www2.whidbey.com/djdenham/Uncheck.htm

Reboot your computer and hold down the F8 key until the boot menu
options appear. Select 'safe mode'. After you are in safe mode,
check to make sure the suspect processes did not start up. If they
did start up, we are going to have to track down *where* they are
coming from before going any further. An experienced computer
technician can use programme such as AutoStart Viewer for in-depth
diagnosis: http://www.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=asviewer

While still in safe mode, and after you have shut down as many
malware processes as possible, start AdAware. AdAware, when run
using default settings, simply does not cope with new 'intelligent'
malware. Make sure 'activate in depth scan' is enabled. Select
'use custom scanning options' and then click on the 'customize'
button. Turn on the following scan options - scan within archives,
active processes, registry (including deep scan), IE favorites and
hosts file. You must also turn on the following option via the
'tweak' button:

Cleaning engine: 'automatically try to unregister objects prior to
deletion'

IMPORTANT: Before letting AdAware delete malware, write down on a
piece of paper exactly where the malware is stored. You will need
to delete those directories after AdAware has done its work, but
ONLY IF IT IS NOT A STANDARD WINDOWS DIRECTORY.

After running AdAware, run it again, this time using the option
'select drives/folders to scan'. Click on 'select'. Scan your
entire hard drive. Also do the following:

Empty your IE cache and your other temporary file folders, eg:
c:\windows\temp (if using Windows 98) or C:\Documents and
Settings\name\Local Settings\Temp (the path to your temp folder
will change depending on your name) - sometimes programmes can be
hidden in there - watch out for mysterious *.exe files or *.dll
files in those folders.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Temporary Internet Files {Settings
Button}, View Objects, Downloaded Programme Files. Check for unusual
objects there.

Go to IE Tools, Internet Options, Accessibility. Make sure there is
no style sheet chosen (under User Style Sheet - format documents
using my style sheet). If the option is turned on, turn it OFF.

It is possible to turn off third party extensions (Enable third-party
browser extensions (requires restart) at IE tools, internet options,
advanced) to disable *all* plug-ins but troubleshooting will be
difficult and it is only a BANDAID. Nothing gets fixed. There is
software that depends on 'third party browser extensions" to work,
including Acrobat, Microsoft Money, and many other programmes.

Once your computer is clean, and if it applies to your operating
system, create a new restore point. Your old ones may, of course,
be infected with the malware and therefore cannot be used. Run disk
cleanup to remove old restore points (if you operating system has
this option you will find it on the 'more options' tab of the disk
cleanup utility).

If you are still having problems:

You can go to the link below to check your system for parasites and
hopefully identify your problem (supplied by Doxdesk.com):

http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/parasite.htm

Download and run the latest version of "Cool Web Shredder"
http://www.merijn.org/files/CWShredder.exe

The more experienced user can try Spybot. Again, it is a free
programme which can be downloaded from: http://spybot.eon.net.au/.
Warning: it is NOT a good programme for the inexperienced. If you
want to use this programme, please get the advice of those more
experienced before 'fixing' anything that it finds.

Another excellent programme that allows you to examine your system
and *create a results log for experts to examine* is HijackThis,
available from: http://209.133.47.12/~merijn/files/HijackThis.exe
(direct download)

MS have released a limited KB article regarding what they call
'deceptive software'.
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;EN-US;827315

Here is advice specific to:

home page hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers.htm#home_page

pop-up ads
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/popup.htm

search engine hijackings
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers4.htm#search_engine


--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/




CR wrote:
Hi Sandi,

I have tried the advice in the link you posted - it does not work.
Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
CR


"Sandi - Microsoft MVP" wrote in message
...
Overfull/corrupt cache. Create a new one as per the instructions at
the URL below:
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers_8.htm#deltree

--
Hyperlinks are used to ensure advice remains current
_______________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/



CR wrote:
Hi,

I run win98se on a computer that's connected to a simple
peer-to-peer lan through which an ADSL connection is shared. All
works well when browsing the internet until after some time. Then
browsing is tedious as I have to refresh the page in Internet
Explorer a few times to load the page. Otherwise, IE behaves as if
there is no internet connection eg. tries to search on popular
URL's such as www.yahoo.com or displays the typical "cannot find
server" page. Also, Outlook Express tends to not download messages
from some accounts. OE will get mail from most (not all) POP
accounts and almost always fail to get mail from a Hotmail
account.

Other times, especially after restarting all works well. Links are
accessed as soon as I click on them. Email is downloaded properly
on all accounts.

Is it a problem of depleted resources? Is it a networking issue?
Any suggestions as to the cause of the problem and how to solve
it would be greatly appreciated.

CRI