Author Topic: can't get to a variety of websites  (Read 9725 times)

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Offline valcansa

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can't get to a variety of websites
« on: February 21, 2013, 10:59:07 am »
Here is the configuration of my system:  AMD 3.6 ghz 8 Core processor, 16 gb ram, Blu-ray writer/player, twin monitors and I'm running Windows 7 Pro X64.  I'm using IE 9 Ver:  9.0.812.  I am current with all MS updates, I'm using Windows Security Essentials.  I also have additional browsers.  They are:  Safari and Firefox (ver. 18).My home network consists of:  My Desktop (which is the problem child), Laptop (running Windows XP pro), Acer Netbook (running Windows XP Pro), Laser printer and Multifunction Inkjet printer.  The lap, netbook and inkjet are connected to the network wirelessly and the laser and desktop are connected via an ethernet cable.  They are connected to a cable router provided by ISP and they control the configuration of the device. 

My Problem:  I have encountered a problem with being able to get to various websites.  For example, Download.com, Adobe, Epson.com.  I have not detected a specific pattern.  When I type Download.com in any of my browsers, it redirects me to google search as a result (as if I typed it into the google search box).  When I click on that link, I get the message that "it can't display the webpage"  and suggests to check the URL, use search engine, and refresh the page in a few minutes, all of which I done to no avail.  Other websites that this has happened to are myitlab.com, mail.yahoo.com (if go to Yahoo.com and click on sign-in for my email I get the same message) another ex, I may be doing a search on a particular topic and click on a link and I get the same message.  Something that is interesting is that my the wireless devices do not encounter the problems.  They just go about their business of going to websites without a care.  So I it points directly back with something going on with my desktop.  It's frustrating and very close to reformatting and reinstalling again.
 
Here are the steps I have taken to troubleshoot/fix the problem:
 
I have also tried using other browsers, i.e., safari and firefox (current releases).
 
I saw a post here with an answer from spirit ms mvp dated 9/12/2010 that looked very similar to my problem and tried EVERY suggestion she recommended and the problem still exists.
 
I even disabled Windows Firewall thinking that if there a configuration problem, by turning it off momentarily, I could go the websites I mentioned above.  Alas, no such luck.

I've check my connection settings and made sure no proxy is set.
I even tried a specific IP address http://64.30.224.118 
Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools - IE with no Addons 
IE - Tools - Internet Options - Advanced Tab - clicked Restore then click Reset - Apply / OK
IE - Tools - Internet Options - Security Tab -  clicked reset all zones to default - Apply / OK
Closed and restarted IE and/or IE with no addons
IE - Tools - Manage Addons (I disabled SSV2)
I also used Malwarebytes to scan for problems (none found)
I also used Windows Security Essentials and no issues found
I tred these to clear corruption and repair/replace damaged/missing system files.
   Ran DiskCleanup
   sfc /scannow
   Ran chkdsk
   ipconfig /flushdns
   nbtstat -R
   nbtstat -RR
   netsh int reset all
   netsh int ip reset
   netsh winsock reset
   REBOOTed
I also tried using the Developer Tools, Network Capture to see what is going on.   

Everything that I've listed above did not remedy the problem.

I then downloaded Windows Repair All-in-one, ran it, rebooted it and guess what?  I'm still having the problem.  :confused:

So I'm at a quandary as to what the problem is.  I'm hoping that I can be enlightened on how to remedy the very aggravating problem.

Sam

PS the attachment has some additional information.

Offline Shane

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Re: can't get to a variety of websites
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2013, 12:01:38 pm »
Lets see if it is a DNS problem. Which would affect the whole system.

Use my simple static IP tool
http://www.pcwintech.com/simple-static-ip

Set your system to a static IP, do 192.168.1.250
But for DNS use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS servers)

Once you have the static Ip set with the new DNS servers open a cmd.exe window and put in
ipconfig /flushdns

Once done try the sites again and see how it goes. :wink:

If it still fails I want you to run 2 programs for me.

tdsskiller.exe and malwarebytes anti rootkit
http://support.kaspersky.com/5350
and
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/mbar/

There are some rootkits, which MS doesnt stop, that hijack the network connection and try to redirect you to another site for advertisements. Sometimes they mess up and you cant get to any pages, so if it isnt a dns problem lets see if those 2 programs find anything :-)

Shane

Offline valcansa

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Re: can't get to a variety of websites
« Reply #2 on: February 23, 2013, 06:33:24 pm »
Lets see if it is a DNS problem. Which would affect the whole system.

Use my simple static IP tool
http://www.pcwintech.com/simple-static-ip

Set your system to a static IP, do 192.168.1.250
But for DNS use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS servers)

Once you have the static Ip set with the new DNS servers open a cmd.exe window and put in
ipconfig /flushdns

Once done try the sites again and see how it goes. :wink:

If it still fails I want you to run 2 programs for me.

tdsskiller.exe and malwarebytes anti rootkit
http://support.kaspersky.com/5350
and
http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/mbar/

There are some rootkits, which MS doesnt stop, that hijack the network connection and try to redirect you to another site for advertisements. Sometimes they mess up and you cant get to any pages, so if it isnt a dns problem lets see if those 2 programs find anything :-)

Shane

Hey Shane,

I followed the recommended steps you mentioned in your reply.  However, The problem still exists on all three browsers ( I have left the suggested IP settings based on recommendations.  I also clicked on the Open DNS as well as going back to my original IP configuration all to no avail.

Attached is some additional information while I was following your troubleshooting process.

Something else that I did was to reset my firewall and no difference.

My frustration level has just about reached my limit and I'm about read to reinstall Windows from scratch.  However, I loath to do it, because of the app's that I have installed and the amount of data, I've got.  I will do this as a last resort.  :shocked: :sad: :undecided: :confused: :cry:

Sam

Offline Shane

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Re: can't get to a variety of websites
« Reply #3 on: February 23, 2013, 10:54:34 pm »
It is either an infection or something really broke.

Instead of doing a fresh install try a repair install instead. This way you can keep all your programs and settings :-)

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

And to do it you will need a Windows 7 cd with SP1 already on it. You can grab it here :wink:
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/software-os/w/microsoft_os/3316.2-1-microsoft-windows-7-official-iso-download-links-digital-river.aspx

Shane