Reinstalled Windows, Problems In Ie

I had concerns about my computer because a ransomware prevention program was not able to install (this was a program recommended to me on this forum). The support staff for the ransomware prevention program said that sometimes the software isn't able to install because there is ransomware already on the computer and so the ransomware prevents it from installing. So, I decided to reinstall Windows Vista using the installer that is in a small partition on the hard drive.

Once I got Windows reinstalled, I did many Windows updates. After rebooting several times, it seems like I am up to date on the updates. Even after it said that I had gotten all of the updates, I even rebooted again and searched again.

Next thing that I was doing is trying to update IE 7 to version 9. On the Microsoft website, I tried to download a version and I downloaded some kind of installer file. I tried to run that but it seems that version required 64 bit and I had 32 bit. After that, I haven't been able to get to many websites. I get the message "Internet Explorer cannot open the internet site.... Operation Aborted.

So, I downloaded Internet explorer 9 32 bit on my Mac, burned it to a DVD and I brought it over to the Windows computer. But, when I tried to run that on the Windows computer, I got an error message. The message says that I don't have the right service pack in order to install IE. Not sure why it's saying that. I was religious about doing all of those Windows updates at the beginning.

 

I checked the version of the operating system and it doesn't say any service pack after the name of the operating system. So, I assume that means that not even service pack 1 is installed. I am confused as to why not even service pack 1 is installed as I have opened Windows update many times to let it check for updates. The last 3 times that I opened it, it says that there are no updates (except for non-essential updates).

 

I can't figure out how to get even Service Pack 1 to install. Only thing that I can think of is downloading it on another computer and burning it to disc.

Maybe it is Malware that is causing the problem. I am going to try to go through the steps in your previous post.

 

Actually, I can't open major geeks website on that computer. So, it's tough to follow that malware removal guide. I also tried downloading Mozilla firefox but it can't load that webpage either. I will try burning a CD with Mozilla Firefox.

 

Ok, I went through the Malware removal steps. This was my experience:

I clicked on the "Its not always malware: how to fix the top 10 Internet Explorer Issues" and when trying to visit that link, it says "Error: 404 - Category not found." This is in Firefox. I am not certain what version of Firefox I am using except that it's the latest one downloaded from the Firefox webpage, on the page where it has a whole bunch of different versions, each for a different language.

The link "How to optimize or reset Internet Explorer 7" brings me to a page to download internet explorer 9. I haven't been able to get Internet explorer 9 to start the installation on my computer because it needs one of the service packs installed in order to be able to install.

When I try Internet Explorer with no add ons, it crashes when I go to majorgeeks.com.

I uninstalled Norton, which is a trial version that came with my computer (used Windows uninstall). No other virus software on the computer right now.

I am not sure what software firewalls I have on the computer right now. Would just be whatever comes with HP Vista computers.

I have a 32 bit OS.

I don't have any disk emulating software installed.

I downloaded CC cleaner but it won't run. Note: before I reinstalled my operating system I was unable to run cryptoprevent on my computer. Cryptoprevent support said that that sometimes happens when you already have ransomware or other such malicious software on your computer.

Should I continue with Vista & Windows 7,8,10 Malware Removal/Cleaning Procedure, even though it seems like I have "failed" on other steps?

 

You don't think it could be Malware? Maybe I try installing Malwarebytes and Cryptoprevent, just to see if there is something from blocking those being installed?

 

Ok, I'll post over in the software forum and see how that goes. Thanks & sorry for coming to the wrong section.