IE6 Loses internet connection

Discussion in 'Malware Help - MG (A Specialist Will Reply)' started by Bob423, Mar 29, 2005.

  1. Bob423

    Bob423 Private E-2

    This must be so boring, I've seen a lot of posts on it - but it's not boring to the one it's happening to.

    In short:
    - Everything works fine for at least 15 minutes or until I sign off (up to 12 hours!)
    - At some point, IE6 gives the error message "cannot find server". FireFox also has the same problem and gives "The connection was refused when attempting to contact Yahoo.com" All sites give the same message.
    - Meanwhile, Outlook Express 6 continues to send and receive mail, Norton Antivirus does updates and Quicken2005 will update stock prices and bank account.
    - I have a 2 year old computer (P4 2.2MHz) using DSL through frontiernet with a Slipstream 5667 modem, Linksys router (just updated to latest firmware, no improvement) - no hardware changes. XP and OE has been kept up to date from the Microsoft download site and automatic update is on.
    - Scans by Norton Antivirus and SpySweeper show a clean system with latest updates.
    - On the last incidence of the problem, a message came up from SpySweeper that a hijack attempt was made and blocked by SpySweeper and it generated a report which I have a copy of if you're interested.
    - I ran a scan from the PestControl site (Comp Assoc) and it found:
    - WhenU.SaveNow (adware)
    - SearchMiracle.EliteBar (adware)
    - And 11 tracking cookies
    All this after SpySweeper said my system was clean. I did not yet take action. WhenU.SaveNow stated on their website that it could be removed from the "Add/Remove Programs" menu but it did not appear in the list of programs.
    - I have tried "Repair" from the network connections folder and ran "ipconfig /renew" to no avail.
    - I deleted the temporary files once, which helped one time but didn't the next time and didn't most recently either. I have not yet deleted all cookies.
    - I ran HijackThis and looked through the list of programs, checked them all through Google and didn't see anything I didn't recognize. I still have the file if you want to see it.
    - I installed Microsoft Antispyware this morning and the scan came out clean (browser windows all closed - but still connected to the internet)
    - I've attempted to recreate the problem by going to the same websites in sequence that caused the problem the last time but the problem did not repeat.
    - A system reboot always fixes the problem (until IE6 loses the connection again). I've found no other way to reestablish the connection. I've tried turning the modem, off (waiting a minute) and back on, no luck.
    - I tried getting an MSN account this morning but MSN couldn't connect to the internet (when I had the problem).

    I've run out things to try. Can you offer any suggestions?

    Regards, Bob
     
  2. Rick_Lincoln

    Rick_Lincoln Private E-2

    Yo Bob!! Naughty to invade a thread but just had to say hello to return your greeting! your problem is in fact quite different to the one I have been having with my mates computer... We can now access internet (thanks to Chas of course) provided it is not with IE!!! By navigating to a website via windows explorer, we can get full access including the favourites etc. and once in we can type addresses into the bar and everything!!! It is so wierd! When IE throws you out can you still get back on by using Windows explorer? Anyway mate, your fantastic description of your problem will bring results I am sure!!
    Take care
    Rick
     
  3. Bob423

    Bob423 Private E-2

    Rick,

    I tried using Windows Explorer but got the same results - it couldn't connect (I got a different error message)

    Glad you got your problem solved!

    Regards, Bob
     
  4. Bob423

    Bob423 Private E-2

    Hum-mm, I just re-read the sticky post:
    DO NOT POST UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THIS: How to: Spyware, Trojan And Virus Removal

    I've done parts of it but not everything. I guess I have some work to do unless there's something obvious that jumps out at anybody from my description of the problem

    Regards, Bob
     
  5. bjgarrick

    bjgarrick MajorGeeks Admin - Malware Expert

    Lets be sure your Malware Free! Start by following the below:

    • Unzip the hijackthis.exe file to a folder you create named C:\Program Files\HJT
    • Do NOT run Hijack This from the Desktop, a temp folder, or a sub-folder of C:\Documents and Settings, or choose to run it directly from the ZIP file.
    • Before running HijackThis: You must close each of the following:your web browser, e-mail client, instant messenger, and programs like notepad, wordpad, MS Word etc. And any other unnecessary running programs.
    • Run HijackThis and save your log file.
    • Post your log as an ATTACHMENT to your next post. (Do NOT copy/paste the log into your post).

     
  6. Bob423

    Bob423 Private E-2

    I just ran hijackthis and attached the log file. I used Hijack This Analysis and looked at the result. It sure doesn't like SideStep (SbCIe028.dll) which I've used for 1/2 year(not sure when first used) to find the best airfares - much better than travelocity or orbitz (finds better bargains and searches more airlines) but if it's a real problem, it will go.

    I noted some of the files were labeled as unknown:
    - Belkin Bulldog: USB application that monitors line power on my UPS
    - I have an IBM USB keyboard and I think Sktempdm.exe and Skdaemon.exe are associated with it - but not sure.

    Thanks for looking at this,
    Regards, Bob
     

    Attached Files:

  7. bjgarrick

    bjgarrick MajorGeeks Admin - Malware Expert

  8. Bob423

    Bob423 Private E-2

    Will do.

    I've had no problems yesterday or today yet. Everything's working fine. The last time it failed was on Monday. It usually picks the most inopportune time to happen, however.

    Thanks, Bob
     
  9. bjgarrick

    bjgarrick MajorGeeks Admin - Malware Expert

    You seem Malware free to me, however if you experience the problem again I would recommend posting it in the Software Forum for best results.

    You should see this article on How to Protect yourself from malware!
     
  10. Bob423

    Bob423 Private E-2

    Okay, will do.

    I just checked the two boxes you pointed out and let HijackThis fix it. Let's see what happens now. I wish I could cause it to happen at will.

    Regards, Bob
     
  11. bjgarrick

    bjgarrick MajorGeeks Admin - Malware Expert

    Okay!
     
  12. Bob423

    Bob423 Private E-2

    Update: Re: IE6 Loses internet connection

    I've been over a week without a dropped internet connection when I used Sidestep again to look for a low priced airfare. I was interacting with a map server site (MapTech) when I once again lost the internet (e-mail still fine, Norton Virus update still fine, etc.) from IE6.

    It sounds like Sidestep has a bug somewhere in it causing a connection loss since it didn't happen until I used Sidestep again today.

    I've since used it again but the connection is still up and running. It usually goes down after a non-routine webpage session (e.g., interacting with the map server and clicking on maps without waiting for the download to complete)

    I'll keep monitoring my system to see if it continues to only happen after use of Sidestep.

    Regards, Bob
     
  13. bjgarrick

    bjgarrick MajorGeeks Admin - Malware Expert

    Re: Update: Re: IE6 Loses internet connection

    Okay! Since this isnt Malware, you can post this in the Software Forum, those guys will help you with this problem.
     

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