Broken IE8 during removal of malware.

Hi guys,

In the process of trying to get rid of malware (FBIMoneypak), I re-installed my copy of Windows XP Home edition. At that point I did not have connection to the internet. However, I had no reason to believe Internet Explorer 8 was broken at that point because all IE link icons on the desktop appeared normal.

After going through procedures in the Malware forum that included removal of the culprit FBIMoneypak, I installed Service Pack 2 under helpful diredtion.

As soon as the computer re-booted after the Service Pack 2 install, all the IE icons on the desktop changed to the white squares...no longer IE link icons and no longer alive. Also all other IE links changed the same way. Even clicking on the main .exe file in the IE program folder gave a message making it clear that something is wrong.

Because both Firefox and the Apple browser for Windows test-booted and connected to the Internet successfully, I believe that, although the computer is connected to the Internet, my copy of IE8 is broken.

I've never been here before. (I believe I was directed in the Malware removal support forum to begin a thread to receive help here.)

Is there anything I need to do before asking for help/instruction regarding an IE8 repair?

Thanks in advance for any response(s).

 

I went into Windows, clicked on My Computer, C, program files, Internet Explorer folder, Internet Explorer.exe. Then I held the cursor over the program and it gave the following information:

File Version: 8.0.6001.18702
Date created: 03/02/2007

So does that mean I will need to go back and reinstall my copy of Windows XP Home edition along with Service Pack 2 as well as download a new copy of IE8, or do I need to uninstall IE8 before doing all the previous stuff?

Oops... I guess you said you will be looking into all that.:-D Sorry!! I've been off the Internet and other applications with our main computer for over two weeks, and I need to be patient.

Thanks again for your kind offer to help in this matter, Plodr. I will be glad to follow further instructions.

Zamorazeke

 

Hi Plodr,

In searching for threads with problems similar to mine, I found the following:

Thread #265315, post 2 in which Nick T advised Xromania to

Try, http://majorgeeks.com/Tweaking.com_-...air_d7141.html
You can go to Internet Options , Advanced tab, and click reset Internet Explorer, instead of uninstalling it.

That actually seemed to work, according to the final post by Xromania.

Could that be part of the solution?

Thanks!!!

 

Windows Repair is a quality tool. Here is an alternative which I have found to be effective as well: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Complete_Internet_Repair_d7183.html

 

When I click on the iexplore.exe in the program folder it gives a message with the title: iexplore.exe -- Ordinal Not Found

Then the actual message goes on to say: The ordinal 410 could not be located in the dynamic link library urlmon.dll

Hope this is the answer you were seeking.

Awaiting further instructions; thank you!

 

Thank-you Thisisu,

So now we have at least two possible solutions if I don't have to reverse some of the procedures already in place (re-install of Windows XP and re-install of Service Pack 2)?

What say ye, Mr Plodr?

My thanks to both of you, and I'm willing to do as you both think best.

 

There won't be any harm done by trying each of the items listed:

You can go to Internet Options , Advanced tab, and click reset Internet Explorer.

If that does not work, try Windows Repair with the Repair Internet Explorer repair selected (I wouldn't choose any other options).

Then if that does not work, try Complete Internet Repair with the "Repair Internet Explorer 8.0" option selected (once again, I wouldn't select additional options).

Let us know how it goes.

 

Hi 'Missus' Plodr and Thisisu,

No changes when trying to initiate IE8 on the ailing desktop...except I ran repair IE8 'only' on Complete Internet Repair, and it restored appearance of all IE link icons. Still got the same message (previous post) when clicking on Internet Explorer.exe in the program file folder.

Tried to download IE8 numerous times this morning; got to the last page where it says that if download doesn't start in 30 seconds to click 'here,' and when I do click (after waiting almost a minute) it comes back and says it cannot open the webpage. I'm not sure, but I think the trouble is at the website... I will try again during the day to see if anything changes.

Thanks for your continued help and support. I will come back with status update(s) just as soon as the IE8 download site is working (?)

 

Just an update to let you know I'm trying.

I phoned Microsoft and asked about my problem downloading IE8. The rep's response was that perhaps with the upcoming launch of Windows 8 their machines are overburdened...

Was advised to try later today or tomorrow to see if things change...:zzz

 

Hi,

Performed operations in the quote above, IE8 is operational, and I am posting this from the (former) problem desktop computer.

Can't thank you enough for your help in this forum.

***Now, however, something related to all this: After installing the new copy of IE8, a message said that: updates had not been installed, so on reboot open IE8, click 'tools' and click 'windows updates.'

Which I did, first thing. However, the website won't let me subscribe to or download windows updates per the following closed loop,

1) The first message refers to Activex software that should be on my computer: "Checking if your computer has the latest version of Windows updating software for use with the website...

2) Automatically advances to the (next screen) Welcome to Windows Update in which I have choice a) Express (recommended) high-priority updates; and choice b) Custom...Select from optional and high priority updates.

3) When I select choice a), it advances to a new screen that gives the message: Files required to use Windows Update are no longer registered or installed on your computer. To continue:

4) And when I choose: 'Register or reinstall the files for me now (Recommended)' then click on the 'Continue' button it recycles to the first page described in 1) above.


Do you think that these problems are a result of my re-installing Windows XP (over one week ago) from my original repair disc and not being able to (no internet connection) re-register my original license number with Microsoft? How do I do that now, after the fact, in order to get the cumulative updates?

Thanks in advance for your continued patience in helping me solve this attendant software issue.

Zamorazeke

 

Hi Plodr and Thisisu,

Do you think I need to install the latest windowsupdate agent, and if so would this be the link to the download?

http://download.windowsupdate.com/w...one/7.2.6001.788/windowsupdateagent30-x86.exe

Sorry, I'm just trying to take initiative and search for answers, but also checking to make sure I don't make a major mistake if I'm totally on the wrong track.

Thanks again.

 

Can you send me a link that will allow me to download and install SP3 on my computer?

Thanks!

 

Greetings, zamorazeke...

Windows XP Service Pack 3

 

Thank you Caliban,

I did the download, install, then close to 100 updates... felt like a marathon.

At the end I checked and found one more update: K2xxx.... Of course I didn't write it down, but ever since that last update (on the first reboot and every time I bootup from a cold start), the attached screen (top image) pops up during the boot process.

I believe it has something to do with a part of the bootup that initiates the external Maxtor hard drive's coordination with/operation with/communication with/connection to, (etc.) the C drive of the computer (see the second screen shot of the three Maxtor utilities: MaxSync.exe, MaxUtilities.exe, and OneTouch.exe involved).

Your advice on how to troubleshoot this problem of a mid-bootup-caused screen pop-up image would be so-o-o-o-o appreciated. :confused

 

Thanks for all your help, Guys 'n' Gals. I believe I've solved the problem referenced in the quote.

I appreciate y'all's unstinted willingness to help out those of us who need technical help from time to time. In turn I will pay it forward by helping out others where and when I can. Have a good week.:major

 

Glad you got things sorted, zamorazeke - thanks for the feedback.