Can't Click On Links

I have Windows XP Home.....everything is up to date (windows updates, antivirus, spyware, etc.) on my computer and I've had this problem for so long and I'm finally Fed Up!!!!

Here's a for instance: I am on a coupon site and want to click on a link for a 10% off coupon to use at Overstock.com. When I click on the link I get the page that says Page cannot be displayed.

I've turned my Google toolbar off where I have it block pop ups, I've even turned off my Zone Alarm........still can't receive the link. I've checked all my settings in Tools--Internet Options--Advanced and can't find any reason why this is going on.

This happens a lot even when searching for something online (like Google search) and most links when I click on them I still get the same thing, Page Cannot Be Displayed.....blah blah blah!

PLEASE HELP...........It's very frustrating! I'd appreciate it so much!

 

If momentarily disabling Firewall/AntiVirus/AntiSpyware doesn't help then check that your HOSTS file only contains an entry for localhost.

 

...and if screaming choclate bars' advice doesn't do it, SpywareBlaster might be preventing it, if you have SB installed.

Howdy snake

 

Just checking to see how things are going

 

Hi and Thanks but I don't understand about the HOSTS FILE but did read the link you sent me and went to Windows System 32, etc. When I clicked on the etc folder......here are the folders within it: hosts file, HOSTS.bak, Imhosts.sam, protocol, hosts.20040229-221211.backup Backup File, hosts.txt, networks file, services file.

So now what do I do????? I don't see any file that says local hosts. I appreciate any further help. Remember I'm not as knowageable as most of you folks are. haha Thanks!

 

Hi,
I uninstalled Spyware Blaster and still didn't help........but thanks!

 

The HOSTS file is called hosts (With no extension), and it is a simple text-file (Not a directory). Execute the following command to open the file.

If notepad complains that the file doesn't exits, then the HOSTS file isn't the issue. If notepad can open the file, then it should only contain a single entry called "localhost".

 

Ok.....I did that and the first file you see when it opens is: 127.0.0.1 localhost.........but then below that are SO MANY OTHER things it's pathetic: here's an example: There are alot of listings below all the same that say: 127.0.0.1new and then there are lots of different ones but all end with SpySweeper (which is a program I have! Here's an example: 127.0.0.1 ad.ca.doubleclick.net #SpySweeperCASS

 

Now I'm looking at my SpySweeper Program... When I clicked on the SHIELDS ICON and then under the HOSTS Tab......here is what is checked: Common Ad Sites Shield and also Hosts File Shield is checked!!!!!! There is no checkmark by Edit Hosts File. It says that the Hosts File Shield when checked protects you from malicious websites that conduct address hijacking. The Common Ad Sites Shield that is blocked says: Blanks out many of the banner ads that would otherwise appear in your browser. SO........I think the problem may lie with Spysweeper but yet when I disabled it earlier I still couldn't clink on any links in most of the web pages. What do you think????

 

Rename the hosts file to hosts.old by executing this command:

Flush DNS caching of any entries in the old hosts file by executing this command:

Then try to access the sites you were having trouble with.

 

I haven't renamed the hosts file yet.........but just for the heck of it I UNCHECKED the COMMON AD SITES shield in Spysweeper and GUESS what........I can click on links that I couldn't click on just a few minutes ago! Should I still do the host.old that you said to do??? And so I do this by clicking START and then RUN?

 

If your problems with the HOSTS file are fixed then there is no need to fiddle any more with it. Just relax and enjoy the weekend.

P.S. And yes it would be through using Start and Run...

 

Thanks so much! I COULD KISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have no idea how many months I've tried to figure this all out! Trying to save money by using coupons online and can't ever click on the link for them! I'm so thrilled you have no idea! THANK YOU!!!!!

 

Just went ahead and tried the first thing you said.......typing in the OLD HOSTS FILE link under start and then run..............but then a box pops up that says can't find 'ren'.

 

It is me giving wrong advice the command should be this: (But really no reason to use it now the HOSTS thing is working)

Glad that I was able to give you a feeling of success

 

Ok......thanks again and now I'll let you have a NICE RELAXING WEEKEND! Many Thanks!