IE problems

I'm guessing this is where I should post this...

I have suddenly been unable to download anything. I think I've narrowed it down to a problem with Internet Explorer, only I don't know how to fix it. Anytime I try to download something, I get an error message saying:

Internet Explorer cannot download .... Internet Explorer was not able to open this Internet site. The requested site is either unavailable or cannot be found.

At first, I thought that perhaps the particular website I was on was having a problem, but nope - I started noticing it on more "professional" sites and even with my email attachments.

I've been posting on other forums and they seem to be having trouble pinpointing the problem, so if anyone could help me, I would be most appreciative!

I use Windows 98SE and I have Internet Explorer version 6.0.2800

 

couple of ideas,try another browser on those sites see if you have same problem,did you try repairing IE.

 

Can you re-create the error, and post the error verbatim. Unless this is it? But I think maybe the ... skips over a little of the error.

 

needasmoke,

I don't have another browser installed on my computer and since I'm unable to download, I can't get another one.

And yes, I tried repairing IE, but it didn't work, so I tried restoring it to a previous version, but it gave me an error message:

The system cannot find the file specified.
=>WINHLP32.EXE -S WINDOWS.HLP

Farbib,

That's the error verbatim - the ... is just the address of whatever site I'm trying to download from. It of course, varies, that's why I just put the ...

 

I'm reading up a little about this, first thought is to delete all temporary internet files.

 

Yep, I deleted the temp files.

Thank you for your help

 

So it did not work, right? (just checking)

 

nope didn't work.

my dad has the same version of windows and i got the winhlp32.exe file from his computer and i tried to put it on mine, but it didn't work. It gave me this error message:

Error Copying File
Windows cannot copy WINHLP32: The system cannot read from the specified device.

 

Just in case it might help any of y'all - I downloaded Hijack This from my dad's computer and this is the log file:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.0
Scan saved at 12:31:42 PM, on 12/15/04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSTASK.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\SOUND BLASTER\SURROUND MIXER\CTSYSVOL.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\B'S CLIP\BSCLIP.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\WINAMP\WINAMPA.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT HARDWARE\KEYBOARD\TYPE32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\REAL\UPDATE_OB\REALSCHED.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WINSHOST.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CREATIVE\MEDIASOURCE\DETECTOR\CTDETECT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\MICROSOFT OFFICE\OFFICE\OSA.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\DDHELP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACK THIS\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://mail.yahoo.com/
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Companion BHO - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_5_0.DLL
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_5_0.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\Sound Blaster\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe /r
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SbUsb AudCtrl] RunDll32 sbusbdll.dll,RCMonitor
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [B'sCLiP] C:\PROGRA~1\B'SCLI~1\BSCLIP.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [WinampAgent] C:\Program Files\Winamp\winampa.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [csrss.exe] C:\WINDOWS\csrss.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelliType] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft Hardware\Keyboard\type32.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [StillImageMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\STIMON.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iamapp] C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\IAMAPP.EXE
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [winshost.exe] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\winshost.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccRegVfy] C:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared\ccRegVfy.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [SchedulingAgent] mstask.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [nisserv] C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\NISSERV.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [Creative Detector] C:\Program Files\Creative\MediaSource\Detector\CTDetect.exe /R
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [winshost.exe] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\winshost.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ares] "D:\PROGRAM FILES\ARES\ARES.EXE" -h
O4 - Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Startup: Office Startup.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\OSA.EXE
O4 - Startup: Microsoft Find Fast.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office\FINDFAST.EXE
O8 - Extra context menu item: &Yahoo! Search - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Dictionary - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Yahoo! &Maps - file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
O9 - Extra button: AIM - {AC9E2541-2814-11d5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\AIM\AIM.EXE
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\MESSENGER\YHEXBMES0521.DLL
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Yahoo! Messenger - {4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\MESSENGER\YHEXBMES0521.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Related - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Show &Related Links - {c95fe080-8f5d-11d2-a20b-00aa003c157a} - C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
O12 - Plugin for .spop: C:\PROGRA~1\INTERN~1\Plugins\NPDocBox.dll
O16 - DPF: {30528230-99F7-4BB4-88D8-FA1D4F56A2AB} (YInstStarter Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/yinst20040510.cab
O16 - DPF: {B9191F79-5613-4C76-AA2A-398534BB8999} (YAddBook Class) - http://us.dl1.yimg.com/download.yahoo.com/dl/installs/suite/yautocomplete.cab
O16 - DPF: {56336BCB-3D8A-11D6-A00B-0050DA18DE71} (RdxIE Class) - http://software-dl.real.com/111226680549a7551d17/netzip/RdxIE601.cab

 

You could try start -> run -> cmd -> sfc /scannow

Have your Windows CD handy. This may (may) replace the file you mentioned. It replaces missing/damaged Windows system files.

 

I finally got the missing windows file fixed. Before I got it from my dad's computer, I tried the sfc thing and it didn't work... but I managed to get a copy from my dad's computer.

I restored Internet Explorer to a previous version and sadly that did not fix my downloading problem. Maybe it's not an internet explorer problem after all. I dunno.

 

May be time to try a Windows reinstall.

 

Can your dad's computer download and burn to CD? If so, why not download Firefox and see if that works?

 

try windows update see if it d/l there it may give a clue to what problem is

 

Farbib, she stated she was using Windows98SE so those instructions would not work. But START > RUN > sfc should have launched the System File Checker which should also be located in the START > Programs > Acessories > System Tools but if it still doesn't help then I am going to suggest a simpler and different workaround (not sure if you already have tried it or not though):
Open IE, click on Tools > Internet Options > Programs > click on 'Reset Web Settings' button, see if that helps>
Also if you have any kind of download managers installed, uninstall them, also if you have any other security programs or pop-up blocker either disable or close them. If you are able to download again then, get ToolbarCop to get rid of unneccassary or invalid BHOs and IE plug-ins...and see what happens. ToolbarCop

 

Turcoloco, You saw she already tried SFC two hours ago and still point this out? (I mean no disrespect just want to point that out) Regardless thanks for doing so, I must pay better attention to details like that.

 

barnburner,

I just (within the last 4 or so months) reinstalled my Windows - which was why I was kinda shocked that I was having this kind of trouble.

Farbib,

I'll try Firefox - my dad's using his computer right now, but as soon as he finishes, I'll download it.

Turcoloco,

I reset my Internet settings and still nothing.

Thank you all for the suggestions!

 

I don't look at the times, it is irrelevant to me, the point is I wanted to make sure she ran the System File checker properly and all the way thru since her brief reply was " I tried the sfc thing and it didn't work... " which didn't say whether she tried running it and the process never ran or she ran it, foguring out somehow how to but still didn't help.
Don't get offended since I never mean to offend or insult anyone or their suggestions, it is all good as long as we can help....

 

Too bad you couldn't download and use ToolbarCop because this standalone program similar to HijackThis shows you all installed IE plug-ins (ie. download managers), BrowserHelperObjects (pop-up blockers, etc.) and would let you disable/delete them as well.
Try getting that program by another means.
Also in IE > Tool > Internet Options > General > Settings > View Objects list is something I would examine (\Windows\Downloaded Program Files\ ).

 

Turcoloco,

I ran the sfc thing by going to start - run - and typing in sfc. When it came up, I told it to search for a specific file, then told it to search the windows cd and to copy it to the windows folder. The search came back saying that it couldn't find the file specified.

However, it is pointless now because I got it from my dad's computer. The file helped me restore IE to a lower version, but that did not help my download problem.

If I posted a list of what objects were listed in Downloaded Program Files, would that help you any? I looked at it and it makes now sense to me.

 

Okay, here is the results of the Toolbar Cop scan:

----------------------------------------
AIM
Browser Extension
{AC9E2541-2814-11D5-BC6D-00B0D0A1DE45}
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AIM\AIM.EXE
Enabled
All Users
----------------------------------------
Messenger
Browser Extension
{4528BBE0-4E08-11D5-AD55-00010333D0AD}
C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\MESSENGER\YHEXBMES0521.DLL
Enabled
All Users
----------------------------------------
@shdoclc.dll,-866
Browser Extension
{C95FE080-8F5D-11D2-A20B-00AA003C157A}
C:\WINDOWS\web\related.htm
Enabled
All Users
----------------------------------------
&Address
Toolbar
{01E04581-4EEE-11D0-BFE9-00AA005B4383}
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\BROWSEUI.DLL
Enabled
Current User
----------------------------------------
&Links
Toolbar
{0E5CBF21-D15F-11D0-8301-00AA005B4383}
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\BROWSEUI.DLL
Enabled
Current User
----------------------------------------
Yahoo! Toolbar
Toolbar
{EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88}
C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_5_0.DLL
Enabled
Current User
----------------------------------------
(Empty)
Toolbar
{42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6}
(empty)
Enabled
Current User
----------------------------------------
Yahoo! Toolbar
Toolbar
{EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88}
C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_5_0.DLL
Enabled
All Users
----------------------------------------
&Radio
Toolbar
{8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467}
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
Enabled
All Users
----------------------------------------
Yahoo! Companion BHO
BHO
{02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670}
C:\PROGRAM FILES\YAHOO!\COMPANION\INSTALLS\CPN\YCOMP5_5_5_0.DLL
Enabled
All Users
----------------------------------------
AcroIEHlprObj Class
BHO
{06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3}
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 5.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.OCX
Enabled
All Users
----------------------------------------
&Yahoo! Search
Menu Extension

file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycsrch.htm
Enabled
Current User
----------------------------------------
Yahoo! &Dictionary
Menu Extension

file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
Enabled
Current User
----------------------------------------
Yahoo! &Maps
Menu Extension

file:///C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Common/ycdict.htm
Enabled
Current User

 

disable Yahoo Toolbar (it is a pop-up blocking IE plug-in), you could right click on the IE toolbar and the list that appears would have Yahoo Toolbar listed swith a checkmark, simply uncheck it.
also delete this entry:
----------------------------------------
(Empty)
Toolbar
{42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6}
(empty)
Enabled
Current User

I am not sure if Farbib could see anything else that I might have missed...

 

alright, I did both of those and still no luck

i'm sorry this is so much trouble.

 

Hmm...I found some sites that refer to one of the new security features of sp2, but it is applicable for WindowsXP I believe, but if you open IE > Tools > Internet Options, check the related Active X and download settings on the Security tab (click on Custom Level button)...since yours is 98SE I am not sure what else it could be, possible WinSock issue? if so you'd know when and if you install another browser like Firefox and it wouldnt work as well....

 

Hey musicgirl,

Since you have 98SE try this. I am posting a link here for the mcrepair tool:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/msninvestor/patch/1.0/win98/en-us/mcrepair.exe

Just download and run it. Be sure to answer "yes" to everything, that's important. When it's done restart your computer and that should hopefully fix your problem.

Let us know.

Steve

 

Thank you, Turcoloco for all of your help and suggestions.

Matacombie, I'll download that on my father's computer tomorrow and then post back with the results. Thank you

 

Right-click on properties and copy the whole URL, paste it in your address bar and see if that works.

Steve

 

I was typing to fast. Right click on the link I gave you and select properties, copy and paste the complete URL into address bar.

Steve

 

I am not sure if mcrepair tool will fix the problem but I hope it does.
but if it doesn't I would like you to view the information on this page posted on Microsoft's Web site and follow the instructions to see if it helps.

Either way, the least we can do is try....since this is a problem that should be resolved without needing to reformat the drive!

 

I tried this and it still wouldn't download, so I went to my father's computer and downloaded it and ran it and still nothing.

 

That update is for IE 6 - which I don't have anymore. I was finally able to downgrade to IE 5.00... Should I go back to 6 and then download the update?

 

Good point Turc (I didn't think of that)

MusicGirl713, Have you downloaded Firefox from your Dad's computer yet? It's at www.mozilla.org.

 

No, I thought that my dad's computer had a CD burner and it doesn't Sorry, I forgot to mention that earlier.

 

1) Firefox is 4.7 MB, which is the size of one MP3 on a key drive. Do you or a friend have a key drive?

2) If you and your father don't have a CD-RW, and don't have a key drive, how do you and your father back up important computer files? (it would be irresponsible not to ask IMO)

 

I have a CD burner - my dad doesn't however. He uses his computer almost soley for the internet only. He doesn't like how being on the internet makes you vulnerable, etc. He has other computers that he doesn't allow on the internet where he does the majority of his important work.

I'll see if he has a key drive - I dunno if he does or not.

 

can you email firefox.exe from dads comp to yours.Did you use a program to d/l stuff?.My IE screwed up a few days ago,different problem than yours,can't download windows updates.Only way to fix my problem is to do a drastic reinstall my computer is working normally apart from that.I set IE security on high and use firefox,my comp has never been so fast, see no reason to reinstall on here unless i crash or start seeing errors.

 

If I emailed it to myself, I'd still have to download the attachment, right? So that wouldn't work..

 

wheee! I downloaded Firefox and it works great! I can download!!

*dances about*

Thank you all for your help It is much appreciated!!