skip to main content

Strange computer problems appear browser related

12 years ago

Recently, I've started having some strange issues with browsers. I'm running XP Home edition on a 6 year old Dell desktop.

I prefer using FireFox, but have IE 6 as well. I tried Safari for a bit, but it became inoperable and I deleted it.

Now, I can't keep IE 6 operating. It's constantly shutting down.

However, FF will take me to a page OK. For an example, if I do a Google search, it brings up the search results. However, to go to any listed site, I have to copy the URL and paste it into a browser tab. If I click on the link resulting from the Google search, who knows where it may take me. Recently, I tried one and it took me to a Drano site.

I've run my ZoneAlarm and Malware bytes, cleaning up any known issues, yet the problem still prevails.

Is there any solution short of a wipe the disk clean and start over?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

DA_Mccoy
12 years ago
Some random thoughts.

"It's constantly shutting down." Do you mean actually shutting down or a screen reporting a parsing error?

Assuming it is a parsing error my first thought is the code for the pages you are targeting is current code and not compatible with IE6. An upgrade to IE8 or IE9 would be a good first step. Security is better too.

Also, do you have the current version of Flash Player for IE installed?

Since your FF works your Java must be sufficient, but for clarity what version of Java are you using?

One last thought: Have you tried disabling ZA and then connecting to some of these sites? (I assume you are familiar with them and they are trusted.)

DA
azinoh
12 years ago
Is there a reason why you have kept IE6 and not upgraded to IE8? Have you ignored other Microsoft updates? IE6 is very insecure compared to IE8.
Related Discussions
Strange problem with entry door
Q
Comments (16)
We live in an older farmhouse and deal with this exact problem every year, twice a year. Fall and spring for about 2 weeks we are battling the door. We adjust it up or down accordingly and after the weather "stablilzes" to the new temperature everything is good. We have stone foundations that I think shift slightly near the door when the ground changes temp.There is a giant slab in front against the foundation near the door. For us we think its just a quirk of owning an older home. We have gone under the house to put in support columns, but it didnt' change anything. We also have a few cracks in the trim/ceiling transition that are visible in winter and gone in summer. You might have to look beyond the trimming of the door, to foundation/supports around the door to find the problem.
...See More
Strange problem -- Photobucket
Q
Comments (7)
I did not use the right terminology when describing my problem...sorry. what I should have said was--when I try to upload several photos and click on where it says "use our faster bulk up loader". (This is located on the main page towards the top where it says "upload images and videos", it's at the bottom of that square.) I have used this many times but like I said when I tried to use it today and yesterday I would lose the whole connection. Poof - gone. Can't figure it out. thanks for your response, hope I have made it more clear what i'm talking about.
...See More
Going nuts with computer problem!
Q
Comments (3)
it appears to be from a website with bargains.com in the name. Is that a site you frequent and have a user name and password for? I would go ahead and run an updated malwarebytes scan to make sure you dont't have something hinky going on. Always a good idea to run malwarebytes anyway occasionally. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware that is the free version stick with the free one.
...See More
Ravencajun Help Needed for Computer problems
Q
Comments (36)
I fear you still have some of the infections still lingering and that could very well be interfering with your installation. I would suggest going to LzD and having Corrine look at your logs she will be able to see if any of the infection is still there and how to remove it. She is great at this she goes step by step as slow as you need. You would not want to risk having infections on it at any rate. Analysis and Malware Removal that is the link to LzD where you can create your own post, you do need to register at the forum and they will email you back. I am there and Corrine will be there to help you. Let us know so we can be watching for you.
...See More
zep516
12 years ago
"Google search, it brings up the search results. However, to go to any listed site, I have to copy the URL and paste it into a browser tab. If I click on the link resulting from the Google search, who knows where it may take me. Recently, I tried one and it took me to a Drano site."

To me it sounds like you have an infection causing your Google searches to be redirected very common. Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyware, your Own AntiVirus will not be able to remove this infection. This infection usually results from the Tdss Trojan and can be very difficult to remove. Your BEST option is to visit a Malware removal forum.
bbbluz ~ DonnaB
12 years ago
Hi samtom,

If you are being redirected to sites that you are not intentionally clicking on, that is a strong possibility that it is due to the Redirect virus. Please follow the advice of zep516 above and have a professional that is trained to remove malware help you.

This virus changes registry values and DOES NOT specifically target Google. Google just happens to be the Search Engine of choice by more people than any other search engine, though it does target Firefox.

You can join LandzDown and the trained team of experts will be more then happy to help you. I have provided the link below.

Once you are infection free, you really need to think about updating IE6 to at least IE8. IE6 is so very outdated and is prone to infection.

Here is a link that might be useful: LandzDown Forum

Related Stories

LIFE The Polite House: On Dogs at House Parties and Working With Relatives

Emily Post’s great-great-granddaughter gives advice on having dogs at parties and handling a family member’s offer to help with projects

LIFE 21 Things Only People Living With Kids Will Understand

By Mitchell Parker

Strange smells, crowded beds, ruined furniture — here’s what cohabiting with little monsters really feels like

MOST POPULAR Get Ready for the Smart Coffee Table

Intelligent tables with touch screens are reaching the consumer market, with all the power of personal computers and more

ORGANIZING Simple Pleasures: Preserving Analog Memories in a Digital World

By Laura Gaskill

Too often our photos and mementos accumulate in computers and in piles. Here’s how to free them up to be displayed and enjoyed

MOVING Making a Home Away From Home

By Laura Gaskill

Feeling like a stranger in a strange land? These tips can help ease the transition after a big move

DECORATING GUIDES From Queasy Colors to Killer Tables: Your Worst Decorating Mistakes

Houzzers spill the beans about buying blunders, painting problems and DIY disasters

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Rebooting a 1930s Bungalow in 3 Days

By Mary Jo Bowling

A design team mixes old and new to upgrade a computer science teacher's home in a flash

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Wide-Open Views on a Narrow Canadian Lot

By Mitchell Parker

Expansive glass walls facing the street create openness, sun-filled rooms and closer relations with the neighbors

BATHROOM DESIGN A Crash Course in Bathroom Faucet Finishes

By Change Your Bathroom©

Learn the pros and cons of 9 popular faucet finishes

LANDSCAPE DESIGN 6 Great Ways With Garden Ground Covers

By Matt Kilburn

Use them as problem solvers, weed killers, color and texture providers ... ground cover plants have both practical and visual appeal

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

Problems with Outlook 2013

0

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3