Windows cannot connect to the internet using HTTP ...

[pwl2706]

Hi,

 

I have a major problem with my pc recently.

 

I can browse the web fine with Safari, and read email on MS Outlook, or use my SlingPlayer to watch TV over the internet.

 

But I cannot connect to the internet using Internet Explorer or FireFox.

 

I ran the Diagnostic and got the error message

 

Windows cannot connect to the internet using HTTP (Port 80), HTTPS, or FTP.

 

... Firewall settings, etc.

 

I have tried numerous times to restart and power down my router but no luck,

 

In IE, I can't even open the router home page (but I can in Safari).

 

Please can someone help me solve this... I have tried everything I can think off, including disabling the Windows Firewall ...

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Philip

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hi PWL

 

Welcome to Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

 

What firewall are you running, it's not kaspersky by any chance is it?

 

The windows firewall is only good for inbound traffic.

[pwl2706]

RE: Firewall

 

I have Windows Firewall, and a Hardware firewall on my router (SA Webstar)

 

thanks

Philip

[Tony D]

Please try connecting after starting in Safe Mode with Networking. This loads the minimum amount of resources to get you running. Some things like printing won't work, but let's see if you can get IE or FF working.

 

To get into Safe Mode with Networking....

 

Reboot your computer and start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again. If F8 doesn't work try F5.

 

* Ensure that the Safe Mode with Networking option is selected.

* Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode with Networking.

* Log on with an account that has administrator priviledges, usually your own account (NOT the account named Administrator).

[pwl2706]

KELLY: SAFE MODE - It works fine ?

 

Please try connecting after starting in Safe Mode with Networking. This loads the minimum amount of resources to get you running. Some things like printing won't work, but let's see if you can get IE or FF working.

 

To get into Safe Mode with Networking....

 

Reboot your computer and start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu appears. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again. If F8 doesn't work try F5.

 

* Ensure that the Safe Mode with Networking option is selected.

* Press Enter. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode with Networking.

* Log on with an account that has administrator priviledges, usually your own account (NOT the account named Administrator).

 

 

Hi,I managed to connect when running in Safe Mode - and write this reply in IE.So what does that mean and where do I go from here to fix my pc?

Thanks

Philip

Edited July 6, 2008 by pwl2706

[Tony D]

It means something in your startup routine is preventing IE and FF from working.

 

Let's turn some of them off. Go to START and then to RUN and type MSCONFIG then press the ENTER key.

 

Go to the SERVICES tab and click on HIDE MICROSOFT SERVICES. Disable the remaining sevices and restart the computer. You will get a notice that you're running and with some services turned off, just cancel out of that the try IE and FF.

[pwl2706]

It means something in your startup routine is preventing IE and FF from working.

 

Let's turn some of them off. Go to START and then to RUN and type MSCONFIG then press the ENTER key.

 

Go to the SERVICES tab and click on HIDE MICROSOFT SERVICES. Disable the remaining sevices and restart the computer. You will get a notice that you're running and with some services turned off, just cancel out of that the try IE and FF.

 

Thanks,

 

I tried that - disabling everything apart from the MS Services, and rebooted.

 

I even removed everything

I still have the same problem.

 

I thought about running System Restore - but the only Restore Point I have available is from last night - does that mean it is only keeping the last one?

 

thanks

[Tony D]

Go back to msconfig and this time uncheck items in the STARTUP tab. See if that helps. If it doesn't help, hang on and someone will show you how to run some malware diagnostics.

 

On the System Restore issue - there should be more restore points if System Restore was enabled. There's a setting to limit the amount of disk space that System Restore uses. To view/change this setting, get back into System Restore and click on System Restore Settings.

[pwl2706]

Go back to msconfig and this time uncheck items in the STARTUP tab. See if that helps. If it doesn't help, hang on and someone will show you how to run some malware diagnostics.

 

On the System Restore issue - there should be more restore points if System Restore was enabled. There's a setting to limit the amount of disk space that System Restore uses. To view/change this setting, get back into System Restore and click on System Restore Settings.

 

Hi,

 

I have modified items on the Startup tab, and the only items on the Services tab are McAffee (VirusScan) which has never given me a problem in the past.

 

Regarding System Restore - the amount of space is set to the maximum (12%, or 11 GB) so I don't know how to resolve that or access different restore points from before today.

 

thanks for your assistance.

 

Philip

[pwl2706]

Win XP System Restore Problem...

 

Hi,

 

I have this problem with System Restore.

 

The amount of space is set to the maximum (12%, or 11 GB) but when I open the application to tyr and restore to a month ago, only the latest restore point from yesterday is shown.

 

How can I access the restore points of previous backups?

 

is it possible this is a malware problem (I have the latest McAfee and WebRoot Spy-Sweeper installed already) because I also cannot connect to the internet using IA or Firefox (see speperate thread) except in SAFE MODE (no access using HTTP Port 80 but for some reason I can use Safari).

 

thanks for your assistance.

 

Philip

[RandyL]

If it's not startup items or your firewall settings then it might be a malware issue. The fact System Restore doesn't have more points also concerns me. Reset IE and run the malware scans to see if that helps. You may have to run the scans before the IE reset. I f you can't connect with IE the Eset scan won't work but follow the rest of the guide anyway.

 

How to Reset or Restore Adanced Settings in Internet Explorer 7.

 

You need to access Internet Options. Here's how :

 

In your Internet Explorer Browser Click Tools and then click on Internet Options, like this:

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/Mjfreepchelp/ietools.png

 

Then click on the Advanced Tab, like this:

 

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn297/Mjfreepchelp/internetoptions2.png

 

Then you can choose either Restore Advanced Settings or Reset depending on your situation.

 

Warning: Reset will delete all temporary files, disable all browser add-ons and reset all changed settings.

 

 

Your computer could be infected with Malware.

 

• Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the owner's informed consent.
  It is a combination of the words malicious and software.
  The expression is a general term used by computer professionals to mean a variety of forms of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software or program code.
  

• Required Cleanup Steps
  1. Disable the Spybot Search & Destroy TEA TIMER if you use it and if it is enabled
     
  2. Run a Temporary file and cache cleaner (ATF)
     
  3. Run 2 Anti-Malware scanners (Listed Below)
     
  4. Run an Online Anti-Virus / Anti-Malware Scanner (Listed Below)
     
  5. Clear out old System Restore points
     
  6. If continued Malware type activity is present you may be asked to post a TrendMicro™ HijackThis™ Log file, do not do so unless requested.
     

The reason to run multiple scanners is to ensure that no single scanner is missing something.

The time it takes will vary depending on your system and your internet connection speed.

Typically the SUPERAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes scanners will take between 10 to 90 minutes.

The ESET online scan should take between 1 to 3 hours.

In most cases, these scans will suffice to clean and disinfect your computer.

Heavily infected systems or slower PCs can take much longer to scan and clean.

 

For best results print the following instructions and bookmark this Web page

To keep this guide printer-friendly, use your cursor to highlight the contents below.

From your browser select File - Print and in the printer dialog box under "Print range"

click the

Selection

choice to print out these instructions for removal of malware.

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/printer-selection.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 1

• Disable Spybot Search & Destroys' TEA TIMER: (if installed)
  1. Run Spybot-S&D in Advanced Mode.
     
     
  2. If it is not already set to do this Go to the Mode menu select "Advanced Mode"
     
     
  3. On the left hand side, Click on Tools
     
     
  4. Then click on the Resident Icon in the List
     
     
  5. Uncheck "Resident TeaTimer" and OK any prompts.
     
     
  6. Restart your computer.
     
     

__________________________________________________

STEP 2

• Follow these instructions carefully.
  
  
• Download ATF-Cleaner from
  Snapfiles.com
  to remove un-needed temporary files from your computer that may contain malware.
  
  
• You can also download it from
  Majorgeeks.com
  
  
• When you run ATF-Cleaner, check the items as shown below for Main.
  
  
• For FireFox, be sure to click on the FireFox tab on top and check the items as shown below for FireFox
  
  
• NOTE:
  If you don't have FireFox or Opera installed then they will be grayed out and can be ignored
  
  
• Then click on "Empty Selected".
  
  

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner01.gif

.

http://kixhelp.com/wr/images-freepchelp/atf-cleaner02.gif

__________________________________________________

STEP 3

• Install and run the free version (not the Professional version) of SUPERAntiSpyware from
  SUPERAntiSpyware.com
  
  
  • Accept any prompts to allow SUPERAntiSpyware to install the latest rules and infection definition files.
    
    
  • You do not have to send them your e-mail address, just click next.
    
    
  • You can leave the automated check for updates on.
    
    
  • You can uncheck "Send a diagnostic report to research center" if you don't want to send the information.
    
    
  • DO NOT
    allow SUPERAntiSpyware to protect your Home Page settings.
    
    
  • On the
    Top Left
    select the
    Scan your computer
    button.
    
    
  • Make sure there is a CHECK MARK on all
    Fixed Drives
    .
    
    
  • Click "Perform a Complete Scan". Click "Next" to Repair issues found and reboot the computer when prompted to do so.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 4

• Install and run
  Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
  from
  Malwarebytes - (direct download)
  
  
  • Accept all defaults for the installer
    
    
  • Allow the program to update the definitions
    
    
  • Click on the
    Quick Scan
    and click Next.
    
    
  • If any items are found allow it to clean them and then Reboot your computer.
    
    

__________________________________________________

STEP 5

• Run an online scan with ESET from
  Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
  
  • You
    must
    use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
    
    
  • If your computer is running Window's Vista, then you
    must first
    start Internet Explorer as an Administrator. To do so, right-click on the
    Internet Explorer
    icon in the Start Menu and select "
    Run as administrator
    " from the popup context menu.
    
    
  • Accept the terms and click "Start".
    
    
  • Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
    
    
  • Click "Start" to begin the scan.
    
    
  • When completed restart your computer
    
    

__________________________________________________

Make sure your internet firewall security is enabled, and then please return to

Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

Once you and the Technician agree that your system appears to be clean then you should delete all your System Restore points and recreate a new one.

Please follow the instructions here

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows Vista

 

 

 

Seriously though I would check your firewall settings. You could disable them temporarily to see if that resolves your issue.

 

As for System Restore points if they aren't showing you can't access them. They don't exist.

[pwl2706]

Seriously though I would check your firewall settings. You could disable them temporarily to see if that resolves your issue.

 

As for System Restore points if they aren't showing you can't access them. They don't exist.

 

Thanks for such a detailed answer, I will try all that and get back to you.

 

What is Spybot Search & Destroy TEA TIMER - I only have WebRoot SpySweeper and McAfee Enterprise...

 

Regarding the FireWall settings - is it possible I have a software firewall that I'm not aware of - I have certainly disabled absolutely everything I could think of?

 

will try all this tonight and let you know how I get on

 

thanks

Philip

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Ignore the Spybot aspect if you do not have it pwl.

[RandyL]

If you don't have Spybot Search & Destroy installed you can ignore that part.

 

I'm not a fan of WebRoot SpySweeper. Do you have the full paid for version?

 

If you have McAfee Enterprise you might very well have the firewall.

 

You really need to check to see Dee. We can't guess what programs you have or what your settings are. The more detailed information you can give us would really help.

 

I know Mcafee can be difficult to configure so if you have that poke around as it most likely has a soft firewall and it may be blocking you.

[pwl2706]

If you don't have Spybot Search & Destroy installed you can ignore that part.

 

I'm not a fan of WebRoot SpySweeper. Do you have the full paid for version?

 

If you have McAfee Enterprise you might very well have the firewall.

 

You really need to check to see Dee. We can't guess what programs you have or what your settings are. The more detailed information you can give us would really help.

 

I know Mcafee can be difficult to configure so if you have that poke around as it most likely has a soft firewall and it may be blocking you.

 

I have the full paid up version of SpySweeper ...

 

I will look for the firewall options in McAfee Enterprise and try to disable it.

 

It's really strange, I have a hardware firewall on my router (SA WebStar), SpySweeper, and McAfee Enterprise, but I still might have got some malware !

 

I will do all this tonight and respond either tonight, or Tomorrow morning.

 

Philip

[RandyL]

I can't say if you have malware or not. It's just a possibility that needs to be determined. Run the scans to check.

 

With or without protection malware can be allowed in. If you install programs that are bundled with malware it's allowed to bypass security. If you use P2P or file sharing you may be allowing malware programs or infected files onto your system.

 

But like I said it might be as simple as one of your firewall settings.

 

Let us know what you find out please.

[pwl2706]

If it's not startup items or your firewall settings then it might be a malware issue. The fact System Restore doesn't have more points also concerns me. Reset IE and run the malware scans to see if that helps. You may have to run the scans before the IE reset. I f you can't connect with IE the Eset scan won't work but follow the rest of the guide anyway.

 

________________________________________________[/indent]

STEP 5

• Run an online scan with ESET from
  Free Virus Scan: Use ESET's Online Antivirus Scanner
  
  
  • You
    must
    use Internet Explorer for this online scan. FireFox, Opera, etc will not work for this scan.
    
    
  • If your computer is running Window's Vista, then you
    must first
    start Internet Explorer as an Administrator. To do so, right-click on the
    Internet Explorer
    icon in the Start Menu and select "
    Run as administrator
    " from the popup context menu.
    
    
  • Accept the terms and click "Start".
    
    
  • Once the scanner is ready, check "Remove found threats" AND "Scan unwanted applications".
    
    
  • Click "Start" to begin the scan.
    
    
  • When completed restart your computer
    
    

__________________________________________________

Make sure your internet firewall security is enabled, and then please return to

Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help

and tell us how the computer seems to be operating.

At that time, you will receive instructions to assist you in removing malicious programs from your Add/Remove program list if warranted.

Once you and the Technician agree that your system appears to be clean then you should delete all your System Restore points and recreate a new one.

Please follow the instructions here

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows XP

How to turn off and turn on System Restore in Windows Vista

 

 

ok, ran everything. There is no Malware or SpyWare detected.

 

Just rebooting into Safe Mode with Networking to run IE and the ESET online scan.

[RandyL]

Check your Mcafee Enterprise firewall settings to see if the programs IE and FF are being blocked. If so grant full access. I'm going to guess that the way to do that is similar to the Mcafee Personal Firewall.

 

 

Allow full access for a program

 

You can allow an existing blocked program on your computer to have full inbound and outbound Internet access.

1. On the McAfee SecurityCenter pane, click Internet & Network, then click Configure.
   
2. On the Internet & Network Configuration pane, under Firewall protection is enabled, click Advanced.
   
3. On the Firewall pane, click Program Permissions.
   
4. Under Program Permissions, select a program with Blocked or Outbound-Only Access.
   
5. Under Action, click Allow Access.
   
6. Click OK.
   

[pwl2706]

So No MalWare or SpyWare...

 

and probably no virus either, as McAfee Enterprise and Trend Micro (Free Online Scan) have found nothing, just waiting till I get home to confirm the ESET online scan results...

 

BTW, the Malware definitions update failed as it couldn't connect (again, probably a FireWall issue) ...

 

So it looks like I have some ridiculous FireWall problem, either the hardware firewall on my router, or mcAfee Enterprise, or Windows FireWall is killing HTTP Port 80...

 

How about I turn them all off, download Zone Alarm and try that?

 

Any other thoughts?

 

thanks for all your help with this.

 

Philip

[RandyL]

Try what I suggested in the previous post. If that doesn't work temporarily turn off your firewalls just to see what happens. First things first.

[Dalo Harkin]

If you have a HARD firewall why are you using a software one aswell - there is no need

[pwl2706]

RE: FireWall

 

If you have a HARD firewall why are you using a software one aswell - there is no need

 

Yes, I will disable Windows firewall and try to disable McAfee firewall too (if it exists). It's the Enterprise version of McAfee (version 8.1 I think).

 

Such a weird situation, In Windows Safe Mode everything is fine, but in normal mode I get nothing!

 

thanks

Philip

Edited July 8, 2008 by pwl2706

[Dalo Harkin]

Sounds like the Mcafee is conflicting to me -

[pwl2706]

Time to uninstall McAfee I think... it's beyond a joke!

 

There's nothing in the Enterprise version I have for FireWall except something about Port Access blocking (things like mass mailing worms, FTP inbound etc)

 

Philip

[RandyL]

Did you see my previous post?