Help! Cannot open my Hotmail emails

[BloodPark]

Hello everyone,

 

Yesterday I started having the problem whereby on my Hotmail account (on IE), I can sign in and reach my 'Mailbox' screen, but from there am unable to click on any of my emails to open them, or move to a different folder... 'Junk', for instance.

 

I also have notice that on Facebook, I am unable to post anything new, comment on anything or look at my notifications. I can click 'submit', but nothing happens from there.

 

I have a feeling this is something to do with Java as when I try and click on my emails, 'javascript:;' appears in the bottom left hand corner of my screen.

 

Does anyone have any advice, please? I'd be really grateful as it's driving me crazy. The emails are piling up something rotten! If you need any more information about the system I am using and whatnot, please let me know. I'll be checking back here every so often because nothing seems to be working. Thank you very much in advance,

 

Leanne x

 

 

Things I have tried:

-Uninstalling all previous Java programs and then reinstalling the newest one

-Re-setting Internet Explorer

-Registry clean-up

-Adjusting internet settings to make it less 'protective' etc

[monkeyboy]

I've heard anti-virus software can cause this, although I've never witnessed it personally. Worth a shot.

[BeeCeeBee]

I agree that this seems like it may be a malware infection but I also note a few things that you mentioned.

 

What stands out to me is that you did a "registry Cleanup." While a "cleanup" performed for the first time after the initial problem obviously could not be the cause, if you have used this program before it very well may.

 

How did you perform this cleanup? What program did you use and have you ever used it before?

 

Whatever the cause you need to do some thorough scans and probably will need to have this looked at by someone on the security team here.

[BloodPark]

How did you perform this cleanup? What program did you use and have you ever used it before?

 

Whatever the cause you need to do some thorough scans and probably will need to have this looked at by someone on the security team here.

 

I downloaded and used it for the first time today. It is called 'RegCure'.

 

I only tried this because I kind of feel like I'm running out of options. I have never done a registry cleanup before, and am only going off the advice I can find on the web... which has so far turned out to be a bit useless (this is the same reason I uninstalled the Google toolbar... but still to no avail).

 

I was at Uni today and have discovered that I am able to access my open my emails from other computers, but it is still not working on my laptop.

 

Do you know then how I can arrange for someone from the security team to have a look? Do you not think it's anything to do with Java?

[BeeCeeBee]

I suspect that a staff member will move this thread to the proper forum and that a member of the security team will see this in any event. Hang in there. You may want to consider gettin rifd of that google toolbar and reading through the maware forum so you weill see what expected of you and how to get started.

[LinkindinkinPark]

do a system restore to before regcure was installed to reverse its changes

 

try downloading and running Firefox

 

if it works its an internet explorer fault.

 

btw do you keep up to date with windows updates

[BloodPark]

Just to let you know, I have started using Firefox and the problem has gone away! I can open my emails and everything is lovely.

 

So recommended action for now? Do I need to uninstall IE or something? And as this now does appear to be an IE fault, does anyone know how to make it disappear completely?

[RandyL]

Did you reset by this method? How to Reset or Restore Advanced Settings in Internet Explorer 7

 

Are you using IE7 or IE8?

 

As noted registry cleaners can cause harm.

 

Is Windows updated?

 

As also noted malware may be interfering with IE.

 

I tend to agree with LinkindinkinPark and BeeCeeBee on this one.

[BloodPark]

Yes, that was how I reset.

 

I was using IE8.

 

I know registry cleanups can affect things, but I did note before that I only installed this software AFTER the problem occured (sorry if I didn't make that clear before).

 

And yes, Windows updates automatically and I currently have all of the recent updates.

 

 

And Firefox is working absolutely fine :D But I still would like to fix the IE problem... you know... just incase this decides to die also.

 

I noticed that no-one's mentioned Java. So it's absolutely nothing to do with that then?... shows how much I know about computers!

 

By the way, thanks all of you for your fast replies x

[RandyL]

I wouldn't think that java is the problem. If hotmail needed it and java was the problem then it likely wouldn't work in firefox.

 

However you could go to Java in the control panel and update it just in case.

 

Also restore the advanced settings in IE. Not likely an issue but just in case.

 

Sometimes you need to log out of hotmail and delete all your IE temp and cookie files.

 

If all that fails it might be time to move this thread to the malware removal section to have the experts take a look at a few things.

 

Let us know and one of us can move this thread for you.

[BloodPark]

I have attempted to do all of the things that you suggested, and the problem is still happening in IE, but I sincerely thank you for the time you've all taken to try and help me out.

 

I have to admit that I don't quite know what 'malware' means, or is. If this turns out to be the issue... can I just ignore it? Or is that inadvisable? How can it affect my computer? Firefox is working and as opening my emails was the only apparant issue, and now that I have overcome that, is it worth persuing this any further?

 

I only ask these questions, not to dismiss the issue, but the word 'malware' scares me. Is this going to be fixable?

[Dalo Harkin]

Certain types of Malware affect programs differently for example IE is more commonly used than Firefox and people target IE for maximum effect due to the user rate.

 

You may not have any Malware, BUT if you do it can cause the issues you are experiencing and more.

are you using Windows firewall and an AV program or a suite like Norton or NOD32?

Some of the settings within firewalls and AV can cause issues in say IE and then not in FF

[BloodPark]

I use Norton for both my firewall stuff and to scan my computer so I do not have Windows Firewall set, as I use Norton for most security things like that.

 

I do not have any other anti-virus software, either.

[RandyL]

Dalo is right. Temporarily disable the Norton firewall and see what happens.

[Dalo Harkin]

In my personal opinion I would disable/remove Norton and use the windows built in firewall with a free AV/Spyware program such as MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) Nortons 'home' software is completely useless and I only use Norton on my servers (as their corporate stuff isnt bad :))

 

You should find that if you remove Norton your system is quicker too as Norton is extremely resource hungry (not as much as a few years ago but still more than it should be)