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Can ping out, can't surf the web

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brokenhalo

brokenhalo

IS-IT--Management
Feb 24, 2008
169
US
Hey guys,

I have an unusual problem. A customer of mine brought in her computer. She IS connected to the internet. I can ping google, yahoo etc. but when I open IE or FireFox, I can't go to any webpages at all. But what is really odd is I am able to surf the web in safe mode, which leads me to be believe that there is some sort of outside or 3rd party software intervening. Here is what I have done so far...
Virus scan, checked host file, checked browser plugins, checked startup software via msconfig, reset IE back to default. Any help is greatly appreciated to get this lady out of my hair. Thanks,

Brad L. - MCP

"If the doctors told me I had 5 minutes to live, I would type faster.
 
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check for any FIREWALL software running, uninstall them and reinstall them (if needed), if XP Firewall is running disable it and see if it causes the hick-up, and if it is then check the policies...

go to the internet options (either through control panel or through IE), and check the proxy settings...

from the command prompt (or START >> RUN (here the window will just close again)) type: netsh winsock reset catalog

this will reset the winsocks to factory default...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
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I'm sorry, I failed to mention that I also disabled the firewall and that isn't the cause. Also, I ruled out proxy settings because websites also wouldn't load using Opera or FireFox. I tried resetting the winsocks and that also is to no avail. As I said earlier, the internet works in safe mode. Please, any more help is rgeatly appreciated

Brad L. - MCP

"If the doctors told me I had 5 minutes to live, I would type faster.
 
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Some ideas if you don't have any better:

- Try to surf with numerical IP
- Compare process list in safe and normal mode
- It's not clear to me if you're using a proxy or not


Cheers,
Dian
 
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After Safe Mode success, the next step might be to look at individual programs and processes.


AutoRuns for Windows v9.35



310353 - How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP

316434 - HOW TO: Perform Advanced Clean-Boot Troubleshooting in Windows XP

310560 - How to Troubleshoot By Using the Msconfig Utility in Windows XP



I realize you have tried the above to some degree but if it works in "Safe Mode with Networking" and not in Normal Mode, the only other difference is that most drivers do not load in Safe Mode, so you may be looking for an errant driver.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP




Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

Posting a "Hijack This" log might offer an insight to any possible malware connection.
 
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I am having the same problem. I have done further troubleshooting. If I connect to a https:\\ or an ftp:\\ it will connect. I am using a Sonicwall security device on the internet. If I connect to the Sonicwall using http:\\(ipaddress) it won't connect, if I use https:\\(ipaddress) it connects. I have the Windows firewall disabled via group policy on the 2003 SERVER. This only happens on two computers on a network of 15. I have tried both the "netsh winsock reset catalog" and the "Sfc /Scannow", neither has worked. Since the other computers work fine it cant be my Sonicwall. Is anyone aware of any virus or spyware that would work like a firewall to block port 80?

Thanks

Steve
 
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Q: I can successfully ping my ISPs DNS servers and regular web servers from my
client computer. When I try to use IE it returns an DNS error no matter how
the address is entered.

A: Might be IE's proxy settings, however this type of symptom usually indicates
some form of damage to the TCP/IP stack by the presence of an (unauthorised)
Layered Service Provider.

Google Desktop Search is fast becoming a favourite for causing this, though
other Trojans can also be responsible.

The lspfix tool may be able to fix the problem. Otherwise you need to remove
and reinstall Windows' TCP/IP components.
Click to expand...
source: Chicagotech.net

How to reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) in Windows XP

How can I reinstall TCP/IP on Windows XP?

also worth a try: if you have IPv6 active, then deactivate it and/or deinstall it...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
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locans,

See if any of these give you a few clues?


Can only go to https sites


Cannot connect via http but https works?

Have HTTPS connection, but not HTTP

Can access https sites NOT http


See what else you can find here.

Have you tried IE/ Tools/ Diagnose Connection Problems
 
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Linney,

Thanks for the info. unfortunantly none of it has me any closer to a resolution. One omre peice of information, I installed wireshark on the PC and no data is captured when I put http:\\ in the address bar. If I use https:\\ packets are captured. I tried stopping the windows firewall service even though windows firewall is disabled and nothing changed.
 
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Sounds like it is time to reinstall the TCP/IP stack!

Look at the links Linney and I provided to do so...


Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
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Found the problem. It seems to be a bug in the current AVG 8.0 update. AVG has a download fixfiles.exe that will repair the problem.

Thanks for all the assistance.

Locans
 
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It was the purchased version. and webshield and link scanner were the affected parts.

Locans
 
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locans - Glad you found the problem, and thanks for posting the what fixed it...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
 
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Hey guys,

I started this thread yesterday, left work, came back this morning, and all of these hints were here :) great work guys. Anyways, after running down all of the things you guys have posted, I knew that AVG sounded suspicious because I went to do a system restore and the last significant thing that happened on the computer was an update from AVG. I tried the AVG fix solution and it didn't work, so I just simply uninstalled it. When you uninstall AVG it brings you to AVG's website to tell them why you are uninstalling their product (their site is http!!!) so it worked, Hopefully after I re-install it, it doesn't give me any more problems. Thanks a million guys

Brad L. - MCP

"If the doctors told me I had 5 minutes to live, I would type faster.
 
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*By The Way* I had the free version, so apparently free or paid makes no difference.

Brad L. - MCP

"If the doctors told me I had 5 minutes to live, I would type faster.
 
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I found AVG 7 a great product, but 8 has been a nightmare. One machine it ground to a halt and another it just constantly wanting to reboot.
Found Avast to be less hungry. The pop is easily clicked through

Most people spend their time on the "urgent" rather than on the "important."
 
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Brokenhalo - were you ever able to recover your http port 80 access after uninstall of Free AVG 8? I have uninstalled (used their zip and latest uninstall scripts as it was tough to totally remove) but I still am without http access . Http only works under safe mode and only https work in normal mode.
 
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Yes, if you read 3 posts above I stated that it has worked after an uninstall of AVG afterall as it brought me to avg's website when it was done uninstalling. If you are still having problems, please try some of the other information on this post, it should help you out.

Brad L. - MCP

"If the doctors told me I had 5 minutes to live, I would type faster.
 
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