IE 6.0 unable to load / possible bad sector on HD

> ...she lost the ability to connect and download e-mail.

IE can't connect to any website or it can't connect to her webmail page?

Have you purchased System Suite 7?

Are any other anti-virus applications installed and loading at boot?

Is the machine fully patched at Windows Update (other than SP3)?
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


RoninFL wrote:
> WinXP, SP2 installed
> IE : Version 6.0.2900.xpsp_sp2qfe070227-2300
>
> My wife's laptop is a Dell Inspiron E1505; new in July-2006.
>
> Last week she could access the internet & download e-mail….then she lost
> the
> ability to connect and download e-mail.
>
> I have a software program called SystemSuite7 installed and did some
> troubleshooting….
> - the software has a firewall, virus, malware, etc.
> - I did a sweep for malware/virus/bad things…nothing was found. (note -
> without the ability to access the internet, I am unable to run any outside
> computer "sweep" websites)
> - I ran a part of SystemSuite7 called "disk fixer" and it reported one bad
> sector on the disk.
> - I ran another part of SysSuite7 called SmartDiskCheck which tests the
> disk…also reported a bad sector on the disk.
>
> I ran disk defrag…after which I was able to use Outlook to send/receive
> e-mail….so she has internet access sort of. Still unable to get IE to
> load.
>
> She is a contract worker at home (her own computer), and cannot upgrade to
> Internet Explorer 7 due to compatibility issues with a major client.
>
> No other software appears to be affected…only IE-6.0
>
> A) Should I / can I download a copy of IE-6.0…and reload to (hopefully)
> regain internet access?
> or
> B) Replace the hard drive and start over ?
>
> Comments and suggestions appreciated.
>
> Thanks - Ron

Don...
A) Is IE6 not loading/shutting down, or not connecting to the internet?
REPLY - IE will not fully load not complete a connection to internet.
B) Does the problem persist if you disable all browser add-ons from IE>
Tools>
> Manage add-ons? REPLY - Problem still persists after disabling all browser add-ons.
C) Does the problem persist if you Turn on the Windows Firewall from Control
> Panel> Windows Firewall and disable the third-party firewall? REPLY - Problem persists after disabling third party firewall and enabling Windows firewall.
D) Do updates from Microsoft download and install automatically? REPLY -
I update her computer whenever the "new updates available" icon appears in
the toolbar along the bottom. Last Windows update and double check
verification was approx. Jul 3-5 timeframe. WinXP/SP3 has not been loaded.

ADD'L Info, 7/16/08…
- IE, after not loading, will not "close" when the "red X" in upper right
corner is clicked. The only way to totally close IE is to CNTRL/ALT/DEL and
use MS Task Manager to end the (not responding) program.
- Her laptop & my laptop both operate via wi-fi. I did connect her laptop
via direct connection to the router…still not able to connect to internet.

Other suggestions appreciated. Thanks - Ron

"Don Varnau" wrote:

> Hi,
> "Still unable to get IE to load."
>
> >
> Does the problem persist if you disable all browser add-ons from IE> Tools>
> Manage add-ons?
> Does the problem persist if you Turn on the Windows Firewall from Control
> Panel> Windows Firewall and disable the third-party firewall?
> Do updates from Microsoft download and install automatically?
>
> Don
> [MS MVP- IE]
>
> "RoninFL" <RoninFL.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:F17EF4B7-7925-4CB0-8E6A-AACE0B9632E3@microsoft.com...
> > WinXP, SP2 installed
> > IE : Version 6.0.2900.xpsp_sp2qfe070227-2300
> >
> > My wife's laptop is a Dell Inspiron E1505; new in July-2006.
> >
> > Last week she could access the internet & download e-mail….then she lost
> the
> > ability to connect and download e-mail.
> >
> > I have a software program called SystemSuite7 installed and did some
> > troubleshooting….
> > - the software has a firewall, virus, malware, etc.
> > - I did a sweep for malware/virus/bad things…nothing was found. (note -
> > without the ability to access the internet, I am unable to run any outside
> > computer "sweep" websites)
> > - I ran a part of SystemSuite7 called "disk fixer" and it reported one bad
> > sector on the disk.
> > - I ran another part of SysSuite7 called SmartDiskCheck which tests the
> > disk…also reported a bad sector on the disk.
> >
> > I ran disk defrag…after which I was able to use Outlook to send/receive
> > e-mail….so she has internet access sort of. Still unable to get IE to
> load.
> >
> > She is a contract worker at home (her own computer), and cannot upgrade to
> > Internet Explorer 7 due to compatibility issues with a major client.
> >
> > No other software appears to be affected…only IE-6.0
> >
> > A) Should I / can I download a copy of IE-6.0…and reload to (hopefully)
> > regain internet access?
> > or
> > B) Replace the hard drive and start over ?
> >
> > Comments and suggestions appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks - Ron
>
>

PA Bear...
A) IE can't connect to any website or it can't connect to her webmail page?
REPLY - Unable to connect to any website (e.g. MSN.con, google.com,
yahoo.com). Her Outlook (not Outlook Express) e-mail is able to send &
receive e-mail… just unable to access the internet. The internet provider
is Verizon FiOS. I could go the START / RUN / cmd and "ping" websites OK.
B) Have you purchased System Suite 7? REPLY - SystemSuite was purchased
(valid for 3 computers) and was installed on her laptop & my laptop in
Feb-2008; been using SystemSuite5/6/7 for at least 5 years without complaint.
I ran all diagnostic tools contained in SystemSuite7 (I just gave the short
status in original post)
C) Are any other anti-virus applications installed and loading at boot?
REPLY - The only anti-virus apps that load are the one in SystemSuit7; we
also use Spybot Serach & Destroy plus AdAware plus SpywareBlaster….all
current versions and updated & swept every 2 or 3 weeks.
D) Is the machine fully patched at Windows Update (other than SP3)? REPLY-
All Windows updates were current as of Jul 5-2008, except for SP3; this
problem began around July 7-8, 2008. We have not loaded any software in the
past 6-8 weeks (minimum).

ADD'L Info, 7/16/08…
- Note IE, after not loading, will not "close" when the red X in upper right
corner is clicked. The only way to totally close IE is to CNTRL/ALT/DEL and
use MS task manager to end the not responding program.
- Her laptop & my laptop both operate via wi-fi. I did connect her laptop
via direct connection to the router…still not able to connect to internet.

Other suggestions appreciated. Thanks/Ron

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> > ...she lost the ability to connect and download e-mail.
>
> IE can't connect to any website or it can't connect to her webmail page?
>
> Have you purchased System Suite 7?
>
> Are any other anti-virus applications installed and loading at boot?
>
> Is the machine fully patched at Windows Update (other than SP3)?
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
>
> RoninFL wrote:
> > WinXP, SP2 installed
> > IE : Version 6.0.2900.xpsp_sp2qfe070227-2300
> >
> > My wife's laptop is a Dell Inspiron E1505; new in July-2006.
> >
> > Last week she could access the internet & download e-mail….then she lost
> > the
> > ability to connect and download e-mail.
> >
> > I have a software program called SystemSuite7 installed and did some
> > troubleshooting….
> > - the software has a firewall, virus, malware, etc.
> > - I did a sweep for malware/virus/bad things…nothing was found. (note -
> > without the ability to access the internet, I am unable to run any outside
> > computer "sweep" websites)
> > - I ran a part of SystemSuite7 called "disk fixer" and it reported one bad
> > sector on the disk.
> > - I ran another part of SysSuite7 called SmartDiskCheck which tests the
> > disk…also reported a bad sector on the disk.
> >
> > I ran disk defrag…after which I was able to use Outlook to send/receive
> > e-mail….so she has internet access sort of. Still unable to get IE to
> > load.
> >
> > She is a contract worker at home (her own computer), and cannot upgrade to
> > Internet Explorer 7 due to compatibility issues with a major client.
> >
> > No other software appears to be affected…only IE-6.0
> >
> > A) Should I / can I download a copy of IE-6.0…and reload to (hopefully)
> > regain internet access?
> > or
> > B) Replace the hard drive and start over ?
> >
> > Comments and suggestions appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks - Ron
>
>

Hi,
The "Unable to close IE" problem is nearly always caused by a browser add-on
or a malware infection.
See if Toolbar Cop finds an add-on you've overlooked.
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm

Does IE close properly if you go to Internet Options> Advanced and uncheck
"Enable third-party browser extensions?"

The no connection problem may be this:
942818- Error message after you install a Windows IE7 update:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942818
Summary: Key IE files have been modified so that the third-party firewall
prevents IE from connecting to the internet.

Make sure that IE is not being blocked. Uninstalling/reinstalling the
firewall/security suite may be necessary.

If you haven't already done so, clear the Temporary Internet Files. This may
help and can't hurt.

Also, you might try Winsock XP Fix from:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
http://majorgeeks.com/download4372.html
http://www.download3k.com/Install-WinSock-XP-Fix.html

Don
[MS MVP- IE]

"RoninFL" <RoninFL DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:F9B07090-9A41-4C66-A0BE-9D13A726628D@microsoft.com...
> Don...
> A) Is IE6 not loading/shutting down, or not connecting to the internet?
> REPLY - IE will not fully load not complete a connection to internet.
> B) Does the problem persist if you disable all browser add-ons from IE>
> Tools>
> > Manage add-ons? REPLY - Problem still persists after disabling all
browser add-ons.
> C) Does the problem persist if you Turn on the Windows Firewall from
Control
> > Panel> Windows Firewall and disable the third-party firewall? REPLY -
Problem persists after disabling third party firewall and enabling Windows
firewall.
> D) Do updates from Microsoft download and install automatically?
REPLY -
> I update her computer whenever the "new updates available" icon appears in
> the toolbar along the bottom. Last Windows update and double check
> verification was approx. Jul 3-5 timeframe. WinXP/SP3 has not been
loaded.
>
> ADD'L Info, 7/16/08…
> - IE, after not loading, will not "close" when the "red X" in upper right
> corner is clicked. The only way to totally close IE is to CNTRL/ALT/DEL
and
> use MS Task Manager to end the (not responding) program.
> - Her laptop & my laptop both operate via wi-fi. I did connect her laptop
> via direct connection to the router…still not able to connect to
internet.
>
> Other suggestions appreciated. Thanks - Ron

> "Don Varnau" wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> > "Still unable to get IE to load."
> >
> > >
> > Does the problem persist if you disable all browser add-ons from IE>
Tools>
> > Manage add-ons?
> > Does the problem persist if you Turn on the Windows Firewall from
Control
> > Panel> Windows Firewall and disable the third-party firewall?
> > Do updates from Microsoft download and install automatically?
> >

> > "RoninFL" <RoninFL DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:F17EF4B7-7925-4CB0-8E6A-AACE0B9632E3@microsoft.com...
> > > WinXP, SP2 installed
> > > IE : Version 6.0.2900.xpsp_sp2qfe070227-2300
> > >
> > > My wife's laptop is a Dell Inspiron E1505; new in July-2006.
> > >
> > > Last week she could access the internet & download e-mail….then
she lost
> > the
> > > ability to connect and download e-mail.
> > >
> > > I have a software program called SystemSuite7 installed and did some
> > > troubleshooting….
> > > - the software has a firewall, virus, malware, etc.
> > > - I did a sweep for malware/virus/bad things…nothing was found.
(note -
> > > without the ability to access the internet, I am unable to run any
outside
> > > computer "sweep" websites)
> > > - I ran a part of SystemSuite7 called "disk fixer" and it reported one
bad
> > > sector on the disk.
> > > - I ran another part of SysSuite7 called SmartDiskCheck which tests
the
> > > disk…also reported a bad sector on the disk.
> > >
> > > I ran disk defrag…after which I was able to use Outlook to
send/receive
> > > e-mail….so she has internet access sort of. Still unable to get
IE to
> > load.
> > >
> > > She is a contract worker at home (her own computer), and cannot
upgrade to
> > > Internet Explorer 7 due to compatibility issues with a major client.
> > >
> > > No other software appears to be affected…only IE-6.0
> > >
> > > A) Should I / can I download a copy of IE-6.0…and reload to
(hopefully)
> > > regain internet access?
> > > or
> > > B) Replace the hard drive and start over ?
> > >
> > > Comments and suggestions appreciated.
> > >
> > > Thanks - Ron

If Spybot Tea Timer is enabled, please disable it until you get this problem
sorted. See http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=32409

NB: If you don't fully understand what Tea Timer does and how it does it,
leave it permanently disabled.

> - Note IE, after not loading, will not "close" when the red X in upper
> right
> corner is clicked. The only way to totally close IE is to CNTRL/ALT/DEL
> and
> use MS task manager to end the not responding program

Until I saw the above (thank you!), I was going to suggest seeing if
uninstalling KB951748 via Add/Remove Programs might resolve the behavior.
But now I'm going to post:

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.

Good luck!


RoninFL wrote:
[reformatted for legibility]
> A) IE can't connect to any website or it can't connect to her webmail
> page?
>
> REPLY - Unable to connect to any website (e.g. MSN.con, google.com,
> yahoo.com). Her Outlook (not Outlook Express) e-mail is able to send &
> receive e-mail… just unable to access the internet. The internet
> provider
> is Verizon FiOS. I could go the START / RUN / cmd and "ping" websites OK.
>
> B) Have you purchased System Suite 7?
>
> REPLY - SystemSuite was purchased
> (valid for 3 computers) and was installed on her laptop & my laptop in
> Feb-2008; been using SystemSuite5/6/7 for at least 5 years without
> complaint. I ran all diagnostic tools contained in SystemSuite7 (I just
> gave the short status in original post)
>
> C) Are any other anti-virus applications installed and loading at boot?
>
> REPLY - The only anti-virus apps that load are the one in SystemSuit7; we
> also use Spybot Serach & Destroy plus AdAware plus SpywareBlaster….all
> current versions and updated & swept every 2 or 3 weeks.
>
> D) Is the machine fully patched at Windows Update (other than SP3)?
>
> REPLY- All Windows updates were current as of Jul 5-2008, except for SP3;
> this
> problem began around July 7-8, 2008. We have not loaded any software in
> the
> past 6-8 weeks (minimum).
>
> ADD'L Info, 7/16/08…
> - Note IE, after not loading, will not "close" when the red X in upper
> right
> corner is clicked. The only way to totally close IE is to CNTRL/ALT/DEL
> and
> use MS task manager to end the not responding program.
> - Her laptop & my laptop both operate via wi-fi. I did connect her laptop
> via direct connection to the router…still not able to connect to internet.
>
> Other suggestions appreciated. Thanks/Ron
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>> ...she lost the ability to connect and download e-mail.
>>
>> IE can't connect to any website or it can't connect to her webmail page?
>>
>> Have you purchased System Suite 7?
>>
>> Are any other anti-virus applications installed and loading at boot?
>>
>> Is the machine fully patched at Windows Update (other than SP3)?
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>
>>
>> RoninFL wrote:
>>> WinXP, SP2 installed
>>> IE : Version 6.0.2900.xpsp_sp2qfe070227-2300
>>>
>>> My wife's laptop is a Dell Inspiron E1505; new in July-2006.
>>>
>>> Last week she could access the internet & download e-mail….then she lost
>>> the
>>> ability to connect and download e-mail.
>>>
>>> I have a software program called SystemSuite7 installed and did some
>>> troubleshooting….
>>> - the software has a firewall, virus, malware, etc.
>>> - I did a sweep for malware/virus/bad things…nothing was found. (note -
>>> without the ability to access the internet, I am unable to run any
>>> outside
>>> computer "sweep" websites)
>>> - I ran a part of SystemSuite7 called "disk fixer" and it reported one
>>> bad
>>> sector on the disk.
>>> - I ran another part of SysSuite7 called SmartDiskCheck which tests the
>>> disk…also reported a bad sector on the disk.
>>>
>>> I ran disk defrag…after which I was able to use Outlook to send/receive
>>> e-mail….so she has internet access sort of. Still unable to get IE to
>>> load.
>>>
>>> She is a contract worker at home (her own computer), and cannot upgrade
>>> to
>>> Internet Explorer 7 due to compatibility issues with a major client.
>>>
>>> No other software appears to be affected…only IE-6.0
>>>
>>> A) Should I / can I download a copy of IE-6.0…and reload to (hopefully)
>>> regain internet access?
>>> or
>>> B) Replace the hard drive and start over ?
>>>
>>> Comments and suggestions appreciated.
>>>
>>> Thanks - Ron

By: Don Varnau In: microsoft.public.windows.inetexplorer.ie6.browser

Don,
We appreciate your continued effort on our behalf.

I noticed on "shutdown" that her computer yields a popup with a message that
"DSAgent.exe is unable to shut down" and I have to click "end now" to close
that program. DSAgent.exe is some sort of Dell Computer software. Before I do
any of the other steps, I will contact Dell and try to determine if their
software (if corrupted) could be causing the problem. I did disable all
add-ons including a Dell browser add-on in IE-6, but disabling had no effect
on the problem.

I have included additional info below.

My proposed course of action….
- contact Dell Support re: DSAgent.exe. (somehow my gut says, maybe, that
Dell will respond that their software could not possibly be causing the
problem).
- then try Toolbar Cop.
- finally, try WinSockXP fix.
- then move onto suggestions from PA Bear about the issues.

Would you agree with that approach?

Any more comments/suggestions are welcome and valued.
Thanks for your help - Ron

"Don Varnau" wrote:

> Hi,
> The "Unable to close IE" problem is nearly always caused by a browser add-on
> or a malware infection.
> See if Toolbar Cop finds an add-on you've overlooked.
> http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
>
> Does IE close properly if you go to Internet Options> Advanced and uncheck
> "Enable third-party browser extensions?"
>
> The no connection problem may be this:
> 942818- Error message after you install a Windows IE7 update:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942818
> Summary: Key IE files have been modified so that the third-party firewall
> prevents IE from connecting to the internet.
>
> Make sure that IE is not being blocked. Uninstalling/reinstalling the
> firewall/security suite may be necessary.
>
> If you haven't already done so, clear the Temporary Internet Files. This may
> help and can't hurt.
>
> Also, you might try Winsock XP Fix from:
> http://www.snapfiles.com/get/winsockxpfix.html
> http://majorgeeks.com/download4372.html
> http://www.download3k.com/Install-WinSock-XP-Fix.html
>
> Don
> [MS MVP- IE]
>
> "RoninFL" <RoninFL.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:F9B07090-9A41-4C66-A0BE-9D13A726628D@microsoft.com...
> > Don...
> > A) Is IE6 not loading/shutting down, or not connecting to the internet?
> > REPLY - IE will not fully load not complete a connection to internet.
> > B) Does the problem persist if you disable all browser add-ons from IE>
> > Tools>
> > > Manage add-ons? REPLY - Problem still persists after disabling all
> browser add-ons.
> > C) Does the problem persist if you Turn on the Windows Firewall from
> Control
> > > Panel> Windows Firewall and disable the third-party firewall? REPLY -
> Problem persists after disabling third party firewall and enabling Windows
> firewall.
> > D) Do updates from Microsoft download and install automatically?
> REPLY -
> > I update her computer whenever the "new updates available" icon appears in
> > the toolbar along the bottom. Last Windows update and double check
> > verification was approx. Jul 3-5 timeframe. WinXP/SP3 has not been
> loaded.
> >
> > ADD'L Info, 7/16/08…
> > - IE, after not loading, will not "close" when the "red X" in upper right
> > corner is clicked. The only way to totally close IE is to CNTRL/ALT/DEL
> and
> > use MS Task Manager to end the (not responding) program.
> > - Her laptop & my laptop both operate via wi-fi. I did connect her laptop
> > via direct connection to the router…still not able to connect to
> internet.
> >
> > Other suggestions appreciated. Thanks - Ron
>
> > "Don Varnau" wrote:
> >
> > > Hi,
> > > "Still unable to get IE to load."
> > >
> > > >
> > > Does the problem persist if you disable all browser add-ons from IE>
> Tools>
> > > Manage add-ons?
> > > Does the problem persist if you Turn on the Windows Firewall from
> Control
> > > Panel> Windows Firewall and disable the third-party firewall?
> > > Do updates from Microsoft download and install automatically?
> > >
>
> > > "RoninFL" <RoninFL.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > > news:F17EF4B7-7925-4CB0-8E6A-AACE0B9632E3@microsoft.com...
> > > > WinXP, SP2 installed
> > > > IE : Version 6.0.2900.xpsp_sp2qfe070227-2300
> > > >
> > > > My wife's laptop is a Dell Inspiron E1505; new in July-2006.
> > > >
> > > > Last week she could access the internet & download e-mail….then
> she lost
> > > the
> > > > ability to connect and download e-mail.
> > > >
> > > > I have a software program called SystemSuite7 installed and did some
> > > > troubleshooting….
> > > > - the software has a firewall, virus, malware, etc.
> > > > - I did a sweep for malware/virus/bad things…nothing was found.
> (note -
> > > > without the ability to access the internet, I am unable to run any
> outside
> > > > computer "sweep" websites)
> > > > - I ran a part of SystemSuite7 called "disk fixer" and it reported one
> bad
> > > > sector on the disk.
> > > > - I ran another part of SysSuite7 called SmartDiskCheck which tests
> the
> > > > disk…also reported a bad sector on the disk.
> > > >
> > > > I ran disk defrag…after which I was able to use Outlook to
> send/receive
> > > > e-mail….so she has internet access sort of. Still unable to get
> IE to
> > > load.
> > > >
> > > > She is a contract worker at home (her own computer), and cannot
> upgrade to
> > > > Internet Explorer 7 due to compatibility issues with a major client.
> > > >
> > > > No other software appears to be affected…only IE-6.0
> > > >
> > > > A) Should I / can I download a copy of IE-6.0…and reload to
> (hopefully)
> > > > regain internet access?
> > > > or
> > > > B) Replace the hard drive and start over ?
> > > >
> > > > Comments and suggestions appreciated.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks - Ron
>
>