asked on

dns error - cannot display the webpage

all of a sudden my wife's pc cannot reach the internet. it logs into our home network just fine and can see other computers in the network, I can ping sites outside and even reach some with their IP address but cannot seem to resolve the dns error. I am running XP sp3, IE Explorer 7, or Firefox - neither work. I have all settings set exactly the same as other computers on my network - auto find etc. I have tried a winsock repair fix and still nothing seems to work. Help? Thanks

TVT_BILGISAYAR_4448884

1 try start>run>ipconfig /flushdns (type and press enter
2 internet explore>tools>internet options>connections>Lan Settings>remove all checks
3 scan computer for spy programs with spybot s&d
4 enter properties of your lan connection then enter properties of TCP/IP and check automatic ip and dns

Ghoti_AZ

You can see if indeed it is a DNS issue by manually assigning your DNS server. You can add a server by typing the following command at a Command Prompt (with an eye to "Local Area Connection" being the actual name of the connection the computer is getting to the internet with):

netsh interface ip add dns "Local Area Connection" 208.67.222.222

Open in new window

rpggamergirl

Did she install any new programs before this started?
IE's addons could also be causing this, try disabling them also. Does this also happen in safe mode?

Also try running MalwareBytes incase some malware is present in the system. Using another pc to download the file into a USB drive.
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
And also scan with Hijackthis and show us the logfile.
Hijackthis:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
Open Hijackthis, click "Do a system scan and save a logfile" don't fix anything yet.
Paste the log in the "Code Snippet" or "Attach File" window.

war1

1. Check if antispyware, antivirus, or firewall is blocking the website. Disable these programs one by one.Hello blkswan,
If you are using AVG antivirus program, go here
http://www.avg.com/faq

and search for FAQ # 1561

2. Clear your DNS cache. Go to Start > Run and type CMD
and hit OK.
At the command prompt, type ipconfig /flushDNS
and hit OK.

3. Clear your cache. Go to Tools > Internet Options > General tab. Under Temporary Internet Files, click "Delete Files" button. Also click "Delete Cookies" button. Click OK.

4. Reset the Maximum Transmission Unit in the registry
http://www.pctools.com/guides/registry/detail/280/

5. If no joy, check if your PC is blocking the site. Do a search for HOSTS file and open it with an editor like Notepad. Delete any line that has the blocked site in it.

HOSTS file is located in
Windows XP = C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
Windows 2K = C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
Win 98/ME = C:\WINDOWS

It is a hidden file. Go to any folder and select Tools > Folders Options > View. Check "Show hidden files and folders". Click OK.

Hope this helps!
war1

blkswan

ASKER

thanks for the help but I tried them all.
Removed Spyware program after 1st scanning with it
Removed Norton anti-virus after first scanning with it
Flushed DNS as requested
connected computer directly to cable modem- bypassing airport router
deleted cookies, although firefox doesn't work either so not sure that would make a difference anyway
reviewed hosts file - only thing showing is localhost 127.0.0.1 - I can't come up with anything by typing that ip in my browser, should I?
message I get quickly at the bottom of the loading page and can read by hovering on Diagnose Connection Problem reads "res://ieframe.dll/dnserror.htm#
I am at a total loss as to what to try next

Ghoti_AZ

Have you double-checked that your DNS Server settings are correct?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

blkswan

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

war1

blkswan, you should delete the question. Accepting a non-answer is not good for the next person looking for a solution. You still get your points back.