PLEASE HELP! IE PROBLEMS!

[lilbabimac]

Hey guys. I'm having a real bad time trying to figure out what is wrong with my internet explorer. I'm running on windows xp pro with sp1 and recently i've had some problems with my IE. Recently my anti-virus program Avast pro edition picked up on IE hijacking. It told me to move the files c:\windows\system32\msls31.dll, c:\windows\system32\dllcache\msls31.dll, and c:\windows\system32\shdoclc.dll into the quarantine chest. After moving those files, my internet explorer isn't working. To be more clear, it loads but nothing shows up. For example, if i go to www.cnet.com, only the yellow background shows up but nothing else does. So it is either blank or has a colored background. Can anyone help me??


follow up: i tried repairing the system files through the windows xp cd but i get an error saying "setup cannot copy the file msls31.dll" i'm not sure what that file is for but i'm thinking that it has something to do with internet explorer and the problem i am having.

 

[mechBgon]

Is simply nuking the Windows installation and starting over an option?

 

[lilbabimac]

haha no...i have way too many stuff to lose and i don't have a dvdrw.

 

[mechBgon]

Ok, and what are you using for a firewall (hardware and/or software firewall)? Are there any computers sharing your Internet connection through a router (wired or wireless)? What is the name of the threat that AVAST is detecting?

 

[lilbabimac]

i am using sygate pro edition for a firewall and my router also has a firewall. there are 4 computers connected through the wireless router but we are not networked. the threat avast said was sign of "IFrame Exploit" found in the drivers i listed in my original post.

 

[Monkey muppet]

A couple of options as hijacks can be a pain to get rid of.

1: Reformat
2: Get SP2 with the new security updates for IE
3: Use firefox
4: SOmething else, but brain isn't worknig

 

[lilbabimac]

thanks for the suggestion...but yeah i think i'm just going to reformat my computer...i think it'll be the best way to go

 

[muppet]

no need to do any of the above
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html

 

[artikk]

Originally posted by: muppet
no need to do any of the above
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html

restore your winsocks or just install firefox.The favorites can bne transferred form Internet Explorer. In the long run using firfox will mean safety from hackers and spyware/viruses. It also has a pop up -blocker. I'm using. no patches, no hassles nothing.:thumbsup:

 

[mechBgon]

the threat avast said was sign of "IFrame Exploit" found in the drivers i listed in my original post.

You should keep your computer patched.

there are 4 computers connected through the wireless router but we are not networked

Smart of you to run a software firewall in addition to the router, then. If any of the other machines catches a worm, it's coming looking for your machine next.

When you rebuild, can I suggest following the steps and the ongoing-prevention measures I cooked up on this page. You want your defenses in place and your weaknesses fixed before the computer ever sees a network/internet connection.

In the long run using firfox will mean safety from hackers and spyware/viruses.

If you really believe that, then I don't know what to say, guy. Firefox isn't an antivirus program, it isn't a firewall program, it isn't an anti-intrusion program, and it isn't doing anyone any favors when you go spouting this kind of misinformation.

 

[montag451]

to the original question,

try using default settings.

Mechbgon is completely correct [as usual] about firefox. it is a browser, safer than ie , but still is not secure.

try running trojanhunter in safe mode, as well as your usual av/antispyware