O.T computer help!

[Anonymous]

Hi guys

i have just been given a computer built by my dad. He used it for gaming and never connected it to the internet.

I have managed to connect it to my hime network but I am restricted as to what I can access, even windows update has problems. Many everyday websites cannot be accessed and am unable to complete any downloads.

I have tried turning off windows firewal and deleting all web files but no luck!

Anyone have any ideas?


thanks,
jay

 

[Ian]

Check the Windows hosts file that it's empty.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

Also check your DNS settings in your TCP/IP configuration settings. (They should be set to Automatic, obtain from DHCP server)

 

[Anonymous]

just tried to empty the hosts file but when i click on the icon to open it, the computer says it cannot open the file and then asks if i would like the web to search for a program to open it. I clicked ok but it can't find a program to open it!!!

I noticed it had two host files,one that says hosts.old and is 1kb and another that says Imhosts which is 4kb.

With regards to the dns settings, is that set by the router? All other computers on the network have no issues with all websites.

thanks!

 

[Ian]

The HOSTS file you should open with Nopepad

Regarding the DNS settings;

You need to go into Control Panel, find your Network Connections and open it up. Double click your Local Area Connection (Or Wireless Connection if you're on a WiFi), then click Properties on the TCP/IP Settings.

Both Obtain IP address and DNS settings should be set to Automatic.

Is that the case?

 

[Anonymous]

yes they are both set to automatic.

Strange thing re host files. When i open the now using notepad!!!! They both start off saying that they are example host folders or something to that effect and have a whole load of wording about host files....is this normal?

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry! Just done a bit of homework and it is normal!

I have two host files though(as stated above), is that normal?

 

[Anonymous]

It's driving me mad! Any other ideas?

 

[Roberto]

A lot of the time, the simplest thing to do is wipe the HD and re-install from scratch. At least that way you will get a machine that does what you want it to do. Put it this way, if you're having problems now, think of what other problems may surface later on.

If that's not an option, and your hosts file looks ok, you may want to try removing all network settings and start from scratch in that respect.

Rob
Mk.2 Marea Weekend 1.8 16v 115 ELX - Bigger IS better !

 

[Anonymous]

I thought about that but haven't got the xp cd to hand, or any of the drivers. I don't think i can reformat without the cd.

I just assumed it would be something simple as I can access some webpages. IT's tempramental as to whether it allows me to open the boo site.

sometimes it will straight away, others it will pause midstream and go no further regardless of what i try....

 

[Ian]

Roberto is right.

However if your DNS settings and HOSTS file are correct then it seems that you have been infected with some sort of spyware at a sparodic guess.