[SOLVED] Won't Connect to Internet

[Vicenarian]

Windows 7 Home Premium x64
McAfee Internet Security

Symptoms: Getting "This page can't be displayed" (IE 10) or "This webpage is not available" in Google Chrome

What I've done so far:

Windows:
- netsh winsock reset catalog
- netsh int ip reset
- netsh advfirewall reset
- Checked HOSTS file, clean
- Ipconfig /flushdns
- I can ping Google by hostname AND IP fine;
- Uninstalled McAfee Internet Security. Also ran Norton Removal Tool, and F-Secure removal tool (possiblity F-Secure was on previously, but customer isn't sure)
- Safe mode with networking, same problem
- Different wifi network, same problem
- Currently running SFC scan; EDIT: Didn't find any problems
- Ran preliminary malware scan, but it wasn't very thorough; will run more malware tests when I have a chance in shop
- System restore; haven't tried this yet.

Just wondering if anyone else can think of anything I might have missed...usually running the Norton/etc. removal tools works, and/or resetting winsock/IP/firewall, but that hasn't worked this time.

Edit: I'm guessing maybe re-installing Internet Explorer wouldn't hurt? Doesn't take too long to do...might give that a shot.

 

[wavey]

Live disk?

 

[drjones]

Uninstall the LAN driver, reboot, let the PC automatically reinstall it.

Do not delete the driver when asked.

See if that works, if not, perhaps check if there is an update available.

If that doesn't work / no update, uninstall & delete the driver, then reinstall it from scratch.

Also check to ensure the proper vendor/driver is actually installed; I've seen RealTek drivers installed on Intel LANs, Atheros, etc.

Run HWInfo to get exact specs on the system.

Try a new / known good network cable? Plug it into the exact same port as another PC that can get internet?

Barring that, I'd say wipe & reinstall windows...

EDIT: The D7 tool has a pretty comprehensive "Network Repair" option that I think runs even more repair options than you've already done. If you haven't already invested in it, D7 is priceless.

That option on D7 fixed a similar issue for me once before.

 

[smashedbotatos]

To me, it sounds like a possible rootkit. Maybe partially removed, but still active enough to stop the browsers.

Open cmd and try to ping some internal and external devices.

Check the drivers just to be sure.

Keep scanning. Hijackthis, TDSS, Hitman.pro.

Try a live linux disk to check LAN.

 

[NYJimbo]

I didn't notice a "reset AND restore" Internet Options

Hit it with the trinity (adwcleaner, jrt, roguekiller)

Without more malware scans I think you are working too hard right now.

 

[coffee]

Before you go and do anything more, Check the extensions installed in chrome and turn them all off. See if you still have issues.

coffee

 

[Markverhyden]

He said he is able to ping external FQDN and IP's. So my guess is some kind of malware related thing or just a hosed Windoze installation. Over the years I've seen situations where CLI works fine but browsers do not. So when I run into that situation I'll run the usual tools, MBAM, CCC, KRD, etc, etc. If no love then it's a bare metal.

The interesting thing is I have never run into that situation with Apple's OS's or Linux. Meaning that if a browser fails connecting performing the basic network repairs and/or browser re-installs always works.

 

[drjones]

To me, it sounds like a possible rootkit. Maybe partially removed, but still active enough to stop the browsers.

Open cmd and try to ping some internal and external devices.

Check the drivers just to be sure.

Keep scanning. Hijackthis, TDSS, Hitman.pro.

Try a live linux disk to check LAN.

I agree you should try a couple more tools; rkill, MBAM, etc. Viruses/adware can & will block internet. Check IE proxy settings too.

 

[Vicenarian]

mbam = no malware (just 2 PUPs)
tdss = no malware
hitman = won't connect to internet, so can't scan? (never used hitman before)

Looks like a windows repair is probably the best option?

 

[NYJimbo]

Looks like a windows repair is probably the best option?

I think you're giving up a little early.

 

[coffee]

Just found this:

Start chrome manually and add -no-sandbox to the command line.

http://chromespot.com/forum/google-chrome-troubleshooting/3508-chrome-wont-load-any-web-pages.html

see if it works ...

coffee

 

[smashedbotatos]

mbam = no malware (just 2 PUPs)
tdss = no malware
hitman = won't connect to internet, so can't scan? (never used hitman before)

Looks like a windows repair is probably the best option?

Stupid question, but are you scanning with in Windows on the possibly infected machine? If you are try scanning in safemode, as a slave on another pc, or a rescue disk. Scanning with in a possibly infected Windows environment won't always work. In fact I doubt it would be successful at all.

 

[Markverhyden]

And to add to the above try Kaspersky Rescue Disk.

 

[Vicenarian]

Well guess what, it's fixed!

Uninstalled IE10 (which is listed as a Windows update), booted it back up, and it works.



Edit: I also tried uninstalling the wireless driver as suggested, but that didn't work this particular time.

 

[drjones]

Well guess what, it's fixed!

Uninstalled IE10 (which is listed as a Windows update), booted it back up, and it works.



Edit: I also tried uninstalling the wireless driver as suggested, but that didn't work this particular time.

I swear, forget Win8 - IE 10 & 11 are both such enormous pieces of crap, MS deserves to go out of business just for those two "products"....they have caused me & my clients endless headaches.

 

[Xander]

Can we all agree that the opening post on this thread is an excellent example of how any of us should be posting help-me topics?

 

[Markverhyden]

Can we all agree that the opening post on this thread is an excellent example of how any of us should be posting help-me topics?

I second that. That was an excellent opening to the thread. Is there a sticky somewhere that posts like that can be listed? In fact maybe have two stickies. The correct way and the incorrect way.

 

[drjones]

What, you guys don't like deciphering / ignoring / mocking the "OMG HALP ME MY CONPUTR WN"T TURN ON!" threads?

 

[drjones]

Wow...what a coincidence...my last call of the day here is for a client with the exact same issue; PC won't get online. Win7 Home, fairly clean install & good shape overall.

Before I tried anything else (well, I checked the basics like it can ping 8.8.8.8) I removed IE10, rebooted and......internetz works!

Thanks for this thread, I never would have though uninstalling IE10 would fix this problem.

 

[Markverhyden]

What, you guys don't like deciphering / ignoring / mocking the "OMG HALP ME MY CONPUTR WN"T TURN ON!" threads?

Hey I know how to fix the computer coffee cup hold thing!