Search Engines

[PhilD]

I am unable to access any search engines (Google, Lycos, Yahoo etc) from my PC. I don't have a problem on my laptop with the same internet connection. Could I have I changed any settings without realising?

[j2buttonsw]

Have you got this trojan? http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc
/data/trojan.qhosts.html

[PhilD]

I have tried that, thanks, and it has removed the trojan but now I have to reset the DNS settings. Anybody know how?

[j2buttonsw]

I would delete the hosts file (not stictly DNS, I know, but the computer uses the host files (and indeed the lmhosts file) before making a DNS request). It is either C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc or c:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc or C:\windows\hosts When you reboot, Windows will cretate a new default one. The other DNS info is in your dialup TCP/IP properties. You should get all DNS info remotely (ie from your ISP) but this trojan may have put some static addresses in. To check: (for Windows 2000/XP) right click My Network Places > properties > right click the internet dial up > properties > highlight TCP/IP > properties > both IP address and DNS address should be automatic > advanced > ensure there are no DNS servers in place under DNS tab. For Windows 98: right click Network Neigborhood > properties > highlight TCP/IP for the dialup adapter > properties > ensure IP address is automatic > advanced > ensure there are no settings in DNS tab. If you use a LAN to connect to the internet you should also pickup the host and DNS IP addresses automatically.

[PhilD]

Thanks again j2buttonsw. I've tried all that and now I can get onto Lycos and Ask Jeeves but still no Google or search from the MSN homepage.

[j2buttonsw]

Are you sure you are completely virus free?