I cannot surf the net or use search engines. I can use Ebay but not links. I am online.

Troubleshooting Web Browsing Problems

There are several possible causes that could be responsible for your web browsing issues - including Internet connectivity, malware or outdated software. We can go through some of these troubleshooting options and hopefully solve your problem.

Update your Web Browser

Since you think that your connection is ok and that you are online - especially since your browser is working a bit, at least for eBay - let's start with your web browser. The program that you use to surf the Internet is at its best when the software is up to date. The first thing to do is visit the web page for your web browser. This should be possible without a browser as long as you can enter an address directly into the URL address bar. If you are using a Windows operating system, you are most likely using Internet Explorer. The most recent release of IE is 8. To get to the IE 8 page, try this link - if you can't use it, type this into your address bar: http://www.microsoft.com/nz/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx then click to download the latest version. This might not resolve the issue by itself, but is a step in the right direction.

Update and Run Malware and Virus Scans

Another important update is to your antivirus and malware program. Make sure that whatever scans you use are up to date with the latest definitions then run full scans until they come back clean. If there is anything interfering with your web browsing, this should take care of it.

Reset Host Files

There might have been an alteration to a host file that stops you from accessing some web sites. The exact fix for this problem varies for different operating systems so I can't outline the exact steps without knowing more about your system. Instead, here is the URL for the Microsoft support page that has the various instructions: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972034

Delete Temporary Internet Files

You might be having a glitch with some of your frequently visited sites  - delete any cached files and temporary Internet files.

1.    Close all your open windows and quit all your open programs - Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer

2.    Click the Start button, then Control Panel

3.    Double click Internet Options

4.    Under the General tab, and under Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Files

5.    In the Delete Files box, click to check the Delete All Content box

6.    Click OK, then OK again

I hope that some combination of these tips resolves your issue - if not, please write again and we can take it from there. Good luck.

Kate Dubensky | March 1st, 2010
Tags: IE8, internet browsing error, internet explorer 8
Categories: Web Browsers

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