Firefox and IE Destroyed after virus. Help :(Solved/Closed

Question

Hello everyone, so let me explain how this happened, I got home from work one day and the g/f had accidentally downloaded a trio of trojan worms - Between a combination of msconfig, safe mode, and AVG I was successfully able to nullify the virus, it doesn't run anymore - This I am very confident of. 

The problem is that Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer don't really function anymore, or I don't trust them enough to use them anymore. The problem is difficult to describe, but random elements of certain pages refuse to load. Sometimes entire pages do not load. Any sort've Flash interface seems to not function. It could be javascript also. Running Firefox in safe mode does nothing. 

 I figured a picture might help describe the problem more accurately, currently one of the most busted sites is Penny Arcade. Firefox and Internet Explorer both make the website look like this: 

https://www.afternic.com/forsale/kwix.shackspace.com?utm_source=TDFS_DASLNC&utm_medium=DASLNC&utm_campaign=TDFS_DASLNC&traffic_type=TDFS_DASLNC&traffic_id=daslnc&

I also happen to have Google Chrome installed - and the strange thing is that Chrome works like a charm and was obviously unaffected by these viruses. What I want to know is there anyway of repairing my Firefox and IE back to a stable running condition? I mean - I could just use Chrome now, but i'd rather use the browser I enjoy using. I've already tried reinstalling both of these applications with 0 effect. Could this be caused by some sort've registry edit? Perhaps there is something else I can do to help discover exactly what is wrong with them? Any info you guys can give me on what I might be able to do to fix these two applications would be huge. Thanks. I know that it might not be either of them, there are tons of mini apps that get installed as you browse - things like javascript and flash and I worry that perhaps one of them is busted now, but if thats true then why does Chrome work? 

Again - any help would be huge. Thanks guys.

Shellipe · Accepted Answer

Open IE and go to Tools/Internet Options/Connections/LAN Settings.  I haven't had to do it this way but I'll assume they are the same.  Hope it helps.

lucas231 · Answer

hi,
try this link to get information about complete uninstallation of firefox:
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/uninstall-firefox-from-your-computer?redirectlocale=en-US&redirectslug=Uninstalling+Firefox
try the same with the IE.

Dusty K · Answer

Tried to do a 'full' uninstall of both of them - but the problems still exist. Pages only half load or don't load at all and occassionally I get pushed to a different site.

Ponteley · Answer

Check you DNS servers in TCP/IP settings.
Sounds like DNS hijack.
Make sure it's AUTO if DHCP or correct ones if static.

Shellipe · Answer

I have had the same problem many times.  I was able to remove the virus but repairing the damage, e.g., IE or Firefox will not open.  I tried a host of things, namely, resetting IE but what I found today was that I went to the C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Connection Wizard\Run inetwiz.exe\select Connect Using LAN if you are on a Local Area Network, Check Auto Discovery of proxy server, uncheck manual proxy server if checked.  Skip setting of email (optional).  Hope this helps although you have connectivity, I had none.

Shellipe · Answer

This was my first posting.  I'm excited that your happy!!  I also ran SuperAntiSpyware and Malware Bytes  then adaware to double check. Adaware came up clean.  I then ran Security Task Manager to help identify potential threats.  Also important to check and disable any unnecessary Add ons (IE/tools/manage add ons).

KeanuR · Answer

thank you soooo much Shellipe!! I searched for hours to solve this issue and you were the only one to submit something that worked. My computer had many viruses and spyware on it, after cleaning those off I could not get online on IE. I tried EVERYTHING on other blogs/boards (including many TCP/IP fix software tools) and nothing would work. I even tried mannually reseting my TCI/IP and Winsock in CMD prompt. Once I cleaned off the DL32.exe virus I could not get back online..

Computer is clean now and finally back online..

Thanks again!

Dima · Answer

I'm having the very same problem, but I'm running Windows Vista.  And there doesn't seem to be a Connection Wizard subsection in the Internet Explorer folder.  Any chance there is a different way to reset the proxy settings? Or maybe I have to do something completely different?

Thanks in advance for the help.

MSS · Answer

Yo Shellipe! U Rock!!! I usually do not leave msgs on blogs. But you forced me to it dude... I had the System Security 2009 malware on my system. Took hours to remove it only to find that my browers (IE and Safari) did not work. Your fix has restored my IE brower... Will look for a similar solution for Safari.

Once again thanks a ton!!!

Shellipe · Answer

I am so glad that I could help!   Of course, I had two hands full of hair by the time I finally figured it out.

Merk · Answer

Thank you so much Shellipe and everyone here that posted their problems/solutions. I have had the same issues that everyone else here seems to have had or are having (due to viruses) and spent the past week trying to get our work laptop back online and running smooth. 

 Thankfully enough the laptop is now finally running firefox/chrome/IE again. 

 Again many thanks to you all

 Cheers

 Merk

Please Help · Answer

How do I do it on windows vista? my internet explorer and mozilla both do not open unless I put the computer in safe mode. I tries doing the LAN setting in safe mode but it does not work unless im doing it wrong. When I try to install certain programs in normal mode the computer just just turns off and restarts and goes to the screen where I can put it into to safe mode. Help

Please Help · Answer

and I also used malware which got rid of the virus files I think but it hasnt sorted the fact that I can't open the browsers and that the computers restarts when I try to install certain programs

Spence · Answer

O MY GOODNESSS!!!
Thank you so much for your help Shellipe! I was also running vista have been pulling my hair out for weeks trying to fix my IE. I was just about to give up and shell out hundreds to get someone to come fix it for me.

Thanks again!

derekdsl · Answer

Didn't work for me!! I have IE and Vista,checked all the settings and they are as they should be,but still cannot connect through IE. Firefox works fine though?? Can anyone help? It's driving me MAD!!

Ty · Answer

Hey Shellipe, I did exactly like you said: Go to program files, went under internet explorer, opened connection wizard then hit inetwiz. The window popped up and the black dot was on,"connect using my phone line," so I changed it to "connect using LAN," which I do use, and I hit next. However, it said " You must manually set up your own TCP/IP Protocols, dial up networking connection, modem, ISDN line, or other device you must use to dial out from your computer." I dont know what to do. Any Ideas? By the way I had the same problem as everyone else, got a virus, destroyed it all but not one page will load up for firefox and internet explorer. Thanks for the help.

Ty · Answer

Thanks for the help. My Uncle who is a computer repair guy, said that I need a new Ethernet PCI Card to get it back up and running. I dont know if it will do the trick but if it dosent im gonna come back here and ask you again. haha. Thanks

Ty · Answer

How do I ping the loopback ip address?

Shellpe · Answer

go to the start menu (green Start button)/Run/type Cmd press enter.  When the black cmd box opens, type ping 127.0.0.1.  If you see Reply from 127.0.0.1 that means your ethernet card is transmitting and receiving packets.

Shellipe · Answer

I thought I answered this a long time ago.  Go to start menu, Run type cmd in the run box and when the black DOS screen opens, type ping 127.0.0.1.  If it says reply from 127.0.0.1 then your ethernet card is working fine.

Shellipe · Answer

I thought I answered this a long time ago.  Go to start menu, Run type cmd in the run box and when the black DOS screen opens, type ping 127.0.0.1.  If it says reply from 127.0.0.1 then your ethernet card is working fine.

b@st3rds · Answer

i tried your suggestion and others in other forums but still no joy...
what should I do ?..my IE64 works but the others dont even ym is affected..
it wont connect I did the proxy setting, the winsock, and uninstalling my norton antivirus..
i've been doing this for a week now...
pls help me?...

osdamour · Answer

Hello, 

I have a big big problem. I got a virus I suppose a trojan which I delected. but since that time I can't get to internet throuth firefox and Internet Explorer. Moreover msn messenger doesn't work. When I try to start those application a little window with a message say : "IE stopped working" "firefox stopped working" "msn messenger stopped working". when I start yahoo messenger it works fine but there is no messages when I try to start IE, firefox and msn messenger. google chrome works fine. 

I need your help thanks :)

Configuration: Windows Vista
google chrome

ThatKidThatNeedsHelpWithHisBrowser:) · Answer

I have the same problem, whats happening is that internet explorer and fire fox is not loading any pages and when I startup my computer and open fire fox my anti virus (eset smart security 4) says that it blocked a couple of websites.

Icks · Answer

Thanks, the inetwiz.exe worked for me aswell.

chris · Answer

Shellipe you are awsome.. I spent hours and hours trying to fix my internet connection after an infection with a a nasty Trojan..I almost gave up..then I stumbled upon this site and voila.. you made my day..Thank you SO MUCH...

cc student · Answer

I have a similar problem. I got a trojan on my Acer which runs vista, for a while then it began not allowing me access to the internet through wireless or using my cable. Well so I began manually giving it an IP which worked til it wouldn't allow me to connect at all. I can connect at work using my laptop through either wireless or cable but in my dorm it wont do either. I have used SUPERantispyware, Malwarebytes and Symantec Endpoint Protection to get rid of the virus and Hotebar.com homepage problem but I still cant connect using my schools wireless or cable. I have also tried the suggested solutions which haven't help either. 

Thanks

jystarscream · Answer

Shellipe thank you for your help, saved me hours of work. God bless

greg · Answer

Shellipe you are the greatest. After spending hours removing a virus - IE wouldn't work. Your instructions saved me. Thanks a million

Good for a minute... · Answer

Shellipe,

I had a similar problem to the start of this post, and it seems like your advise worked for me to get reconnected to IE once malwarebytes, superspyware and spywareblaster removed my trojans.  However, now my computer will run well for about 5-15 minutes, then whatever I am running at that moment will freeze, so the only thing I can control is the mouse pointer.  Then if I click the mouse or any keys a few times, the pointer will freeze, and my computer makes a horrible tone like I have a stuck key.  The onl way to make it stop is to turn it off.  I can keep it going in safe mode, which is how I was able to keep it on long enough to run the programs that removed the viruses/spyware.  Any help would realy be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

Zouo · Answer

Hi, I have a Aspire Acer AX1200-U17110 and Im running under windows vista. 
I was hit by the Vista AntiVirus Pro (Didnt say 2009 or 2010) yesterday and I used Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware to get rid of the viruses. But I followed the instructions by going to IE>Tools>Internet Options>Connections>Lan Setting> And my proxy is already unchecked. I still cant go into the net. :( I really need help.  I was told to go to task manager toa see the following files in process tab; 

av2009.exe , antivirus2009.exe, svchast.exe

All 3 of these arent shown since I probably use use Malwarebytes and Superantispyware first. I do not know if there are any more in there. No antivirus was running.

I really need help. Its driving me crazy. I don't know what to do. :(

Galactus · Answer

Bit different one.. but if you want to try then you can..

Go to your Installed IE folder. 
..\Program Files\Internet Explorer 
You will find iexplore.exe

What virus is looking for iexplore.exe and firefox.exe Kill them.
Dont allow the user to open.

Change the file name to any thing like My_Explore.exe. 
Make shortcut of it on your desktop.
Simllarly do the same thing for firefox.
Open IE and Firefox now from this new shortcut.

Bit tidious one.. This solution is the best working solution till date. I know the code of virus but dont know where exactly it attacked. But I know what it is really doing to the process.

DannyG · Answer

Don't know how relevant this is but I thought I had a problem when my firefox browser wouldn't open.  What I did:

I right clicked on my firfox icon shortcut to open up properties.

Under the Shortcut tab I have:
-start in:
-shortcut key:
-Run  
-comments:

Under 'Run,'  it has 3 options I chose maximise...Bingo!  Try it before u do anything else elaborate.

SHELLPE"SGROUPIE · Answer

I WANT TO HAVE SHELLPE'S BABIES!!! REAL MEAN HOLD DOWN SHIFT!

Bindy · Answer

Hi Y'all
This was a real headache for me trying to fix my mates laptop after he D/L the system security 2010 virus/ Malware.
Once rid of the virus, using spyware doctor, I could not get any browser connection although it was conected and updating etc, they would be fine in safe mode too.
Eventually I just wanted rid of Anything NORTON on it, so had to D/L their removal tool, ran that removed all Noton Rot and now hey presto, all browsers are fine.
WARNING: If you use anything Norton you must be raving insane, Steer well clear or face the consequences. It is itself a legal virus.
Use Microsofts FREE AV, or if you aren't rich enough to be able to afford a legit copy of Windows, use AVG Free, or Avasts Free AV
Bindy

shellipe · Answer

I appreciate all of the wonderful comments but after shellpe'sgroupie, I hate to dissappoint you but  I'm 100% girl.  Don't know why everyone assumed I was a man.  That one made me laugh though.  Luv ya all!

cmhdz · Answer

Hey guys,

I've been reading this forum and it's really helpful, but I have a somewhat different problem (maybe it isn't different?). I'm not that great with computers. Google Chrome and Mozilla stopped working after I uninstalled Norton 360 v 2.0...my computer got infected with trojans and what not afterwards. I used Vipre to get rid of the trojans and malware. Like you all, only IE works, and the others don't. The only thing is, I made the mistake of unistalling mozilla and google chrome, thinking that I could reinstall it. Now I can't download google chrome or mozilla from IE, it's not letting me. I also tried downloading a Norton removal tool thinking that I didn't remove it entirely or properly, but even IE didn't let me download the tool. I tried changing the proxy settings and what not, we're just stumped here. Any help would be really appreciated!

kiran · Answer

hi friend,
          I faced a similar problem like u,after effecting from viruses,,they mal functioned some of the functionalities in the system,,,,its better to format the system,,,,

Jaxy · Answer

Hi Shellpe

Nice to hear that you are a woman,  I hope whoever has employed you is paying you  mega bucks. After reading all the posts I also had to write for help.  I just got home booted up my laptop went to the internet only to find that Mozilla firefox could not connect to the proxy server.  I went into tools/options/network/settings and the radio button was on system detect so I changed it to auto detect did I do the right thing or have I got a virus somewhere lurkingto strike back at me?  Also my laptop screen comes on very rarely usually it just has a blank white screen can you help a fellow female here?

Ed in Pgh · Answer

Hey thanks after booting in safe mode and using regedit @ command lines and deleting numerous AVSoft folder and even HKEY's ----- I still could not get Firefox (& seldom used IE) load, but Outlook would connect.  Running Godzilla Fix seemed to do the job for both browsers.

leomartintsa · Answer

** I got my issue solved **
 
I had the same issue and I have solved my problem with help of this below article, hopefully this will help for you.
Click here
http://www.techsupportall.com/file-contained-a-virus-and-was-deleted/

Firefox and IE Destroyed after virus. Help :(

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