Computer expertise needed, Please

[arcadecab]

This is not directly related to MAME or software, but thought I would try here given the high level of  computer aptitude on the forums.  For some unknown reason, perhaps I downloaded something that caused a problem (for instance Java runtime environment), I am unable to get any hotlinks to open with internet explorer.  I can use the internet just fine, but when I click on a link or shortcut, as is often used in the forms to go someplace, the window pops up but stays blank and doesnt find the link or any link that I try.  Everything else works fine and no other know problems on the computer.  Somehow something got switched with internet explorer and I cant figure out how to change it.  For now, I cant open any links that are posted on the forums or elsewhere.  I tried reinstalling windows, but no avail.  Not sure where to even head.  Anyone else had this problem or have any idea what to try.  Sorry if this is not the place for this question, but need help as I cant access any links posted on the forums which I like to do.  Any help/suggestions would be great.
Thanks.

[Jakobud]

This problem still exists AFTER reinstalling Windows???  Did you try wiping your HDD before the install?

[JoyMonkey]

This happened to me before and was the final straw that made me switch to Netscape instead of Internet Explorer. Now I'm using Mozilla Firebird, its a 6MB download from http://www.mozilla.org/products/firebird/

[Howard_Casto]

Ewwe, a non-microsoft browser, in this day and age... so primitave.  

Anyway switching to another browser is not a solution as ie is used by windows for a lot of stuff besides webbrowsing.  When it goes bad then you've been screwed out of a lot of other features.  

The first thing you need to check for are trojans and viri. Many of them change the default webpage of ie and redirect link calls through their own software, thus causing invalid pages.  The second thing you need to do is check your program access and defaults (if your in xp)  and make sure internet browsing is set to ie.  If that doesn't work google "removing internet explorer" and you'll find special, third-party utilities that'll remove it completely, somthing an overinstall will not do. (overinstalling windows over an old copy almost NEVER fixes anything... if you reinstall you need to format first)  Then restart, go to windows update and it'll see that ie is missing and you can install a fresh new copy.  

[Spaced Invader]

Umm...Howards right.  

Here's my complimentary usefull link...

http://www.spychecker.com/

Of course you will probably have to cut and paste...Good luck!  

[shmokes]

the plural of virus is viruses

Also, I recommend Spybot: Search and Destroy.  It is awesome.  And it's free.  You can download it from Cnet  www.downloads.com.

[pmc]

Another thought....  check to see if you have a pop-up blocker installed -- they can sometimes lead to empty windows or links that don't work. This message board pops up a fresh window when you click on a link. Some software can become confused and think it's a pop-up so they kill the content.

Also consider checking out Lavasoft's Ad-Aware to remove spyware.

[Howard_Casto]

the plural of virus is viruses

nope the plural is virii, unless your a barbarian or something

[SpamMe]

the plural of virus is viruses

nope the plural is virii, unless your a barbarian or something

http://www.perl.com/language/misc/virus.html

[shmokes]

That's funny.  I would have just pointed to the nearest dictionary.  That provides a much better explanation.  

[Spaced Invader]

Barbarians of the world Untie!

...Ok I'm done now...all out of my system.