This has never happened to me before, but for the past four days I have been unable to access the internet through Internet Explorer on my desktop. I thought at first it must be a problem with my cable modem, but I can still access the internet through AOL (which I am doing right now). I much prefer using Internet Explorer for many reasons that I don’t need to get into now. Can anyone explain what has gone wrong? Much thanks.
What errors did you get? Can you launch it at all? Details will be appreciated.
What version of Windows and IE are we talking about? Have you installed any other software lately?
Sorry for the lack of specificity. I am running Windows 98. No I haven’t added any software programs lately. It doesn’t give me an error message. Instead, it says that it is connecting to my ISP#, but the connection never takes place.
It sounds like IE may be trying to dial an old modem connection. Go to Tools|Internet Options|Connections and select Never dial a connection. Also click the LAN Settings button in the lower-right and make sure that none of the boxes are checked. Hit OK twice, close IE, and go back in.
These instructions pertain to IE 5 or higher.
If you’re making the connection to your ISP’s servers but are unable to view web pages (i.e. you get a “Page Cannot Be Displayed” error when you open IE) it’s most likely a DNS problem–Windows isn’t picking up your ISP’s name server addresses.
Check out the Microsoft KB articleQ293402 for more help.
Number, you are the MAN!!!
I followed your easy-to-understand instructions, and voila, I am back on Internet Explorer. thanks to everyone for their help, and thank you Straight Dope for providing such a useful forum.
No problem. Welcome to the boards. 