BleepingComputer.com: Can't Get To Windows Update Site Or Add/remove Programs

I have been working with folks on another forum to help me remove some spyware. I have successfully done that but one of the recommendations to keep from getting infected again.
The problem is when I go online to try to get windows update, the session freezes. I am not able to even go to the update page and see what's missing.
Any suggestions?

Mod Edit: ~Edited Topic Descriptor~ TMacK

This post has been edited by TMacK: 08 October 2007 - 12:58 AM

Hi littlewhat,

Sometimes your Internet connectivity will get corrupted after the removal of Malware components or removed registry entries.

Try resetting the IP address:
Go to Start/ Run and type: cmd
Press Okay or Hit Enter. A dos Window will appear.
At the commmand prompt type or copy/paste:: ipconfig /release
Hit Enter.
When the prompt comes back, type: ipconfig /renew
Hit Enter.
Close the command box and and see if that fixes the connection. No reboot needed.

If not and your using Windows XP SP2, log on as an administrator.
Go to Start/ Run and type: cmd
Press Okay or Hit Enter. A dos Window will appear.
At the command prompt, type or copy/paste: netsh winsock reset
Hit Enter.
When the program is finished, you will receive the message: "Successfully reset the Winsock Catalog. You must restart the machine in order to complete the reset."
Close the command box and reboot your computer.

Go to Start/ Run/ type: cmd
Press Okay or Hit Enter.
At the command prompt, type or copy/paste: ipconfig /flushdns
Hit Enter.
Close the command box.

Then go to Start/ Control Panel, and choose Network Connections.
Right click on your default connection, usually Local Area Connection or Dial-up Connection if you are using Dial-up, and and choose Properties.
Double-click on the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) item.
Select the radio button that says "Obtain DNS servers automatically".
Click OK twice to get out of the properties screen and restart your computer.

CAUTION: It is possible that your Internet Service Provider requires specific settings here. Make sure you know if you need specific DNS settings here or not before you make these changes or you may lose your internet connection. If you are sure you do not need a specific DNS address, you may proceed.

If you continue to connectivity problems, download and run Winsock XP Fix.
Be sure to print out and follow the instructions provided in the Winsock Repair Tutorial.

Thanks for your quick reply.
As part of my fixing the malware/spyware problem, I also changed ISPs. I went from a dial up to cable (Comcast).
I know they had to do some juggling with the IP addess when they installed. Will the release/renew cause any problems in what they have set up?
Also, I am runnning W2k, so the XP fixes won't apply.
Thanks again.

Also the ability to add/remove program has gone away except in Safe mode.
Are these problems related?

To get your Internet connectivity problem solved, try the IE Fix Utility.

I tried the IE Fix utility. It executed fine and stated it was finished. No difference. I also tried reloading IE6 and still the same problems.

Is the Windows update site the only site you cannot access?

Neither the Windows nor the Microsoft update windows do anything but open an empty window. I have to use the task manager to kill it off. I haven't noticed any others that I can't get to. I am able to get to the Microsoft home page, but even trying to load the update page from there causes the same problem. The only other odd thing is not being able to run the add/remove program from the control panel unless I boot into safe mode. (Not sure if these two problems are related or not.)

The Add/Remove Programs issue is a Registry error.
Follow the instructions in this Micro$oft artcle: Windows 2000 Add/Remove Programs Tool Does Not Open

One other item to try for your internet connection problem is the LSP Fix.

I performed the registry correction resolution but still no change. I ran the recommended regsvr32 and got the OK each time. Then I reboot and tried again, but still the same. The window will open and then nothing else.

As for the LSP fix, when I ran it there were no problems found. (apparently this is not a straight forward problem.)

Am starting to wonder if the connectivity issue may be a problem with your ISP's recent setup.

First, can you try the steps in this topic called Can't Access Secure Sites.

I have gone thru all the steps in that topic. I even downloaded SP4 which claims to have loaded properly (and I verified from the control panel). Still can't access the Windows update.
I wasn't able to verify Norton uninstall since I still can't get to the add/remove panel.
Any other ideas?

I verified that I do not have Norton installed by running the add/remove tool from safe mode.
After rebooting, still the same problems.
Unable to run the add/remove tool and unable to do a Windows update.
I would appreciate any other ideas.
Thanks.

Let's completely remove the bits and pieces left over from Norton.
Please download and run the Norton Removal Tool: Norton Removal Tool.
Follow the instructions in that link.

Next, please download DAFT, a File Association Checker.
http://www.techsupportforum.com/sectools/Deckard/daft.exe
Download the file to your desktop then double click it.
If anything shows up, save the log and post it in your next reply.

This post has been edited by TMacK: 15 October 2007 - 12:50 PM
Reason for edit: Add Info...

Sorry it took so long to reply. I wasn't able to download the Norton removal tool from my computer (it just ignored by clicks to download) so I downloaded it at work.
I ran the removal tool, reboot and then ran Daft. There were no problems found.
Then I tried to use the windows update (from the start menu) and it started a new window but then just sat there. I couldn't cancel it and had to use the task manager to stop it.

Let me know what I should try next. Thanks for your help.