BleepingComputer.com: IE 6 "cant find server" --- any server.

I have two identical Compaq SR1315CL computers running Windows XP. Both computers are connected to a Motorola cable modem through a Linksys Model NR041 four port router with firewall. Lan connections are hardwired. Both computers were working OK until a few days ago when one started giving "can't find server" message in IE 6 (w/sp2 and 128 bit encryption.) When I ping the router LAN IP, I get a return. When I ping the WAN IP, I also successfully get a return. But if I ping a web URL, it can't find the server. All settings on the two machines appear to be the same. Had a previous incident with the problem computer due to the "internet optimizer" hijacker. I seem to have eliminated it with spysweeper. Also had a problem with this computer the end of the first week we had it because it would stop booting up (had to use "restore".

PLEASE, anyone who might have an idea as to what the problem is, or where it is, or, how I might fix it, I and my autistic daughter would be most grateful. I used to be a bit of a computer geek back in the days of DOS, but this windows stuff is beyond me. So much for the prediction that computers would become more simpler to use. If additional info is needed just let me know cause I'm not even sure shat I should provide.

Have you cleared your Cookies and Temp files, lately?

IE / Tools / Internet Options
Click Delete Cookies / OK
Click Delete Files / put a check in "Delete All Offline Content" / OK

Are you using these basic security programs?
(They're all free.)

a² free - a complementary product to antivirus software which is specialized in protection against harmful software. Antivirus software often features an inadequate protection against Trojans, Dialers and Spyware. a² fills this gap.
Ad-Aware - A good program similar to SpyBot S & D.
Spybot S&D - Detects and removes spyware, of different types, from your computer.
SpywareBlaster - A good program that prevents spyware from being installed on your computer in the first place. This program is always running in the background, protecting your computer. It prevents the installation of bad active X controls found in web pages.
SpywareGuard - A nice compliment to SpywareBlaster. This allows you the option to prevent downloads that contain bad active X controls.

If not, you need to. These programs, updated and used regularly, will do a lot to keep your computer clean of spyware, trojans, keyloggers, browser hijackers, etc...

Download them, update them, and then run them.

Important:
Please read this tutorial on Spybot S&D before using it. Spybot can do SERIOUS damage, if not used properly.

Hi fastflame, I just happened to see that you had replied to another poster who seems to be having the same problem that you are having.

I was just wondering, have you taken any of the steps that tq1911 laid out for you yet?

Wendy

Yes, I did clear the cookies and the temp files suggested by tg1911, including the offline check box. But that didn't help. I will be downloading the suggested protection software, but won't get it installed probably until tonight. Will have to down load from my work computer. Fortunately, my daughter is at camp this week, so Hope to have her internet working by the time she gets back Friday evening. Unfortuantely, my wife also decided we should paint her room while she's gone, so that wipes out some of my spare time.

I tried ping a few reliable web sites from my son's computer (which is also on the router) and it would say it couldn't find the server, yet his connection is working and I can surf the net from his machine. I do remember vaguely that just before it stoped working, the computer gave me a warning message something about an unidentified module (or something similar) wanting to be installed and requested permission. It gave the recommendation of permitting it, but I clicked no, not being sure what it was and already becoming paranoid about such stuff. Unfortunately, I don't recall the details because I wasn't paying close attention. So I don't know if that had anything to do with it.

OK, heres the latest. Perhaps somewone who understands the DNS stuff can help. My son's computer works fine and I've been able to ping web URLs and get a return with the site numeric IP address. (for some reason it wouldn't do that the other night) If I type these numeric IP adresses into the IE6 address box on my daughter's computer I can get to the web site, but if I type in the URL, it cant find the server. Is there a good source for educating old x-nerds like myself (a.k.a. DOS dinosaurs) on how this IP/DNS stuff is supposed to work or what may be wrong with my daughter's system? Is it a problem with IE6?...with XP?...the registry??? Is there a web site that provides the IP or performs the translation from URL to IP? As best as I can tell, the settings on both machines are the same.