Discussion:
Page Cannot Be Displayed
(too old to reply)
HPS Admin
2008-09-16 10:56:01 UTC
Permalink
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's are not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without the same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd expect all
PC's to suffer the same issue.

Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3

Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
PA Bear [MS MVP]
2008-09-16 15:26:53 UTC
Permalink
What anti-virus application or security suite is installed on these
machines? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What
third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications running in
the background when WinXP SP3 was installed?

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are
complaining about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring
for websites they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same
issues,
even when trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few
times or clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2
PC's are not experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day
without the same errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting,
so I don't think it has anything to do with our proxy service or network
setup as I'd expect all PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
HPS Admin
2008-09-19 11:12:00 UTC
Permalink
McAfree VirusScan Enterprise (mix of v7, v8 and v8.5).

No Anti-Spyware or Firewall enabled on PC's during SP3 install and AntiVirus
switch off as recommended in release notes.

Also appear to have had some IE security settings altered by SP3 as our
Auditing Software was complaining about CSS Stylesheets, Cookies or
JavaScript switched off, so had to reset to Medium level to get this going
again. I did not have time to find out which settings had been altered -
anyone know what settings get tightened up by SP3?
Post by PA Bear [MS MVP]
What anti-virus application or security suite is installed on these
machines? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What
third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications running in
the background when WinXP SP3 was installed?
PA Bear [MS MVP]
2008-09-19 16:58:51 UTC
Permalink
To keep track of things, it helps immensely if you include all of previous
message(s) in your replies to the newsgroup. Thank you.
Post by HPS Admin
anyone know what settings get tightened up by SP3?
AFAIK, installing WinXP SP3 should not have affected any of those settings.

=> Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

=> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
--
~PA Bear
Post by HPS Admin
McAfree VirusScan Enterprise (mix of v7, v8 and v8.5).
No Anti-Spyware or Firewall enabled on PC's during SP3 install and AntiVirus
switch off as recommended in release notes.
Also appear to have had some IE security settings altered by SP3 as our
Auditing Software was complaining about CSS Stylesheets, Cookies or
JavaScript switched off, so had to reset to Medium level to get this going
again. I did not have time to find out which settings had been altered -
anyone know what settings get tightened up by SP3?
<paste>
Post by HPS Admin
What anti-virus application or security suite is installed on these
machines? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What
third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications running in
the background when WinXP SP3 was installed?
WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are
complaining about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring
for websites they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same
issues,
even when trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few
times or clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2
PC's are not experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day
without the same errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting,
so I don't think it has anything to do with our proxy service or network
setup as I'd expect all PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
karatche
2008-11-02 22:59:01 UTC
Permalink
I have the same issue- just since my os updated itself the other night. Now I
have trouble when trying to open multiple IE windows. I refrained from
installing IE7 on this machine because as I tried IE 7 last year I found it
to run slow and did not like the changes. I'm assuming it is a conflict
between IE6 and the SP3 updates. Please let me know if you find an answer
short of rollong back the SP3 installation. Thanks
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's are not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without the same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd expect all
PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
2008-11-03 16:53:18 UTC
Permalink
Post by karatche
I have the same issue- just since my os updated itself the other night. Now I
have trouble when trying to open multiple IE windows. I refrained from
installing IE7 on this machine because as I tried IE 7 last year I found it
to run slow and did not like the changes. I'm assuming it is a conflict
between IE6 and the SP3 updates. Please let me know if you find an answer
short of rollong back the SP3 installation. Thanks
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's are not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without the same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd expect all
PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
Such problems are usually caused by add-ons or malware.

ADD-ONS
Tools | Internet Options | Advanced
Uncheck "Enable third-party browser enhancements".

MALWARE
Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages, including HijackThis.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
you that you owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.
--
Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Do not reply with email
karatche
2008-11-04 05:06:01 UTC
Permalink
I emailed free support for SP3 and recieved the following reply. I followed
the course of action which was very easy to accomplish and it seems to have
resolved my problem. I will paste the directions here:


This issue can be caused by improper IE settings. Let’s try the following
steps to reset Internet Explorer:
Reset Internet Explorer (IE)
====================
Note: This step will help us clear cookies, restore the security level back
to the default settings, and disable third-party browser extensions. Before
trying the steps, we can export the cookies so they can be easily restored
later if you desire:

1. Press "Alt" from your keyboard, click "File", and click "Import and
Export".
2. Click "Next", select "Export Cookies", and click "Next".
3. The file is saved by default to your “Documents” folder, click "OK".

If you would like to import the cookies after resolving the issue, please
select “Import Cookies” in file menu to import the saved cookies file and
choose the “cookies” file from your “Documents” folder.

For Internet Explorer 6.0:
----------------------------------------
1. Click Start, Run, type: “inetcpl.cpl” (without quotation marks) and press
Enter.
2. Select the General tab, and in the Temporary Internet files window, click
"Delete Cookies", and click OK.
3. In the same tab click Delete Files, check the "Delete all offline
contents" box and click OK.
4. Click the Programs tab, and click "Reset Web Settings".
5. Click the Advanced tab, and click "Restore Defaults".
6. Under the Advanced tab, uncheck "Enable third-party browser extensions"
(requires restart).
7. Click OK.
Post by Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Post by karatche
I have the same issue- just since my os updated itself the other night. Now I
have trouble when trying to open multiple IE windows. I refrained from
installing IE7 on this machine because as I tried IE 7 last year I found it
to run slow and did not like the changes. I'm assuming it is a conflict
between IE6 and the SP3 updates. Please let me know if you find an answer
short of rollong back the SP3 installation. Thanks
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's are not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without the same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd expect all
PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
Such problems are usually caused by add-ons or malware.
ADD-ONS
Tools | Internet Options | Advanced
Uncheck "Enable third-party browser enhancements".
MALWARE
Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages, including HijackThis.
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.
--
Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Do not reply with email
HPS Admin
2008-11-04 09:11:00 UTC
Permalink
This action has cleared our issue too. It would appear SP3 does make some
changes to IE6 settings, though I've done no investigation to find out which
ones, either that or SP3 fixes expect settings that are not there/invalid
values and restoring the defaults puts them in place correctly.
Post by karatche
I emailed free support for SP3 and recieved the following reply. I followed
the course of action which was very easy to accomplish and it seems to have
This issue can be caused by improper IE settings. Let’s try the following
Reset Internet Explorer (IE)
====================
Note: This step will help us clear cookies, restore the security level back
to the default settings, and disable third-party browser extensions. Before
trying the steps, we can export the cookies so they can be easily restored
1. Press "Alt" from your keyboard, click "File", and click "Import and
Export".
2. Click "Next", select "Export Cookies", and click "Next".
3. The file is saved by default to your “Documents” folder, click "OK".
If you would like to import the cookies after resolving the issue, please
select “Import Cookies” in file menu to import the saved cookies file and
choose the “cookies” file from your “Documents” folder.
----------------------------------------
1. Click Start, Run, type: “inetcpl.cpl” (without quotation marks) and press
Enter.
2. Select the General tab, and in the Temporary Internet files window, click
"Delete Cookies", and click OK.
3. In the same tab click Delete Files, check the "Delete all offline
contents" box and click OK.
4. Click the Programs tab, and click "Reset Web Settings".
5. Click the Advanced tab, and click "Restore Defaults".
6. Under the Advanced tab, uncheck "Enable third-party browser extensions"
(requires restart).
7. Click OK.
Post by Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Post by karatche
I have the same issue- just since my os updated itself the other night. Now I
have trouble when trying to open multiple IE windows. I refrained from
installing IE7 on this machine because as I tried IE 7 last year I found it
to run slow and did not like the changes. I'm assuming it is a conflict
between IE6 and the SP3 updates. Please let me know if you find an answer
short of rollong back the SP3 installation. Thanks
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's are not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without the same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd expect all
PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
Such problems are usually caused by add-ons or malware.
ADD-ONS
Tools | Internet Options | Advanced
Uncheck "Enable third-party browser enhancements".
MALWARE
Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages, including HijackThis.
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.
--
Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Do not reply with email
PA Bear [MS MVP]
2008-11-04 18:32:18 UTC
Permalink
99% of the time, such problems are caused by the fact the "real-time
protections" afforded by anti-virus and/or anti-spyware applications and/or
third-party firewalls were NOT disabled prior to installing WinXP SP3.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Post by karatche
I emailed free support for SP3 and recieved the following reply. I followed
the course of action which was very easy to accomplish and it seems to have
This issue can be caused by improper IE settings. Let’s try the following
Reset Internet Explorer (IE)
====================
Note: This step will help us clear cookies, restore the security level back
to the default settings, and disable third-party browser extensions. Before
trying the steps, we can export the cookies so they can be easily restored
1. Press "Alt" from your keyboard, click "File", and click "Import and
Export".
2. Click "Next", select "Export Cookies", and click "Next".
3. The file is saved by default to your “Documents” folder, click "OK".
If you would like to import the cookies after resolving the issue, please
select “Import Cookies” in file menu to import the saved cookies file and
choose the “cookies” file from your “Documents” folder.
----------------------------------------
1. Click Start, Run, type: “inetcpl.cpl” (without quotation marks) and press
Enter.
2. Select the General tab, and in the Temporary Internet files window, click
"Delete Cookies", and click OK.
3. In the same tab click Delete Files, check the "Delete all offline
contents" box and click OK.
4. Click the Programs tab, and click "Reset Web Settings".
5. Click the Advanced tab, and click "Restore Defaults".
6. Under the Advanced tab, uncheck "Enable third-party browser extensions"
(requires restart).
7. Click OK.
Post by Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Post by karatche
I have the same issue- just since my os updated itself the other night. Now I
have trouble when trying to open multiple IE windows. I refrained from
installing IE7 on this machine because as I tried IE 7 last year I found it
to run slow and did not like the changes. I'm assuming it is a conflict
between IE6 and the SP3 updates. Please let me know if you find an answer
short of rollong back the SP3 installation. Thanks
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's are not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without the same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd
expect
all
PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
Such problems are usually caused by add-ons or malware.
ADD-ONS
Tools | Internet Options | Advanced
Uncheck "Enable third-party browser enhancements".
MALWARE
Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages, including HijackThis.
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and
see what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're
not
sure of.
--
Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Do not reply with email
karatche
2008-11-05 13:57:39 UTC
Permalink
There-in lies the problem with automatic update. You cannot disable
aiti-virus or other running applications when this update is done
automatically. Seems that microsoft should require a hands on approach with
this update.
Post by PA Bear [MS MVP]
99% of the time, such problems are caused by the fact the "real-time
protections" afforded by anti-virus and/or anti-spyware applications and/or
third-party firewalls were NOT disabled prior to installing WinXP SP3.
WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Post by karatche
I emailed free support for SP3 and recieved the following reply. I followed
the course of action which was very easy to accomplish and it seems to have
This issue can be caused by improper IE settings. Let’s try the following
Reset Internet Explorer (IE)
====================
Note: This step will help us clear cookies, restore the security level back
to the default settings, and disable third-party browser extensions. Before
trying the steps, we can export the cookies so they can be easily restored
1. Press "Alt" from your keyboard, click "File", and click "Import and
Export".
2. Click "Next", select "Export Cookies", and click "Next".
3. The file is saved by default to your “Documents” folder, click "OK".
If you would like to import the cookies after resolving the issue, please
select “Import Cookies” in file menu to import the saved cookies file and
choose the “cookies” file from your “Documents” folder.
----------------------------------------
1. Click Start, Run, type: “inetcpl.cpl” (without quotation marks) and press
Enter.
2. Select the General tab, and in the Temporary Internet files window, click
"Delete Cookies", and click OK.
3. In the same tab click Delete Files, check the "Delete all offline
contents" box and click OK.
4. Click the Programs tab, and click "Reset Web Settings".
5. Click the Advanced tab, and click "Restore Defaults".
6. Under the Advanced tab, uncheck "Enable third-party browser extensions"
(requires restart).
7. Click OK.
Post by Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Post by karatche
I have the same issue- just since my os updated itself the other night. Now I
have trouble when trying to open multiple IE windows. I refrained from
installing IE7 on this machine because as I tried IE 7 last year I found it
to run slow and did not like the changes. I'm assuming it is a conflict
between IE6 and the SP3 updates. Please let me know if you find an answer
short of rollong back the SP3 installation. Thanks
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's are not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without the same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd
expect
all
PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
Such problems are usually caused by add-ons or malware.
ADD-ONS
Tools | Internet Options | Advanced
Uncheck "Enable third-party browser enhancements".
MALWARE
Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages, including HijackThis.
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and
see what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're
not
sure of.
--
Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Do not reply with email
PA Bear [MS MVP]
2008-11-05 19:18:11 UTC
Permalink
[Crossposted to Windows Update newsgroup]

You have an excellent tool at your fingertips which will allow you to
configure Automatic Updates such that *you* can decide (1) what updates are
downloaded, (2) when the updates are downloaded, (3) which updates are
installed, and (4) when the updates are installed.

Automatic Updates in WinXP
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/windowsupdate/learn/windowsxp.mspx

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Post by karatche
There-in lies the problem with automatic update. You cannot disable
aiti-virus or other running applications when this update is done
automatically. Seems that microsoft should require a hands on approach with
this update.
Post by PA Bear [MS MVP]
99% of the time, such problems are caused by the fact the "real-time
protections" afforded by anti-virus and/or anti-spyware applications and/or
third-party firewalls were NOT disabled prior to installing WinXP SP3.
WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx
--
Post by karatche
I emailed free support for SP3 and recieved the following reply. I followed
the course of action which was very easy to accomplish and it seems to have
This issue can be caused by improper IE settings. Let’s try the following
Reset Internet Explorer (IE)
====================
Note: This step will help us clear cookies, restore the security level back
to the default settings, and disable third-party browser extensions. Before
trying the steps, we can export the cookies so they can be easily restored
1. Press "Alt" from your keyboard, click "File", and click "Import and
Export".
2. Click "Next", select "Export Cookies", and click "Next".
3. The file is saved by default to your “Documents” folder, click "OK".
If you would like to import the cookies after resolving the issue, please
select “Import Cookies” in file menu to import the saved cookies file and
choose the “cookies” file from your “Documents” folder.
----------------------------------------
1. Click Start, Run, type: “inetcpl.cpl” (without quotation marks) and press
Enter.
2. Select the General tab, and in the Temporary Internet files window, click
"Delete Cookies", and click OK.
3. In the same tab click Delete Files, check the "Delete all offline
contents" box and click OK.
4. Click the Programs tab, and click "Reset Web Settings".
5. Click the Advanced tab, and click "Restore Defaults".
6. Under the Advanced tab, uncheck "Enable third-party browser extensions"
(requires restart).
7. Click OK.
Post by Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM
Post by karatche
I have the same issue- just since my os updated itself the other
night.
Now I
have trouble when trying to open multiple IE windows. I refrained from
installing IE7 on this machine because as I tried IE 7 last year I
found
it
to run slow and did not like the changes. I'm assuming it is a conflict
between IE6 and the SP3 updates. Please let me know if you find an answer
short of rollong back the SP3 installation. Thanks
Post by HPS Admin
We have recently applied SP3 to our XP Pro PC's and our users are complaining
about intermittent "Page cannot be displayed" errors occurring for websites
they frequently visit. I am also experiencing the same issues, even when
trying to access posts on here, but clicking the refresh a few times or
clearing the cache eventually gets the page displayed. The SP2 PC's
are
not
experiencing this issue and I've been using one now all day without
the
same
errors that people on the SP3 machines are still getting, so I don't think it
has anything to do with our proxy service or network setup as I'd
expect
all
PC's to suffer the same issue.
Win XP Pro SP3 + IE 6.0.2900.5512 SP3
Has anyone got any ideas what may be causing this issue, it's annoying
rather than show stopping so I don't want to have to rollback SP3.
Such problems are usually caused by add-ons or malware.
ADD-ONS
Tools | Internet Options | Advanced
Uncheck "Enable third-party browser enhancements".
MALWARE
Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages, including HijackThis.
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and
see what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're
not
sure of.
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