I have Internet Explorer 7 on Windows XP. Over the last few months I have not been able to download any programs - for example, MSN Messenger is telling me it needs an update to work. When you click on the link to go to the download, 'Internet explorer cannot display this page' appears. This is the same for anything you try and download.I have tried to access websites such as support.microsoft.com and the same page appears, yet I am able to access sites such as google, BBC, youtube etc.I have reset Internet Explorer which has not made any difference. I also have Firefox on this computer and the same errors occur.It also does not seem to be completing any windows updates. There is currently no anti-virus software on the computer as I was running free AVG, which required updating - but of course, I cannot download anything!I am an intermediate user, so I am willing to try slightly more advanced solutions, if anyone can help I would be really grateful. 1 person needs an answerI do too

I have tried the symantec online tool, but that won't run - internet explorer cannot display this page error again. Are there others I can try? As I said, I can't download anything at all, so I can't install new anti-virus software and do a scan. It seems to be any page that offers support or help is blocked - I may reading too much into that though!

Have you run programs to check your machine for malware/virus infections?

merlin53,No, you're not reading too much into this. The system has been totally compromised by malware that is blocking it from accessing sites that offer solutions to the compromise.You have 2 choices now1. Format the Hard Drive and do a clean reinstallation of XP.2. Using another computer, create a Kaspersky Rescue Disk (CD) that will be able to boot the system with a Linux distribution and clean it.When the system is booted with the Kaspersky Rescue Disk, Windows XP will not be running as the Hard Drive will not be Active.This will make it nearly impossible for malware to remain hidden or interfere with the system's cleaning.Kaspersky Rescue Disk 10 - Work with programKaspersky Rescue Disk 10 - All articles MowGreen Windows Expert IT Pro - Consumer Security