Jane,
Here is what I found out and was able to edit the specific file mentioned.
You might want to post this for other people who might be in my same boat.
As always, I appreciate what you have done for me and this is my return.
Littlepr
#####################################################
> "Mike" <mamarti@frontiernet.net> wrote in message
> news:fbee01c40d48$53f0e880$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> > I was infected by the w32.hllw.gaobot.gen virus right
> > after fdisking and installing XP. I tried to update my
> > norton virus scanner but the liveupdate kept saying that
> > it could not connect to the server. I then tried to
> > browse mcafee to get removal tools but it kept giving me
> > this message:
> >
> > Cannot find server or DNS Error
> >
> > I also tried symantec but it reroutes to this link:
> >
> >
http://search.msn.com/dnserror.aspx?
> > FORM=DNSAS&q=www.symantec.com
> >
> > Which says this:
> >
> > #####################################################
> > We can't find "www.symantec.com"
> >
> > You can try again by typing the URL in the address bar
> > above.
> > Or, search the Web:
> >
> > Go to MSN Search to see complete results
> > for "www.symantec.com".
> >
> > Download MSN Toolbar!
> >
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > ----------------------
> > Did you intend to go to one of these similar Web
> > addresses?
> > www.symantec.com
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > ----------------------
> > You can also visit one of these related Web sites.
> > Symantec
> > Symantec
> > Symantec - Financials
> > Symantec - Press Center
> >
> > Check availability or register the domain
> > name 'www.symantec.com'.
> > ----------------------------------------------------------
> > ----------------------
> >
> > More information about this error.
> > About Results
> >
> > #####################################################
> > I ended up uninstalling norton and installing the free
> > version of avast! 4 Home Edition. I downloaded the
> > fxgaobot.exe removal tool and ran it. I also got a hold
> > of the stinger.exe from vil.nai.com and ran it in safe
> > mode. It cleaned whatever was infected but I have a
> > feeling that the virus did something to my registry which
> > prevents me from browsing any url containing mcafee or
> > symantec in it. If anyone has or is experiencing the same
> > problem and knows how to resolve it please contact me.
> >
> > Thank you in advance.
#####################################################
Check your C:\Windows\Hosts file as per this article:
Problems Using Internet Explorer with Incorrect Hosts File
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...b;EN-US;q219843Those viruses or other malware programs may have put entries into your Hosts
file.
Here's some more helpful info on how to protect your system to keep this
from happening again:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.aspAnd...
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htmhttp://www.aumha.org/secure.htm--
Jon R. Kennedy
Charlotte, NC, USA
jkennedy2@carolina.rr.com
#####################################################
"Mike Burgess" <winhelp2002@spamthis.com> wrote in message
news:O9XAHEVDEHA.3392@TK2MSFTNGP11.phx.gbl...
> Mike,
> Check your HOSTS file for entries that may be preventing access
> to the desired sites .....
> [or]
> You can use a simple batch file to rename the HOSTS file "on-the-fly".
> Download: RenHosts.bat
>
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm> ____________________________________________________________
> Mike Burgess [MVP Windows Shell\User]
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/> Blocking Spyware, Adware, Parasites, Hijackers, Trojans, with a HOSTS file
>
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm [updated 03-15-04]
> Please post replies to this Newsgroup, email address is invalid
> --
>
#####################################################
Thank you very much guys. I knew it was something like redirecting. I knew
about the host file thing but I thought that was a kazaalite file. Good to
know that I can add/make this file without having kazaalite installed.