Weird computer problem

[rachelmanija]

The last few days, I keep getting page not found errors on all sorts of pages, but the pages turn up if I reload. Do I have a virus? I ran a scan and it didn't find anything.

Comments

[vom-marlowe.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Have you run a adware program like AdAware or SpyBot? Sounds like something that might be from that kind of malware.

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Not that I know of.

I have Symantec Endpoint.

[vom-marlowe.livejournal.com]

It might be worth running a second adware program. Even though I have a good combo program through work, it doesn't catch everything. I like Adaware.

Here's my work's explanation of spyware and different programs to combat it, with links:
http://www.security.ku.edu/spyware/index.jsp

[telophase.livejournal.com]

Agreed. Each program tends to get spyware/malware that the other doesn't.

It doesn't sound like it'll be helped by this - not that I know much about this - but you can flush your DNS cache and see if that helps. Certainly won't hurt.

1. Type windows button-r
2. Type 'cmd' in the text box.
3. In the window that comes up, type "ipconfig /flushdns" (minus quotes) and hit enter.

[mikeda.livejournal.com]

Another thing that could be happening is that there's some sort of glitch in your internet connection.

Don't know how to diagnose that possibility, let alone cure it.

[megancrane.livejournal.com]

I'm having the same problem-- I assumed it was the usual crappy Time Warner Cable internet service.

[lady-ganesh.livejournal.com]

I've had the same problem off and on the past couple days, too.

[yhlee.livejournal.com]

Might be worth reinstalling your browser and see if that clears anything up?

[oyceter]

Is this on your home computer? Or the internet cafe?

[wintersweet.livejournal.com]

Yeah, see if it happens in one place and not another--that is a common symptom of a not-so-good internet connection (whether it's slow or whatever).

[oyceter]

Yeah, also, I think Rachel's home connection is really spotty.

Rachel, if that's the case and if the "page not found" appears at home, it's probably because the computer can't connect to the network at first and only can after a while. In that case, it's normal behavior and there's not much you can do (unless the internet connection gets less spotty, that is).

[tanuki-green.livejournal.com]

Usually an issue like this is not web browser related - a way to check that is try different browsers on the system (Firefox and IE) on the same web site and see if either one can connect.

If you can't get to any web sites, there may be a problem with your connection, but may also be a DNS problem. If you can get to some sites but not others, it may still be a DNS problem but could also be a provider problem.

If you want some help - send Mia or I a direct mail with your phone number and I'll be happy to call you and get this fixed for you.

[torrilin.livejournal.com]

A simple check for connection issues is to use tracert. It is a command line program and shows you the path your ISP is using to get from you to the site you asked for.

"tracert www.google.com" (without the quotes) is my usual first check of any connection problem. Then if that shows as clear, I'll check the actual site I'm having trouble with. If you have more than one or two locations where the output has asterisks instead of times in milliseconds or a computer name, this is a Bad Sign. If you have times that convert to actual seconds, this is also bad. If tracert hisses at you and tells you it couldn't find a computer by that name, you definitely have DNS problems.