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Software => Internet browsers => Topic started by: Kando on June 30, 2009, 10:20:48 AM

Title: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: Kando on June 30, 2009, 10:20:48 AM

This is a doozy

The principal came to me with her laptop, (school issued) and said that on Saturday she was online with no problems, but when she turned on the computer on Sunday and clicked on the IE shortcut a box opened up asking what program she wanted to open the program with.

HUH?!

Well I started it up and sure enough got the same box. Tried other IE shortcuts on the desktop, tried from the start menu, tried from start>programs>Internet Explorer. All got the same box.

Then I went to c:\program files\Internet Explorer and found that the application was GONE. The folder is there, whatever else that is supposed to be there, is there. But the actual application, the "E", is missing.

Ok, I figured "something happened" and went to install IE6, but got a message that a later version was already installed. On to IE7, which for some reason is blocked by the proxy software from the board of ed. IE8 then, all was going well, right up to the point where it tries to update as part of the installation. You guessed it, failure. If there is no application it can not update, and without the update there could be no installation.

Finally I installed Firefox and with crossed fingers did an import. Thankfully all of her favorites were able to be imported and she can now get back online. And with Firefox set as the default browser her shortcuts now open using Firefox.

I have never seen anything just wipeout IE like that. Anyone seen this before? I will recommend a reimaging once school starts again, but for now she can work with it.

Title: Re: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on June 30, 2009, 10:27:45 AM

Quote

I have never seen anything just wipeout IE like that. Anyone seen this before?

Yep - The results of a virus infection.

Title: Re: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: Kando on June 30, 2009, 10:52:26 AM

Thanks, now I just have to contact the principal to get the laptop back. Do you remember how to get rid of that particular one, or should I just get it back, run the scans and post the logs?

Title: Re: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on June 30, 2009, 11:12:06 AM

There's gotta be thousands of viruses that do this.

If you post the three logs from >this post< (http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html) in the Computer Virus and Spyware Section, one of our Malware Removal Specialists will assist you. ;)

Title: Re: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: Kando on June 30, 2009, 11:59:15 AM

thanks, I will post when I get the laptop back

Title: Re: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: 2x3i5x on June 30, 2009, 02:39:52 PM

I am wondering too, though, what version of windows (xp, vista and any service packs?) is the laptop running?

Title: Re: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: Kando on June 30, 2009, 05:42:44 PM

xp pro sp 3. I should have the laptop back tomorrow to work on over the weekend.

Title: Re: Internet Explorer disappearing
Post by: Kando on July 01, 2009, 09:42:18 PM

Turns out it is xp pro sp2. Ran scans, posting in viruses.