Ok, I followed your steps:
First, I found a site with a link for HostsXpert, downloaded HostsXpert.exe to desktop and opened the program. I then found "Restore MS Hosts File" under the 'File Handling' section and clicked on it. This action changed some of the content in the large window to the right. I then searched again for SDFix - which seems available only through downloads.andymanchesta.com
Well, no luck. I still receive the same "can't establish a connection to the server at downloads.andymanchesta.com"

Please forgive me if I've left out an important details - I guess I'm one of your typical newbies. 1) I have been using Firefox as my browser - not IE. 2) As per Daniweb instructions before posting this thread I downloaded MBAM. Although the virus would NOT allow me to DL it from a typical downloading site (i.e. www.malwarebytes.org) I was able to DL it to my desktop through CNET -- maybe there links are immune to this virus?? 3) the only way I can navigate to a website through a google or yahoo search is to copy the URL (as opposed to just clicking the link) then paste it into the address bar. But some sites, like andymanchesta.com or malwarebytes.org fail to connect.