Member Avatar for CAM22

Since downloading the latest drivers for my speedtouch 330 modem(on advice of ISP), I have been unable to access any microssoft website (hotmail, updates, etc). I can get any other website. I have setup my Windows 2000 Prof again hoping that it would cure the problem. I have deleted cookies, temporary internet files. I have restored IE defaults. I have run AVG antivirus and AVG spyware and also Antivir guard. Antivir picked up 'Trojan horse TR/Drop Keenval.f.

Because I have setup a new installation of 2000 Prof and have been unable to get on any microsoft websites I am also unable to download the latest updates or versions of IE. I am running IE 6. (Cipher strength 56 bit - if that helps)

I have also had the DNS error message after failed attempts to access hotmail.

Any other ideas? I am a complete novice but any help would be appreciated.

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Dani AI

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A short expert summary tied to the thread: if only Microsoft sites fail while other pages load, start by assuming DNS/name‑resolution or a local browser/network setting has been altered (malware often does this). The Keenval family is an ad‑downloader/adware type that has been observed to change browsing behavior and drop components; attackers or cleanup tools sometimes leave host/proxy entries that block security and vendor sites. (threats.kaspersky.com)

Basic, low‑risk checks to run now (do these before reinstalling anything): open a Command Prompt and test DNS resolution with nslookup microsoft.com and inspect the resolver cache with ipconfig /displaydns then clear it with ipconfig /flushdns. Next, view the hosts file (it lives under %systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts on modern installs or C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\etc\hosts on some Win2K boxes), back it up, and remove any lines that map Microsoft/Hotmail/MSN names to other IPs. Use Notepad to edit and save, then flush DNS and retest. (torguard.net)

Rule out browser/proxy and router DNS next: in Internet Explorer go to Tools → Internet Options → Connections → LAN Settings and make sure no unexpected proxy or automatic configuration is in place (malware commonly leaves a proxy). Also check the modem/router DNS settings and temporarily set the workstation DNS to a public resolver (for a quick test try 8.8.8.8 or 208.67.222.222). If that restores access it points to DNS manipulation rather than a site‑only problem. (support.microsoft.com)

If the problem persists after cleaning hosts/proxy and changing DNS, repair the network stack: on newer Windows use netsh winsock reset and netsh int ip reset; on Windows 2000 follow the Microsoft guidance to reinstall TCP/IP from Network Adapter properties or follow the Winsock/KB procedure for your OS. After stack repair reboot into Safe Mode with Networking and run reputable on‑demand scanners or a rescue disk to remove lingering components. If this thread is read years later, remember very old clients (Win2K + IE6) may also be blocked by modern TLS/cipher requirements — in that case use a newer machine/browser to download tools or updates. (speedguide.net)

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Member Avatar for Davelray

Hiya,

Sounds to me like a possible firewall issue. I'm not familiar with that specific modem. I do know, however, that some dsl/cable modems have a built in firewall that can be set to block certain domains or IP ranges. Find the manual for your modem and read it over to see if that is the case with yours then take a look into it's settings.

Hope this helps,

Member Avatar for CAM22

Realised after posting that this is in the wrong forum!
Thank you for your suggestion, I have checked up and the speedtouch 330 is a very basic modem with no firewall.

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