Member Avatar for Snakedust

I found a solution here in a closed thread having to do with an oddity: situation where IE7 would not connect to a functioning internet connection but Firefox WOULD connect without a problem. The solution was to check "Internet Options" to determine if the "connect through proxy server" option is checked. If it is, un-check this box (presuming you don't use a proxy) and the problem is solved.

In my case, I'd snagged some Junkware while surfing, and spent the better part of an hour hammering it into the pavement. However, after rebooting I found that Firefox connected to the internet without a problem, but IE7 returned the "cannot connect" message. In addition, several tools I use (MalWare Bytes, for example) couldn't access the internet for updates. Stumped, I checked here and found the solution buried in a thread that's now closed. Apparently, the junkware checked the proxy server option as one of it's minor annoyances. Unchecking the box resolved the issue.

As a computer tech, I'm accustomed to dealing with malware and associated malfunctions. And, I try to remember to check the simple things first. In this case, I needed a reminder: check all relevant settings before firing up Hijack This or similar more potent diagnostic tools.

Snakedust
MSCE, MCSA

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by dee2312

Dani AI

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Good reminder from to check the simple stuff first. For (IE “blinks” and won’t start while Firefox runs but shows wrong colors), try targeted diagnostics before reinstalling: isolate whether the problem is IE itself, the network stack, the user profile, or drivers.

Start with quick isolation and basic checks: run Internet Explorer without add-ons and see whether it launches:

iexplore.exe -extoff

If it starts, disable or remove recently added add-ons. Check Task Manager for leftover iexplore.exe processes and kill them. Inspect the Application log in Event Viewer for the faulting module or DLL name — that points to the component to remove or update. If the crash appears profile-specific, create a new Windows user account and test IE there.

If the browser still won’t connect or fails immediately, reset the network stack and any system-level proxy settings from an elevated command prompt, then reboot:

netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
netsh winhttp reset proxy

Run SFC to repair protected system files:

sfc /scannow

Check the hosts file at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts for unexpected redirects and temporarily disable any third-party firewall/antivirus to rule out blocking.

For the Firefox color issue, check the display color depth and video driver: set color to 32-bit and update or reinstall the GPU driver. Also try disabling hardware acceleration in Firefox settings.

If malware is suspected, boot Safe Mode with Networking and run offline/rescue scanners or a trusted on-demand tool. Use Process Monitor only if comfortable — it can reveal where IE fails (file/registry access denied). Always back up important data before major repairs or system restore. If these steps fail, consider doing a repair install or upgrading to a modern, supported browser/OS since IE7-era components are fragile and insecure.

Member Avatar for dee2312

I did the un check the proxy thing to try and start up ie 7 but it still just blinks in and will not start but foxfire does but I don't get all the colors in foxfire. anymore suggestions

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