Member Avatar for Gedebuk

Hi!

Greetings from abroad - I apologize for the poor English ...

My (son's) computer can't access the internet ... I have deactivated all IE all-on programs and also used the MS guides in Vista, but it still doesn't work

I have upgraded from IE 7 to IE 8 with no positive effect.

Unless, unless ... If I use the IE 7/8 64-bit version on the computer, it all works well ... but the 64-bit cannot be set as default!

I expect that some of you might say, it is caused by some malware. Yes perhaps - I do have a software firewall (BullGuard) - it might have been deactivated at some unfortunate point.

The scan from BullGuard and RegTool doesn't show anything.

Does anyone have any suggestions what I should look for?

/Mads

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Dani AI

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Quick practical note for future readers: ’s follow-up (reinstalling BullGuard and rebuilding its rules) is the key clue — when the 64‑bit IE can browse but the 32‑bit one cannot, the problem is often outside Internet Explorer itself. Common causes are per‑process firewall/AV rules, a corrupted Winsock/Layered Service Provider, or a proxy/filter that only affects 32‑bit processes. That explains why the 64‑bit binary worked while the other didn’t.

Why this happens: on 64‑bit Windows there are two IE executables and two sets of add‑ons/COM objects. Security products or network filters sometimes register hooks or rules that apply only to one bitness. A broken rule, driver, or LSP can block only the 32‑bit path (for example C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe) while leaving the 64‑bit path alone.

Practical checklist (quick, in order):

  • Check the firewall/AV: confirm both IE executables are allowed. If unsure, run the product’s repair or reinstall (as did).

  • Check proxy: Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings — disable unexpected proxy or auto‑config.

  • Reset IE and disable non‑Microsoft add‑ons (Manage Add‑ons).

  • Reset network stack (run Command Prompt as Administrator and execute):

    netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns

    Then restart the PC.

  • Test in Safe Mode with Networking or a fresh user account to see if it’s profile‑specific.

Notes and cautions: make a restore point before changing the network stack. Resetting Winsock may break some VPN clients (they may need reinstall). Rolling back to IE7 or switching browsers (as and mentioned) can be a temporary workaround, but repairing the firewall/stack is the proper fix. If malware is suspected, run up‑to‑date anti‑malware scanners before making major changes.

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Member Avatar for Xlphos

Have you tried uninstalling IE8 and reinstaling IE7?

Member Avatar for cwarn23

If the 64-bit version works then it probably means that you have a 64-bit operating system. To check weather you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system just follow the instructions under the vista section . If you follow those instructions and it says 64 bit on the screen then you know that you must have the 64 bit version of IE.
If however that is not the case, I would suggest switching to Firefox or Opera.

Member Avatar for alexlao

I am tired of IE, works slowly, protecting the poor. For two years now, they did not take.

Member Avatar for Gedebuk

Thanks for your replies. I didn't go back on the IE8 ... and to a certain extent I have to operate/to stick to IE (net banking).

I got the suspicion that I should look at the BullGuard FW again ... So I reinstalled it with a complete "newbuild" of all the rules. Now, /yesterday ewening) everything works!

Ince again - thanks!

/Mads

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