Member Avatar for jayboy

Right then, from the beginning... there is a problem with my Internet Explorer. Whenever I open it up and try to access any websites an error messages pops up saying "Internet Explorer can not open the search page". When this has happened before I have just unplugged the modem and put it back in and it has worked for me. I can still go on the likes of msn and use the internet, but just cannot use IE. Right now I have this page open through Windows Explorer (the one that has files and folders in), which I though was just the same as IE. Anyways, can anyone help me? I have tried to find out on the internet but no help goes into enough detail.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by nanosani

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— since unplugging the modem sometimes fixes it and you can still reach sites like MSN by other means, this looks more like an Internet Explorer configuration/add‑on or a transient DNS/proxy issue than a complete network outage. ’s proxy idea is on the right track; here are focused, practical checks to narrow it down and fix it.

Test quickly

  • Try a different browser (or test the same URL in Windows Explorer’s address bar) to confirm the problem is IE‑specific.
  • Start IE without extensions: run iexplore -extoff from Start → Run and try the same pages.
  • In IE, open Tools → Internet Options → Connections → LAN Settings and make sure no unexpected proxy is set (only used if you know you need one).

If IE is still failing

  • Clear IE’s cache and cookies (Tools → Internet Options → General → Delete).
  • Flush DNS and reset network stacks: open a command prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns, then netsh winsock reset and reboot.
  • Check C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts (open in Notepad) for strange entries that could redirect web addresses.
  • Disable or remove suspicious toolbars and search providers (Manage Add‑ons). Many hijackers cause “search page” errors.

When to escalate
If those steps don’t help, run a full antivirus + anti‑spyware scan, create a new Windows user to test (to rule out a corrupted profile), and consider System Restore to a point before the fault. Back up Favorites before doing major changes. As a last resort, repair or reinstall Internet Explorer (or install an alternate browser to keep working while you troubleshoot).

These steps will quickly tell you whether the issue is network, profile, or IE itself and point to the appropriate repair path.

Member Avatar for nanosani

Are you using any proxy servers ?? try connecting without that ...

ask your ISP about the problem ...

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