Member Avatar for thewolfe

Unable to search from the address bar.

I just installed a larger hard drive and reinstalled XP.

Now when I try to search from the address bar I get the following message:"Service Unavailable - DNS failure. The server is temporarily unable to service your request. Please try again later."

I have checked under Tools/Internet options/advance and the correct "search" info is checked.

I have run Spybot, Adaware and AVG.

I have reinstalled Internet Explorer and installed all the updates.

I used the address bar alot to search using Google prior to the new installation. I don't want to install the google toolbar.

Also, it does not bring up the default MNS search.

I can use all aspects of the net and programs except for the address bar search.

Any ideas?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by thewolfe

Dani AI

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A brief diagnostic and safe checklist that fills gaps left by the thread (ties to and ):

The address‑bar search in Internet Explorer uses a configured search URL/value stored in the registry; if that URL points at a host that does not resolve you’ll see a DNS failure page instead of search results. Because these values live in both HKCU and HKLM and some fixes only take effect after a reboot, a restart can sometimes “magically” restore behaviour (as experienced). ()

Quick, low-risk network repairs to try first (run Command Prompt as Administrator, enter each line, then reboot and retest): 

ipconfig /flushdns
ipconfig /registerdns
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt

Those commands clear DNS cache, reset Winsock and reset the TCP/IP stack — commonly helpful when only one browser function is failing. (learn.microsoft.com)

Check the local hosts file and DNS settings next. Open C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts and look for entries redirecting well‑known search hosts (remove any suspicious lines or restore the default hosts file); also verify the network adapter’s DNS servers (use automatic or a known-good DNS) and that no proxy is set in Internet Options → Connections → LAN Settings. Microsoft documents the hosts-file reset procedure. (support.microsoft.com)

If the problem persists inspect IE search settings and auto-start hooks: use Internet Explorer → Tools → Internet Options → Programs → Reset Web Settings, then examine these registry locations for bad values (for example, SearchAssistant / SearchURL under the Internet Explorer keys and URLSearchHooks entries). Tools that show URLSearchHooks, BHOs and search hooks (HijackThis was suggested by ; Autoruns from Sysinternals is a modern alternative) help you spot and disable entries that point to non‑resolving hosts. Back up the registry before editing; KB 895339 lists the defaults you can restore. ()

If none of the above helps, a restore to a known good snapshot will revert registry/network changes made since that point (something the OP hinted worked for them). When in doubt, collect a HijackThis/Autoruns log and seek help — editing those keys without a backup can break IE.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

Try this and post back hijackthis log


Download 'Hijack This!'.

Unzip (extract) it to a folder of its own.Like c:\HJT\hijackthis.exe , Then Doubleclick HijackThis.exe (in the new folder), and hit "Scan".
When the scan is finished, the "Scan" button will change into a "Save Log" button.
Press that, then Ctrl-A to Select All, and copy its contents here. for hijackthis,most of what it lists will be harmless or even essential, don't fix anything yet.

reboot computer and post a new hijackthis log

Member Avatar for thewolfe

Got it working. Tried numerous fixes yesterday w/ no help but today, All is well.

Thought I had restarted after some registry tweaks so who knows.

Thanks for the posts.

Member Avatar for sonyal123

Got it working. Tried numerous fixes yesterday w/ no help but today, All is well.

Thought I had restarted after some registry tweaks so who knows.

Thanks for the posts.

I was curious as to how you got it working... I am having the same problem...

Thanks!

Member Avatar for thewolfe

Did you try to "Restore to an earlier date?

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