[sandielynne]

Just read the sticky. Maybe I needed to read it sooner?

Anyway, I am running Windows XP,SP2, and I have always kept the automatic update running. Late last week it began downloading Microsofts latest security updates, but it would get so far, and then freeze. The next time I would boot up, go on-line, it would download a bit more. I don't know what caused the problem, but after about 4 days, it finally completed the download and installed the updates. Then I was instructed to reboot for them to go into effect. I did as instructed, went on-line, and discovered I no longer had any real access to the Internet.

When I opened Internet Options, under the Security tab, it was totally empty. It not longer listed Internet, Trusted sites, Restricted sites. It just had an empty block and there was no way for me to do anything.

Then I checked the connections tab. And there too, all my settings were changed, and I could not correct them. The program would not allow me to do so. All cookies were restricted, and every web site I tried to access that used cookies at all was denied me. Such as this site, and almost every other site I tried to visit.

Thinking this might be malware, spyware, or a virus, I ran three spyware programs (not all at the same time) and then my anti-virus program (Avast). Nothing was found but 2 minor spywar files. Still, I could get nothing done, access any web sites. Finally in desperation, I ran the system restore.

Finally, everything was great. Of course, Windows Update went to work right away, but this time it worked quickly. The updates were installed, and it told me to reboot. I did. AGAIN the problem with Internet Options was back, and again I could no longer gain access to any of my sites.

Thinking the problem was Windows Updates, I shut the automatic updater off. Then I went and did the system restore once more. Right away I went to Microsoft Update site, let it scan my PC, and CHOSE which updates I would accept. Installed them, then rebooted. AGAIN the problem witn Internet Options returned.

Now, I must add, because I found this curiously interesting, that while I could gain no access to any site I tried to visit, my e-mail program continued to work just fine, and so do my Instand Messenger programs. It is only IE that is not functioning. (I don't know why, but I never tried Netscape)

Anyway, I did another system restore and right away, thinking the updates were the culprit, I shut it down, and didn't bother going to Microsoft either. The PC ran fine for hours. But everyone ends the day eventually, and so did I. When I shut down my PC for the night, it was in good working order.

This morning, when I booted up and then went on-line, it didn't take long to discover that once again I was not being allowed to visit any of my regular sites. Not even my home page will load.

In preparation for the possibility that I will be forced to reformat and re-install my entire system, I have backed up my documents. But I want you to know I have run the virus scan 3 times, and found no problems. As I am writing this now, I am being scanned again, this time at TrendMicro's Housecall site. The last time I looked, the scan was at 86% done, and still no virus has been discovered.

I have never heard of the problem I am having. The PC has been working fine since I once again did yet another system restore this afternoon. I can't download the latest updates because then I will be required to reboot, and I don't want to lose a working system, which is exactly what is going to happen the moment I shut down.

Has anyone ever heard of this problem, because I have not! I sure wish someone could find an answer and soon.

Thank you,
Sandielynne