Jump to content

Windows "can't find" url, but finds it anyway


Recommended Posts

When clicking click launch icons (or icons saved to desktop) IE (or Firefox, for that matter) goes to the URL, but flashes a warning that "Windows cannot find [address of URL]. Make sure you typed the name correctly, etc.

I am definitely not infected with a virus/malware (three days of diagnoses has demonstrated this). However, I have been having various other problems such as slowdowns, program crashes.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

k.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

When clicking click launch icons (or icons saved to desktop) IE (or Firefox, for that matter) goes to the URL, but flashes a warning that "Windows cannot find [address of URL]. Make sure you typed the name correctly, etc.

I am definitely not infected with a virus/malware (three days of diagnoses has demonstrated this). However, I have been having various other problems such as slowdowns, program crashes.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

k.

:welcomewf:

Three days of diagnosis to find out why you cannot connect to the internet definitely points to the fact that you need help. But if that is the only conclusion you have managed to draw after three days, and you haven't even managed to mention your ISP, Router/Modem, Land Line, Operating System,Computer Type, or any information as to where you live in the world here on the forum, a forum may not necessarily be the path you should be taking. You may be overestimating the amount of output in advice that you will get for the amount of input you have supplied.

More information required. Fill out profile with as much info as you can so that you can be helped.

Have a little re-think on this one before expecting any answers perhaps ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for your reply, Maneman. However, I must not have made the situation clear in my original post. I have no problem connecting to the internet at all. My problem is essentially a minor annoyance: If I click internet quick launch icons or icons I have saved to desktop, I arrive at the URL but am simultaneously saddled with a warning message from message which states that "Windows cannot find the URL" (even though it obviously has found it).

The three days of diagnoses involved that plus numerous other problems I was having with my system. Diagnosis inovlved the use of four virus/malware programs (including examination of their logs) plus OTL and TDSSkiller logs, running sfc and disc scans, and so on and so on and so on.

Given that I have no trouble connecting to the internet, beyond mentioning that I'm running XP pro, fully updated, I'm not sure what other information you need. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the internet, but rather, with my system. Thank you for your concern, however.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What information do these quick launch and desktop icons contain, what is their path, who created them, and how and why were they created ? What did they do before they become a minor annoyance ?

It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the internet,...

If it hasn't got anything to do with the internet, what exactly is your expected response when you click on these icons that is causing you minor annoyance ? Obviously from what you are saying you are not expecting to arrive at a website or any sort of internet connection if it has nothing to do with the internet...

If the annoyance is so minor why are you worried about it ? just delete the icons.

I'm not sure what other information you need

Now, - in part, you are.

Plus, as already stated "Fill out profile with as much info as you can so that you can be helped".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just to add to the melee....

Create a system/disk image right now in case we are beset by ultimate failure. There have been extreme measures taken in times past to rid a computing machine of minor annoyances.

... If I click internet quick launch icons or icons I have saved to desktop,...

As MANEMAN has suggested:

Throw these icons/shortcuts in the bin.

... I arrive at the URL but am simultaneously saddled with a warning message from message which states that "Windows cannot find the URL" (even though it obviously has found it).

Run CCleaner to dispose of all junk files. Right-click IE and System; select Clean.Do a thorough cleaning. :)

cclen.jpg

Recreate the icons/shortcuts afresh.

:hi:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks to all...

Okay, MANEMAN: the icons are all frequently visited sites--biomed libraries, Amazon, Netflix, Wikipedia, local libraries, NPR, Yale Open Courses, Mapquest, etc. They have all been working with no problem for many years, and, as I say, they still work to bring me to the site, but they also throw up the warning message. If I delete them and create new icons the same thing happens. Ditto if I uninstall Firefox and use IE, ditto if I uninstall IE and use Firefox, etc.

I'm running Windows XP fully updated, Verizon FIOS is my ISP (although I'm not really sure how this is relevant). Another wrinkle--the problem only occurs about 85% of the time I cick the icon, so it's not happening every single time. I can't delete the icons...I just use them too often I'm back and forth all day as I work at home. Of course, I COULD just delete them and key in web addresses, but that would be quite tiresome...I think I'd rather deal with the warning messages.

To BLUDGARD: I'm assuming the desk image will contain all installed programs and I will just need to copy it to new system loading if I have to reload Windows? As I've never done this, and suggestion for (preferable FREE) programs and instructions would be gratefully appreciated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

... I'm assuming the disk image will contain all installed programs ....

Correct. If the image is needed a week from now, it will restore the hard drive/system/machine to the exact state it was at the time the image backup was created.

Here is a decent list of free options that are considered reliable.http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-drive-imaging-program.htm#Quick_Selection_Guide

If the machine has any Linux partition(s), I would suggest Clonezilla: Otherwise, give the top three programs serious consideration.

If there are any questions regarding the use of imaging/cloning software, post back. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, Bludgard, I will look into these programs.

To Iconoclast: Regarding saving in Bookmarks/Favorites: First, it is as inconvenient to access these and find the needed icon as it is to simply close down the warning message. I really do skip back and forth rather frequently and need to be able have the icons available on the desktop--it's been part of my computer life to be able to do this for as many years as Windows has existed.

But the real issue here is not so much inconvenience as my not understanding why this is happening and fearing it is linked to a larger problem of some sort that needs to be solved.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, the browser arrives where it is supposed to, but the warning message remains. All this is complicated by other problems, primarily a frequent BSOD that seems to be related to the Nvidia chipset drivers. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I can simply uninstall the chipset and then reinstall it. I'm not experienced in this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pat Said: -

Are your NVIDIA drivers up to date? (What is the driver version & date?

I think you may have missed a post here somehow Pat.

kozureokami has now been guided towards, and advised to use the Nvidia Forum with which he is happy.

See this thread 12th February: http://forums.window...showtopic=49371

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. Privacy Policy