[Monique07]

For about a month now I am experiencing problems in downloading certain webpages on the internet.

FACTS

1. I work on a laptop
2. I use both Mozilla Firefox & IE. (same problem occurs with both)
3. I can log into Yahoo home page but any link from there takes me to a blank page
4. I can only log into Yahoo home page once I've deleted history, cookies etc
5. The same thing happens with 'myspace'
6. Same problem occurs randomly when surfing the net. Some pages just won't open
7. I do not have this problem on my other laptop. I go to the identical sites and open up
with no problem

I have been searching on the net to see if someone can assist but thus far I haven't found the answer.

Are you able to give me advice please?

Many thanks and Happy New Year!

[Curlyben]

Sounds like you may have some malware on your system.
When was the last time you did some system maintenance?

Here's my usual C&P for cases like this:

When was the last time you did some serious maintenance on your system ?

System maintenance includes:
Defrag
FULL patching
Virus scanning
Spyware scanning
removal of rubish files

Defrag is an inbuilt function in XP.
Open My Computer > Right click C: > Tools Tab and its there.

To make sure everything is running fine run both anti virus and anti spyware apps in normal AND safe modes. (make sure that they are updated first ! ;)) (AVG is good and free AV)
(A couple of good removal tools are Spybot and Adaware)

ALso an on line virus and spyware scanner is Trend Housecall

Just a note: actively running two AV's on one machine can cause problems.
So if you are thinking about it make sure your current one is disabled first.
Same thing applies to online scanners as well.

Removal of junk files is easy with CCleaner a free app that does exactly what

If all this fails then a repair install may be in order:

Here's the official Micro$oft way of doing it,
and Here's one with screen shots.

Basically this installs windows over the top of your current setup.
So you don't loose any information you already have.

This lot should resolve your issue.

[Monique07]

Thanks. I'm busy with your maintenance tips and will let you know. I appreciate your quick response!