lately my computer has been affected by a virus, however, i think my anti-virus took care of it.
the last few days when i click internet explorer it comes up "cannot connect to webpage" and there is no address bar across the top.

is this an issue with my version of IE8 or is it an issue with my computer?

for further clarification, when i try to log into msn it says it cannot log me in and when i click "diagnose" it says my "default gateway" is off

i would appreciate any help that can be given to me on this issue

Are you using a router?

Check with your ISP they could be experiencing some problems.

Post your computer specs, java version, ISP (Internet Service Provider),

If you are using a router turn it off and leave it for 5 minutes then load back up.

Open the Command Prompt (from the Start button, go to Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt).
In the command prompt window, type ipconfig to see current ip address
In the command prompt window, type ipconfig /release
In the command prompt window, type ipconfig /renew
Exit the Command Prompt by typing exit .

After completing your ipconfig /renew, check what IP address you have by 'ipconfig'. If you have an IP address starting with 169.254, then you are not connected to the Internet. Addresses starting with 169.254 are assigned automatically by Windows when Windows is unable to contact an Internet (DHCP) server for an address.

im not using a router.

using 3 mobile internet>>>http://www.three.ie/broadband/paymonthly.htm

windows xp, version 14 of java.
its definetely something to do with the laptop because i switched the dongle to my fathers computer and it worked fine.

il have to check the i.p command prompt when i go home from college this evening

Ok try using a different web browser like firefox or google chrome and see if the same happens then.
Oh by the way IE8 is supposed to be quite buggy at the moment so some people may be experiencing some technical difficulties with it.

Just switch to a different browser and tell me if the same happens again.

i have downloaded mozilla firefox and when i clicked on anything it came up that it was not responding but it appeared to be online.

i have installed safari and it comes up with safari cannot open the page.

any further suggestions?

Edited at 22:30 Thu 5/11/09 (GMT)

windows ip configuration
ethernet adapter local area connection:
media state : media disconnected
PPP adapter 3usb modem:
connection-specific DNS suffix:
ip address: 92.251.214.***
subnet mask: 255.***.***
default gateway: 92.251.***.***

that is what i get when i type ipconfig and it wont let me do anything else as the media is disconnected.

Ok go on your connection settings and see if there is a picture that looks like a padlock next to Local Area Connection. If that is so then turn off Windows Firewall, Reset your computer and try again.

there was a big red x instead of a padlock.

i think resetting my computer and starting again may be the only solution.

Ok i know the problem

Right. It is your dongle.

All you need to do is re-install the dongle and make sure all the settings are installed.

Can you give any further details on the virus? Like the name also what AV do you use becuase most of them do not do the job it tells you it has done so it could still be on your computer

I am 100% it is not a virus...

Just to be sure what antivirus are you using?

im fairly certain it isnt the dongle, since i am using it perfectly fine on this computer.

i think simon is right that the antivirus hasnt removed the virus, im using avg 8.5 (the free version)

it has removed the visible effects of the virus only i would reckon

if its norton it most likely is

Then it most likely is.

My choice...

Google Avast Home Basic and use that

mcafee is very reliable

No comment

huh?

Mcafee is useless put it that way

I don't no to much about recent anti-virus's as I don't use one but from when I did I used pretty much all of them

NoD32 - The best one to use (but its like £40 per year)

Then I would go for Avast this is most proberbly the best AV you can get for free, so download Avast do a System Scan and see if that picks anything up

Also just to keep the computer clean download:

Spybot Search and Destroy,

This will remove any spyware + adaware that your computer may be carrying that you do not no about!

edit: nevermind, i found them

Edited at 09:30 Mon 9/11/09 (GMT)