Expert: James Filmer - 2/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hey James, thanks for taking the time to look at my
question. I had a virus on my computer a few days ago and I
managed to get it fixed. However, my computer is screwing
with me. It does not allow me to log on to two of the
accounts i have, apparently, the system does not allow me
to log on interactively. Also on the accounts i can log
onto, the internet does not work. The connection is fine,
I'm using a different computer, but i cannot see to get to
any pages with any browser. Can you give me any sort of
advice? Do you think the virus is still affecting the
computer?

ANSWER: Hi Tianzan,

What's the name and version of your anti-virus program, and how did you remove the virus? What system are you using?

If Windows, do you know if you have the latest security updates? Have you tried another anti-virus scan offline?

Also, I don't understand "I'm using a different computer, but i cannot see to get to any pages with any browser."

Are you on a different computer that is not affected and can't reach the Internet on the one that had the virus?

You have more than one PC log on account - are they user/limited rights accounts?

Are you able to log on to your administrator account?



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I am using a computer that is not affected and can get
to the internet, the other cannot get to the internet on
any user and also cannot log onto 2 accounts.  Yes, some
are user limited accounts. I am using Windows, I probably
don't have the latest updates though.

ANSWER: Hi,

Still need the name and version of your anti-virus program, and how did you remove the virus? Did the problem begin immediately after removal and restart?

Have you tried running another anti-virus scan offline?

Are you able to log on to your administrator account? This is the only account you should troubleshoot at this time.

Does your system and/or applications exhibit any other problems except internet access, like taking much longer than usual for all start up tasks to complete?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oh, we were able to resolve the issue. My dns server was
changed somehow so I couldn't access the internet. I still
don't know why the computer blocks me from certain users
though...I am not able to log onto my administrators, but
everything else seems to be running fine. Thanks for your
help though.

Answer
What's the situation now? Are you still unable to log on as administrator?

When you say your DNS server was changed, have you been able to determine if your ISP changed it, someone with access to your PC, or something else?

Http://www.dslreports.com/faq/13222 might help you return to your former setting.

Http://compnetworking.about.com/od/dns_domainnamesystem/f/dns_servers.htm might give you some additional insight, though it sounds like you might know already.

Not be able to log on to your administrator account is not a good thing (especially since you won't be able to install critical Windows updates), so please update when you get a chance if you're still having problems.