IE 64 works, IE 32 and Chrome don't.

I am not a big "computer tech guy". I don't have anything special about my PC. I use it to get online and use iTunes and store pictures. I don't use torrent sites or anything extra, so I'm not sure how this happened:

All of the sudden today, Chome stopped working. It says it can't find the Internet connection. IE 32 also won't work. However, IE 64 bit works perfectly. It's been a while since I've used IE, as I always use Chrome.

I have no idea what has caused this. Here is one change I did make: I have always used PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus to keep spyware off my system, and it has always done a great job. The day before this happened, I downloaded a 2011 upgrade to Spyware Doctor. It updated the look of the program and everything. Within a day after downloading this upgrade to a new version, this browser problem came up.

I'm wired right into the wall. I'm not using a wireless connection.

I use Mozy online backup to backup my files, as well as a the Last.fm "scrobbling" tool to record what I listen to on iTunes. Both of these applications are telling me that they cannot find the internet connection as well. Even Spyware Doctor will not download any updates because it can't find the internet. I am connected though, because obviously I am writing this right now using the IE 64 bit browser.

I have a normal amount of tech and computer know-how, but I don't know all the ins and outs of how to fix anything like this. To sum it up: IE 64 connects to the internet. IE 32 and Chrome, along with any of my other applications (Mozy, etc) will not find the internet.

Any help at all would be so much appreciated.




I did upload two screenshots. The first one is just Chrome not finding the internet. The second comes up sometimes when I try to use IE 32 and then close the window, and then the screenshot shows the message that pops up.

With IE, you can remove all add ons . There must be a way with Chrome. Remove addons and you should be ok.
Tools, internet options, advanced, reset

Hi brarig,

Welcome to Vista Forums!

If what Richard suggested doesn't work, try the following:

Do you know when this problem began (when you installed the update)? Try a System Restore to a point in time BEFORE the problem began (and maybe go back a day or two more). Here's the procedure: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html. Be sure to check the box to show more than 5 days of restore points. If the first attempt fails, then try an earlier point or two. NOTE: You will have to re-install any software and updates you installed between now and the restore point, but you can use Windows Update for the updates - except for the Spyware Doctor update.

Hopefully this will resolve your internet-related problems. Then you need to contact the makers of Spyware Doctor (their technical support department) and discuss the problem caused by their update and how to update without getting the problem or change to a different program that doesn't cause the problem. Perhaps Spybot S&D or SuperAntiSpyware (assuming it is only for spyware and not for viruses and malware). If it is, then instead get Microsoft Security Eseentials and Malwarebytes. All the programs I mentioned are free and come highly recommended - I use them myself.

I hope this helps. Post back if it doesn't and provide a detailed explanation of what happened and where things stand.

Good luck!

I tried the suggestions guys.

I did a system restore, which DID solve the problem of the browsers not working. IE 32 bit and Chrome worked fine. However, Spyware Doctor did not revert to it's old 2010 version....but it wasn't the new problomatic 2011 version either. It just flat out didn't work at all...the program would not open.

Now, just to be sure it was this 2011 update that was causing the problem, I actually downloaded the 2011 version again. Sure enough, as soon as I downloaded and started the computer, the same problems happened. No IE 32. No Chrome.

I have been trying with the PC Tools (who makes Spyware Doctor) customer service, but that have not been much helps so far. I would be happy for now just to give me the 2010 version back because I know that one works with my system, but they can't do that. Any other suggestions...things I could look for?

I have uploaded some screenshots if anyone would like to try to help:

1 - Simply shows Google Chrome not being able to open the web, right next to Internet Explorer 64 bit working fine.

2 - Shows a message that I sometimes get after trying to use IE 32 bit, after I close the window....The exception unknown software exception (0xc0000005) occured in the application at location 0x753ae427

3 - A Spyware Doctor error that I got AFTER I did the restore. At this point, all browsers were working, but I couldn't get Spyware Doctor to do anything.