Why does it say "Not Available" ?

[Lisa2004]

Good Morning everyone,

Peace to you all. I hope this is an Internet-Related problem. The problem manifests itself there, but it may be rooted elsewhere. That's why I am hoping that the expert moderators can help me :wave:

In the very top-most address bar, not the one where you can type in the address, but the one that displays the address at which you are [forgive me for not knowing the exact terminology]), after every address, every page I visit (including my ISP's homepage), I get the words "- Not Available." Every page does display, and it seems that everything functions normally, but why am I getting this statement ?

Is there a commonly-used graphics (or other necessary) program that must be used to view an internet page? If so, is that particular program somehow corrupted on my system?

I just purchased this computer a year and a half ago. I got it from Dell (paid lotsa money), and my OS is Windows XP.

Some other background information that may help is: I think the problem started when I went to JibJab to view their popular "cartoon film" about George W and Kerry. I think I had to download (oh damn, what was that....QuickView or ?) and then I had to download the "film" itself. I had problems so I uninstalled the viewing program. I think the "Not Available" problem has been with me ever since.

Can you help?:(

I thank you so very much in advance.

Regards,
Lisa

[TJolly]

I think a good place to start would be to run a full av scan with updated definitions.

Then go here and download Spybot Search&Destroy:
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?lang=en&page=download

Check for updates before running the program. A tutorial can be found under help. You can safely delete what it finds.

Do likewise with Adaware that can be found here:
http://lavasoft.element5.com/software/adaware/

[Lisa2004]

Thanks for your quick advice. I ran AdAware and didn't find anything; I also constantly run SpyBot (also didn't find anything). What is an "AV" scan? I have McAfee and ran that.


PS. Oh, duh..."AV" = Anti-virus.....Yes, as I said above, I run McAfee....and keep it updated.


Do you have any other suggestions?


Thanks again.

[TJolly]

AV = anti virus.

Make sure McAfee is up to date and run again to be on the safe side.

[Lisa2004]

Thanks, yes. I have updated McAfee. Last night I spent a couple of hours running that and SpyBot and Adaware, and another Spy-detector/blocker that I had a trial run with. I also downloaded the latest Microsoft Updates. Apparently, there is a Service Pack now available. Could that have a positive affect on the problem? Are there any other diagnostic tools that either come with XP, IE, or that are safe and available freeware? I would be willing to pay for something that was guaranteed to fix the problem without creating other problems.

Thanks again,
Lisa

[TJolly]

Just a thought try using disk cleanup.

[degsy]

Do you mean the titlebar?
http://www.computer-helpforum.com/images/ie-screen.jpg


Was it QuickTime that you installed?

Have you tried a System Restore?
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=306084


You could also try a Repair of IE
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFIX.htm

[Lisa2004]

Thanks. I shall try disk cleanup....and I will continue to try everything else. I have tried to to find an answer by searching the Web (I've "Googled" the "Not Available" phrase and seached for it at Microsoft), by reading as many FAQs at Microsoft (and going on their Forums) and others, and by experimentation. I really have tried everything I know, but, alas, I am not an expert....that's why I've humbly come here to see if anyone can help.

I know you're all busy and this service is for free....but I can tell you that I appreicate your consideration and help.

Thanks to anyone who'll "listen."

Regards,
Lisa

[Lisa2004]

Thank, yes....in the titlebar......sorry I didn't remember it's proper name. :blush:

It may have been QuickTime (I actually thought it was something else; I just cannot remember the name). I uninstalled it right away because the problem seemed to appear soon after I installed it.

I am, frankly, afraid of a System Restore. Will I lose settings and files? Isn't it a bit more drastic than repairing IE (should I try this repair first?)

P.S. I should explain, so I don't sound like a total dolt....I am at work now...I am not using the computer with the above problem (that's at home). That's why I am talking in past tense and in "other locale" terms.

I shall try all of these suggestions.

Thanks again,
Lisa

[degsy]

An IE Repair would probably be best at first.

If that doesn't work then you can try a System Restore, if you have a Restore point to before the problems.

A System Restore will restore your PC to a previous configuration.
It will remove any programs installed since.

But it will not effect data files, emails etc. They will remain.