[NYAnetta]

Hi,After recent running of some anti-spyware and anti-virus software, my IE6 doesn't open some links (others, like the ones in Google search results, open just fine). When I click on some links (I am positive they should work), nothing happens, even when I right clich and chose "open in another window option).Please help - this is so disruptive!One hint - I removed Windows Genuine detector from registry, but coudn't unistall it completely - is it the revange of Microsoft to block some links from opening???Thank you for any suggestions,Anetta

[mphenterprises]

[quote name='NYAnetta']...I removed Windows Genuine detector from registry, but coudn't unistall it completely...Hi NYAnetta. Why would you have any reason to remove Windows Genuine Advantage registry from your computer? :?My one suggestion to you is to either:- Do a System Restore to a point before you removed the WGAOR- Do a repair of Windows to reinstall the registry component

[lilxkid24]

You shouldn't touch your registry if you don't know what your doing. Try installing ie 7 now then.

[NYAnetta]

I didn't remove it manually - CCleanup made it for me - I just got a notice that even if I remove WGA from the registry, I still cannot uninstall it. Do you thionk it can be the reason of my links not working?Anetta

[mphenterprises]

That is definitely a start. For future reference, I would advise you not to use any other type of program to clean the registry besides a program that is specifically designed to clean the registry. Click on the link to see some suggestions from other members.At this point, I would still go back to my original suggestions of System Restore or a repair. System Restore is more than likely your better option. Try that and let us know what happens.

[SpiritWind]

{size:18px}[/size]:D Hi Anetta : There are 2 different Windows Genuine Advantage ( "WGA" ) "Tools" ; one is the "Validation" Tool ( KB892130 ), which should be on your computer, and the other is the "Notifications" Tool ( KB 905474 ), which is the "Annoyance" program that has received a lot of bad press and should be AVOIDED & is difficult to get rid of once it is installed; WHICH one are you talking about ? Has to "CCleanUp"; are you talking about Steven Gould's "CleanUp" or "CCleaner, which has an "Issues" Section ( which is a "registry cleaner" with dubious value and can cause problems if used ) ?

[NYAnetta]

I am afraid I have the bad stuff: "Notifications" tool, and CCleaner (which, ironically, clamed to be very safe).How to get rid of those WGA notifications now and get back my links, then?If I do restore, I'll get all those bugs back, as well, don't I?Thanx a lot,Anetta

[mphenterprises]

Not necessarily. Do the System Restore, and when the system comes back up, immediately test to see if you can use the links. Once you verify that you can use the links, then you can run CCleaner BUT do not use the registry portion of CCleaner.I personally use CCleaner all the time and have never had a problem. Only run that application to remove the personal data from the areas that are checked off on the main page. If you have not done so already, check out the link I sent you initially.

[NYAnetta]

Thank you.By the way, the whole story started when I tried to remove SpySheriff spyware. I found a post online advising step by step how to remove it. The whole mess with my links was the outcome of that.And what about WGA notification tool - any idea how to get rid of that?Best,Anetta

[mphenterprises]

Personally, I would not remove that, but again, that is just me. I think your main concern right now should be the links. Once that is resolved, then you can worry about the notifications.Also, I would recommend SuperAnti-Spyware as another Anti-Spyware application.

[SpiritWind]

{size:18px}[/size] Hi Anette : Unless you are very technically astute, best to use the following from Microsoft : "You can temporarily disable Windows Genuine Advantage Notifications. To do this, right-click the Notifier icon in the notification area and select Change Notifications Settings. Then, follow the prompts. This will disable the Notification Prompts until a new release of the Notification Update is released. " To "Prevent" getting a "New" Release of the Notifications "Tool", carefully screen each Microsoft "Update" and definitely do NOT download another, which most likely would be "KB 905474"; this is one reason NOT to use "Automatic Updates", by turning them "OFF", then remembering to go to the Microsoft Update Site the Wednesday after the 2nd Tues of each month. Could also subscribe to a FREE Newsletter that would let you know that new ones have been released. In the future when you get a "Rogue" like SpySheriff, simply use the FREE "RogueRemover" from www.malwarebytes.org/rogueremover.php .

[NYAnetta]

Thanx a lot for all you suggestions, guys.I'll try them when I get home.Best,Anetta

[mphenterprises]

With Pleasure :-) Please keep us posted.