IE: can't type in username or password fields

[Argo]

Here's one for my fellow geeks.
 My mother has once again presented me with a perplexing problem. Only when using IE, you can't type into any username or password fields so you can't login to anywhere.
After her last colossal problem, IE would immediatly close including all explorer windows, I reinstalled Adaware and Spybot then installed AVG antivirus and trojon killer. After checking all the internet and IE settings, I ran Adaware and Spybot. Which hadn't been run since the last problem 48 days ago. That found abit of stuff and removed it. Nope still had the problem. Tried CCleaner, still it persists.
I'm assuming that it is some malware/virus that is attacking IE. Nothing odd in the process list. I'm thinking of trying to reinstall IE.
Anyone else runing to anything like this?

[Hyperspeed]

Your mother should try IBrowse 2.2, at least noone writes viruses for
it!

:-) :-) ;-)

[Argo]

For that matter she could use Netscape/Mozilla or Opera. Only then she couldn't play her little web based games that need ActiveX. Which is where I think most of these problems come from.

[adz]

Have you had a look at HijackThis?

[blobrana]

Hum,
Dont use the blue E.

Leave it as it is -  and use firefox....




"you really think you can fix explorer by reinstalling? - Haha" - Microsoft

[NoFastMem]

Personally, I'd wipe the whole thing, secure it properly and tell her that if she wants to get any real work done she'll have to make compromises regarding the rubbish she runs on it...

I gave up on helping my family with their computer. They're just too f**king stupid. So I just turn a blind eye and never touch their machine with a barge pole. :-D

[Hyperspeed]

Why not get Firefox as blobrana says and install some desktop games on Windows as a substitute for those naff Javascript games!

:-)

[Linchpin]

@ Argo

She cannot type in the fields or they dont accept what she types?

[blobrana]

Hum,
that reminded of a time not so long ago that i used to half type my password and `cut & paste` the other half from a text file....

(to get around key loggers and memory/clipboard reader hacks...)


So is it possible to paste the password into IE?

Also i would find any .pwl files and rename them, and restart again...

Whoops, .pwl is for 98/me

.sam is for XP
Maybe of interest - link:

[Hyperspeed]

I don't think Amiga browsers and net software allow you to copy and paste passwords, not even with PowerSnap. I think things have gotten so bad in the PC market that people are exhibiting symptoms of compulsive security psychosis. Like blobrana.

;-) ;-) ;-)

Actually, paranoia is probably the only safety device you have left when AVG & ZoneAlarm fail!

Long live Virus Executor too.

:-)

Could those keystrokes which don't appear onscreen be piped to some drone machine? I think keeping broadband online 24/7 is a bit like having an alsation sized catflap.

;-)

[Argo]

@ LinchpiN

She cannot type in the fields or they dont accept what she types?

Cannot type in the fields. Move the pointer over a username, password, or email field and the pointer changes but there is not text cursor so you can't type.

[orange]

try Adware Away, its really good

[Linchpin]

@ Argo

You could try resetting web settings within tools > internet options.

Or, if its win98/ME with IE v 5.5 if you look in Add/remove programs, there is a "Repair" option there. Worth a whurl.