Unable to open search pages

[Paul]

We can access most web pages, but all search pages
(google, altavista, msn, etc) do not open

 

[mugle]

this must be new virus because lots of people see this.
all are working from my computer.
no problems searching here.

 

[mao]

Your problems lies with the HOSTS file in the
C:\WINDOWS\Help directory. Rename, move, or delete this
file to fix your problem. If you are using netscape, you
may need to close and reopen before the change is accepted.

 

[H Leboeuf]

http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/delude.shtml

NAME: Delude
ALIAS: Trojan.BAT.Startpage.a
Delude is a trojan that is available on a web page. The web page contains a
code that uses a vulnerability in the Internet Explorer (MS03-032) to
execute.
More information about the vulnerability, including a fix, is available from
Microsoft at:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-032.asp
VARIANT: Delude.A
The HTA code available on a web page downloads a file "partyboy.exe" from an
ftp site and runs it. This file is is packed with UPX. It is a batch file
which was compiled to executable binary (".exe") using a BatToExe tool.
When executed, it changes the Internet Explorer start page to find-now.info.
It prevents access to the most major search engines such as Google, Yahoo,
Lycos, MSN and AltaVista. To do this it replaces the following file:



http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/trojan.qhosts.html