Endpoint Protection

I've got an issue with IE 11 running in Windows 8.1 with all the updates etc. current.  When I do a search on any topic in any search application (Google, Bing, Duck, Duck Go or others) all of the resulting links work except any to a Microsoft web page.  If I click on an MS link in google it opens a blank/empty tab.  In the other search applications when I click on the MS link nothing happens - all other address links work. 

I tried the same process in a Safari browser and everything worked normally.  I've done a full scan, ran Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and come up clean in both.  I've checked the IE settings and don't see anything there that could be causing this.  I have searched on the internet in general for ideas and found very few examples of this problem.  I did find information on 'redirect' issues but that does not fit my situation.  Any ideas - help?? 

Paul -

Paul Foreman, Iowa Dept of Corrections

paul.foreman@iowa.gov

Did you restore IE to default settings?

Did you check your HOSTS file for any redirects?

Try using JRT or AdwCleaner to see what shows up.

Run the Threat Analysis Scan

How to run the Threat Analysis Scan in Symantec Help (SymHelp)

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH215519

I deleted and reinstalled IE and made sure the default settings were in place.  I checked the HOSTS file and didn't find anything there.  I'll run the scan and try AdwCleaner too.  Thanks.

Paul -

Well - I ran AdwCleaner and it found a couple of things and they were deleted.  However, I still have the exact same issue.  I'm running the Threat Analysis Scan now and will see what that turns up. 

Paul -

Completed the Threat Analysis scan - came up with three files all of which are "ok" and tied to some specific no-problem software we use in-house.  So, I am still at square one with my issue.  Thanks for the help so far.

Paul -

Did this just start?

I am not real sure when it started but I noted it on this Monday (07/21).  I think it was working ok prior to that but can't be sure when the issue started because it is so oddly specific.  All the other links to web pages work with the only ones have an issue are Microsoft pages so, it could have been going on for awhile. 

I looked at some of the scan logs and checked for program installs over the last couple of weeks and didn't see anything unusual or noteworthy in that timeframe.  I'm still frustrated and clueless.  I'm using IE for most internet work (it's the default) and need to use IE as several of our programs are web based and that is the browser of choice for our in-house programs.

When I need to do a search for something on the general internet, I am using my safari browser for now. 

Paul -

Does it fail always on the IE? Or does it work properly if you type the MS URL in the IE address line or use favorites/bookmarks?

Did you try to track the network traffic with a sniffer like Wireshark?

The failure to connect with Microsoft URL results is always happening in IE however typing the address directly in works fine as do any favorites/bookmarks. 

At this point, it is a minor thing and the IT people say to just ignore it unless something else happens.  For now I've got plenty to do without doing a lot of work on tracking this issue down.  I had hopes that somebody had an idea of how this happend so I could get a quick fix put in - as for now, I'm going to live with it unless it does something different down the road. 

Thanks for all the help/advice - if someone comes up with a solution, please let me know.

Paul -

paul.foreman@iowa.gov