That sounds like strong kung fu. How do I do that ?

Which part? I'm guessing you mean the second? Use Whois. Or there are sites that let you look up the owner of an IP address - here's one: [link]

You can find your current DNS servers, right? (Even if they're set dynamicly you should be able to get them. Depends on the OS where you look.)

I am so totally fux0red at the moment, the whois link came up as not found.

Honestly, I don't know the IP of the DNS of my ISP, anyway.

I think it is time to call customer service and puke Alphabet Soup through the phone. Not that calling CS ever helps.

What browser are you using Gus?

also, I have seen spyware do that to systems

Laura, I'm using Firefox 1.0, with the international fix.

Both my spyware fixers (Spyware 6.0 and ... Holy Crap! My other spyware thing has vanished!)

So scared now.

Crap. This was the case with my niece's machine. She had cooties. Sorry to say hard to get rid of stuff. Does your virus software work?

The virus stuff may work under safe mode.

Operating system?

Laura: WIN2K-Pro, on this box.

However, my Linux box (RH8) is doing the same thing.

I think my NAT has cooties. Or my ISP.

However, my Linux box (RH8) is doing the same thing.

Then it can't be a virus or spyware.

Where is your NAT? Do you have a router? If so, can you connect the computer directly to the modem and see if it works better?

ION, I just brought my Cube back from the dead. Fucking loose screw shorting out the graphics card. Anyway, you don't truely own a computer until you've taken it apart. For values of you = me, anyway.

eta: Gus, you're talking about two different computers and not a dual-boot system, right?

However, my Linux box (RH8) is doing the same thing.

Ah. Good news on the virus front I'd say. Listen to Tom on the hardware stuff. If it is configuration or something on the ISP end I can no longer be helpful. I can offer virtual scotch and good cheer.

It's probably almost time for Gus to call customer service. But Gus should probably first unplug and plug back in whatever modem he has. Then restart the router. Because customer service may ask him if he's done this. Oh, and maybe restart one of the computers too, to get it to refresh its network info (assuming the computers are getting their DNS info from DHCP).

It sounds like their DNS servers are frelled.

Yes, (tommyrot and Laura), separate hardware pieces.

That is, the RH8 and the Win2k box are discrete. The NAT is Belkin hard cable x 4.

The other two boxes on the LAN are Replays, (which are Linux 7).

Since it has all worked earlier, I'm going with an ISP change.

Yahweh, have mercy on my penitent soul.