IE FTP problem

Ok here we go.
IE 5.5 on Win98 (not sure bout SE).
When I try to download anything it comes up with a "requested site is either unavailable or cannot be found" error.
That is to say that I can surf normally unless I try to click on a "download from here" link. The site/files are there. I can use an FTP client from the PC to reach the same file/s with out a problem. I have reset the Security to defaults and the other options as well.
This happen when the file is coming from an http or ftp site, which has me wondering How I can surf at all!?!?

preThanks for the help!

Did you try using the IE repair utility. You can access it through Add/Remove Programs in control panel. Double click on the entry for "Internet Explorer and tools" and a dialog will pop up. You can launch repair from here.

Yea. Sorry, should have told you, They uninstalled IE 5.X back to 4.x then reinstalled of of disk back to 5.5. Same symptoms in all cases. WTF??

Drat, Keep forgetting to add things. Currently, If you try to use Microsoft Update page, It will not let you. I forget exactly what message it gives you.

I don't usually recommend reinstalling Windows, but in this case I'll make an exception. Sounds like a messed up computer.

HOWEVER, there is something you try before you reinstall. Go to www.98lite.net and download their software which strips Internet Explorer out of Windows 98. It might get rid of the mess to the point where you can reinstall IE again in a working state.

go to windows knowledge base and do a search under IE category

for this:

Frequently Asked Questions About Page Cannot Be Displayed Errors in Internet Explorer <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">

Try this:

on the IE toolbar :

• Click on Tools
• Click Internet Options
• Click Security
• Click Custom Level
• Make sure Downloads\File Downloads is set to Enable
• Save the settings, close and restart IE

If that does not work, and you installed the IE update after windows:

• Click on Start
• Click on Settings
• Click on Add/Remove Programs
• Find "Internet explorer" on the list
• Highlight it and click Delete
• When prompted, select Repair Internet Explorer then click OK

If that still don't work, then IE is beyond redemption - if you know someone with a CD/RW have them download the IE setup files from Microsoft for you and re-install it from scratch - uninstall the old version first, though.

Good Luck