Why would my browser do this?

[Shugardrawers]

When I enter an address in the address bar nothing happens. I can click on links, use my favorites, and pretty much everything else. But if I want to go to a site that's not in my favorites I have to go to google (which is in my favorites) look it up and click the link from there. I can't just put for instance www.disboards.com in the address bar. Well, I could but it wouldn't help. I tried hitting enter and also using the go button but nope. Won't budge. Any ideas?

ETA: Internet Explorer and Windows XP before you ask.

 

[WishingOnAStar]

This is really weird, but my computer was doing the EXACT same thing yesterday. I just restarted it and it was fine. (that's pretty much my answer to every computer problem)

 

[Shugardrawers]

Nope, just tried it and no go but it was a thought.

 

[mom23boys]

OMG my computer is doing the same thing. I tried to restart and it did not work.

It is so annoying to have to use the search engine. I also have IE and Windows XP.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Try running chkdsk


Are your anti-spyware programs current?

 

[dundee10]

Download and install Firefox. You won't regret it . . . indeed, you'll love it, especially tabbed browsing, which works very well with the DISboards.

 

[Shugardrawers]

running programs and spyware is Dh's department. I'll have him look into those when he gets home. Is that what it is? Some kind of infection??