How do you get rid of constant "Invalid Syntax Error" on my computer?

Question

Anytime I get to a site where I need to sign it, the address bar will say invalid syntax error, and the widows security center page pops up. I use widows defender and it says my computer is running fine, but I keep having this problem. Can anyone help? I even used the system restore, but I keep getting this message.

Answer 1

OK, I am going to assume your are using Internet Explorer 5 or 6.
This issue is a result of an important security update (832894), and is sadly, fairly common.
This update removes support for handling user names and passwords in HTTP and HTTP with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or HTTPS URLs in Microsoft Internet Explorer.
The following URL syntax is no longer supported in Internet Explorer or in Windows Explorer after you install the MS04-004 Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (832894): http(s)://username:password@server/resource.ext
(i.e Invalid Syntax Error)

There is a lengthy registry edit workaround for your problem, or
M$ has a fix available. (make sure and get the right one for your version of IE, if your not sure which version you have Click "Help" > "About" to see the version)

The fix is here;

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS04-004.mspx

Alternately, you could also upgrade to IE 7 at the windows update site.
http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Or even better use FireFox 2.0;
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

Any of the above will solve your issue.