I get an error whenever I connect to the internet using my dialup from
home. The error comes up sometimes right away, and sometimes after a
few minutes or more, and it says something like '"sychost.exe" has
generated errors'. After I get the message it seems to disable the
links on many of the web pages I visit. Anyone know how I can prevent
this??? Let me know if you need the exact error message and I will
take note of it next time......

Hello bigsticks,

Thank you for your question. Its always helpful to have the full text
of any error message (as well as which operating system, version of
browser, email client, etc.)when you post your question, but in this
case it appears this is enough to determine you most likely have a
virus. The actual file the error is occrring in should be svchost.exe.

As noted in this thread, you are most likely running Windows 2000 or
XP and have found the Blaster Worm:
http://www.computing.net/windows2000/wwwboard/forum/50809.html


And here again at ExpertsExchange:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/Win2000/Q_20707044.html

There are numerous threads online that all point in this direction.

Are you running a good AntiVirus program with recent updates for the
virus definitions? If so, run a scan. If not go here for a free online
virus scan:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/


A discussion of the W32.Blaster.Worm at Symantec is here:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.html 

And you will find tools to remove this worm at this Symantec page:
http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.blaster.worm.removal.tool.html


If you are using Windows 2000, see this article from Microsoft on the
security patch:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c8b8a846-f541-4c15-8c9f-220354449117&displaylang=en

And for Windows XP, go here for patrch information:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2354406c-c5b6-44ac-9532-3de40f69c074&displaylang=en


Search Strategy:

sychost.exe +error
svchost.exe +error

I trust my research has provided you with a solution to cure this
annoying problem. If a link above should fail to work or anything
require further explanation or research, please do post a Request for
Clarification prior to rating the answer and closing the question and
I will be pleased to assist further.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-

Haven't tried yet, but answer sounds convincing!