Problems with Internet Explorer

Within the last week, I have seen four computers with the same problems. They all will not surf the net and when you type in a different web page to go to, it pulls up a box that says internet explorer can not open the page. I have searched for manyhours trying to find a solution to my problem. I have ripped TCP/IP, the connectoid, renamed the .386’s, etc. Nothing seems to work but a format and reinstall. I hate formating a computer because it is almost like defeat. If anybody has any suggestions please give me a shout at rawling1@duracom.net