can't find server message

I have windows xp. I don't know awhole lot about my
computer. Like most my kids know more than I do. I am
having a problem getting in to web sites. I am able to
say get into my email but if I want to forward something
to a few people from my address book instead of going to
the address book I end up with a screen that says what
are you looking for with a bunch of catagories to choose
from. I can get into a website but then if I need to
submit information or look at a topic within the site I
get a screen that says it can't find the server. The
problem has gotten worse. I am not sure how to fix it.
Any suggestions?