Download failures in IE8 and windows XP

[Nad]

Hi i have a Dell Dimension 9150 desktop.
I was having problems with slow startup of Windows Xp Media Centre and IE7
keeping locking up.
So Dell recommended i restore my PC to factory Default by Ctrl and F8.
I carried out the above, and then the PC was back to the same as the first
day i received the PC.
I connected to the internet and carried out all the Windows XP and driver
updates.

I was still having problems with IE7 locking up so therefore installed IE8
Beta.
IE8 sometimes still stops responding and now i am also having problems
installing software.
I have tried installing MSN Messenger etc and other software and it starts
downloading, but however it stops at about 98% of the download. I also cannot
run the Programs direct without downloading.

Please somebody help me in identifying the IE Problems and also the
Downloading problems, as i have been pulling out my hair for the past 4 weeks
and although my PC still has a 1 year Dell Warranty remaining, i am not going
to pay them £40 to solve the software issue.

PLEASE PLEASE HELP!

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I was still having problems with IE7 locking up so...

Back up! Were you having any problems after the Recovery Install and
running IE6?

Is WinXP SP3 installed?

Start | Settings | Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs | Make sure the "Show
Updates" box is checked | Scroll down and tell me if "Security Update for
Windows Internet Explorer 7 (KB953838)" is listed?

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party firewall
(if any)? Were any of these applications running in the background when you
installed IE7, IE8 Beta 2, and/or any WinXP Service Packs?

 

[Nad]

Hi,
I have checked and WinXP SP3 is installed, as well as IE8 Beta 2.
I dont have Security update for IE7, but this may be because i have now IE8.
I have Mcafee security Centre, but although it is protecting it is out of
date by about 6 months, but i am getting a free copy of this by my new ISP
next week.
What reeally gets to me is why i cant download files by any more than 98% etc.

The IE8 problem of not responding has got slightly better after i reset IE8
to default in Tools.
The downloading problem though still persists.
Could this be a hardware problem or is it purely software?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I have Mcafee security Centre, but although it is protecting it is out of

date by about 6 months...

Not good, not good at all!

Always Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/computer/default.mspx

My recommendations:

1. Restore the machine to factory default again.

2. You will then have the equivalent of a "new computer" so take care of
EVERYTHING on the following webpage before otherwise connecting the machine
to the internet (e.g., to browse, check email, chat, or download other
stuff):

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

This includes (a) getting an AV app installed & working properly (e.g.,
www.free-av.com/), (b) enabling the Windows Firewall or a third-party
firewall, and (c) getting the machine fully patched at Windows Update.

NB: Do NOT install IE7 or IE8 Beta 2 until you've got IE6 running properly.
(I would not recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update; and I would not
recommend installing IE8 Beta 2 at all at this point.)

NB: Any "free-trialware" that gets reinstalled during the recovery (e.g., a
Norton or McAfee application) *cannot* be used and *must* be uninstalled
before installing another AV app and/or firewall!

Furthermore, after uninstalling a Norton or McAfee app, you must also run
the appropriate removal tool and reboot before installing another AV app
and/or firewall!

Norton Removal Tool
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
[Related discussion: http://windowssecrets.com/comp/080207#story1]

McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool
http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=107083&lc=1033
[Related discussion: http://www.pchell.com/virus/uninstallmcafee.shtml]

NB: If and when your new ISP makes McAfee Security Center available, you
MUST uninstall your current AV app and third-party fireall before installing
it!