Explorer consumes memory and remains active after closing

[Guest]

Intermittent but persistent problem:

Often after closing a browser window (though it may be starting before
that), IEXPLORE.EXE will remain active and continue to consume all available
memory. The system slows down and eventually displays an "Out of Memory"
error. If I notice the slowdown and end the process from Task Manager soon
enough, the problem disappears for a little while. Although sometimes I can
be on for hours with no problems at all.

I am using IE 6.0 under Windows 2000 on a Dell Optiplex GX150 - P3/933 (I
know, ancient. I'm poor. So shoot me.) I am running McAfee with full
heuristic scans.
Windows, IE and Mcafee all have current updates and all scans indicate
nothing malicious or even suspicious.

It's mostly just really annoying but when you're in the middle of a
composition and have to shut things down before you get a chance to save is a
real pain some times.

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE/WM]

Intermittent but persistent problem:

Often after closing a browser window (though it may be starting before
that), IEXPLORE.EXE will remain active and continue to consume all
available
memory. The system slows down and eventually displays an "Out of Memory"
error. If I notice the slowdown and end the process from Task Manager soon
enough, the problem disappears for a little while. Although sometimes I
can
be on for hours with no problems at all.

I am using IE 6.0 under Windows 2000 on a Dell Optiplex GX150 - P3/933 (I
know, ancient. I'm poor. So shoot me.) I am running McAfee with full
heuristic scans.
Windows, IE and Mcafee all have current updates and all scans indicate
nothing malicious or even suspicious.

There's an awful lot McAfee won't catch.
Do a *thorough* check for malware, following all of the steps at one of
these Web pages.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing Messenger Plus, whose ads for
malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince you that you
owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.

 

[SingaporeWebDesign]

Hello,

Try running IE6 with add-ons disabled

Start > Control Panel > Internet Options > Advanced (tab) > UNCHECK "Enable
third-party browser extensions" > OK

If it works now, one of your add-ons is causing the problem. Start Internet
Explorer as normal, Tools, Manage Add-ons, Enable or Disable Add-ons.

Disable all the add-ons. Enable third-party browser extensions in Internet
Options.

Restart your browser and enable the add-ons one by one till the problem
appears and you get the culprit.

--
Singapore Website Design
http://www.bootstrike.com/Webdesign/
Singapore Web Hosting
http://www.bootstrike.com/WinXP/faq.html
Windows XP FAQ