Question: How to reinstall IE6

[Harry]

My copy of IE6 has developed a recent problem. After booting up, the
first time I start IE6 it takes about 45 seconds to run, and if I want
to open a second IE6 windows that takes about 30 seconds.

I have done a thorough scan for virus, spyware, etc and disable all
BHO's but the problem remains.

I feel the only solution is to reinstall IE6 again (I'm running XP
Pro). Is this worthwhile and possible? The delay in opening the
browser is sufficent for me to consider saving my data and doing a
reinstall of the operating system to fix the problem, it's two years
now since I did a reinstall.

Any advice warmly received.

Harry

 

[gsjutla]

There is something you can try prior to reinstalling IE or the Operating
system.

Just like teh system startup items there can be several plugins and activex
controls being loaded when the IE is launched. You should try cleaning up
these to see if Ie becomes faster. The easiest way to try this is

1) Download autoruns from http://www.sysinternals.com
2) Close all IE and explorer windows
3) Run autoruns.exe and from the internet explorer tab, disable any non
microsoft components that you see listed under the tab.
4) repeat the same stuff for the windows explorer tab.
5) Reboot the system and see if you find any difference.

IE 7 has a built in capability to do this. If you run IE 7 with the -extoff
command line it would run IE without any add-ons or plugins and if you still
see a performance sluggishness then you need additional steps. To run IE7 in
safe mode you can use the following command line

"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -extoff

Let me know how it goes. Send me an email at (e-mail address removed) if you
need further help.

 

[Harry]

Hi gsjutla
thanks so much for your prompt reply. I did as you suggested -
downloaded and ran 'Autoruns", disabled all the non-Microsoft entries,
re-bo0ted and .... IE6 is running just fine again - the browser opens
immediatly instead of my waiting 45 seconnds!

I really do appreciate the time and effort you took to reply. The
Autorun program is an excellent diagnostic tool. Now I will slowly
re-store the disabled items, one at a time, and see which one is the
culprit.

Thanks again, I am very grateful to you.
Warmly, Harry

 

[Harry]

Hi gsjutla
thanks so much for your prompt reply. I did as you suggested -
downloaded and ran 'Autoruns", disabled all the non-Microsoft entries,
re-bo0ted and .... IE6 is running just fine again - the browser opens
immediatly instead of my waiting 45 seconnds!

I really do appreciate the time and effort you took to reply. The
Autorun program is an excellent diagnostic tool. Now I will slowly
re-store the disabled items, one at a time, and see which one is the
culprit.

Thanks again, I am very grateful to you.
Warmly, Harry

 

[gsjutla]

I glad to hear that the issue is resolved.

Hi gsjutla
thanks so much for your prompt reply. I did as you suggested -
downloaded and ran 'Autoruns", disabled all the non-Microsoft entries,
re-bo0ted and .... IE6 is running just fine again - the browser opens
immediatly instead of my waiting 45 seconnds!

I really do appreciate the time and effort you took to reply. The
Autorun program is an excellent diagnostic tool. Now I will slowly
re-store the disabled items, one at a time, and see which one is the
culprit.

Thanks again, I am very grateful to you.
Warmly, Harry

 

[PA Bear]

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

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use.
It will help you to both identify and remove any hijackware/spyware with
assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html,
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or other appropriate forums for expert
analysis, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA) computer repair shop.