sudden and random crashes

[John]

i am using internet explorer version 6.0.2800.1106.xpsp1.020828-1920, the
default installed version with windows xp home. i have not installed any
microsoft updates. i have AVG anti virus and AVG spyware protection programs
running on my computer. i test often, so i know that there are no viri or
malware on my computer and i have also checked processes with task manager.
nothing odd is listed in my process list. SO, i do not understand, why
internet explorer seems to randomly crash. i receive no error messages, the
window just closes, amidst my browsing process. i am able to restart the
program just fine, as well as even attempting to browse the same location
successfully. for example. if i go to www.example.com to view a product
listed at the site, and my window closes like this, i am still able to go to
the same site after restarting iexplore.exe, view the product and have the
window not close. my system is newly reinstalled, and i am not missing any
files or have any corruption. why is this happening?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

...i have not installed any

microsoft updates. i have AVG anti virus and AVG spyware protection
programs
running on my computer

I didn't need to read any further than that. This machine is vulnerable to
tons of exploits, John, exploits that even robust anti-virus and
anti-spyware applications can't protect your from (AVG's are not among
them).

Time to wipe & reload, then get and keep the machine fully-patched at
Windows Update! See http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=28580

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

Learn how to protect your PC by taking three simple steps
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=3AD23728-4973-4DA5-9836-602954130D38

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
[doing a wipe & reload gives you the equivalent of a new computer]
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Security FAQ & Checklist
http://www.dslreports.com/faq/8463