In Alison <
[email protected]> had this to say:
My reply is at the bottom of your sent message:
You're right, Outlook Express would be easier. I went through the
steps, but am unsure of which newsgroup I should synchronize to.
There are like twenty and they have names like
microsoft.publicaccess. Not sure...
I use Internet Explorer as my default internet, and it has been
freezing lately or just closing without warning. The microsoft
explanations for the most part say to download the Internet Explorer
for Service Pack 2. Is that a correct step to take? I downloaded
Service Pack 2 yesterday, and am already having trouble opening some
links and pages because they get blocked. That sort of frustrates me
so I'm hesistant to download anything else... What's malware? Thanks
Galen for all your help. Alison
This is (and I'll make the link clickable)
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.help_and_support for
example and is likely as good a place as any. You could find an IE specific
group if you wanted.
Malware is any kind of software you have installed and didn't want to
install. Viruses, spyware, trojans, etc... Properly configuring a firewall
and installing real-time malware scanning software goes a long ways towards
keeping your PC safe and running properly. In your particular case you may
very well have something as benign as a poorly coded BHO (browser helper
object) that's causing problems. Some toolbars, even intentionally installed
ones, will cause problems due to poor coding or failing to keep the program
updated. The latter is not always the fault of the author but sometimes is
the fault of end-user who didn't install updates.
Updating your system and keeping it patched with the latest versions is
important for both security and stability. Knowing who you're downloading
from and keeping your system protected from the evils also found on the
internet is another good step to take.
Malware Cleaning:
http://kgiii.info/windows/all/general/malwarefix.html
After that look for poorly coded plug-ins.
BHODemon 2.0:
http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm
Finally...
How to reinstall or repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318378
If you don't have Service Pack 2 then you should likely install it as soon
as you're able to. Not just IE SP2 but Windows XP SP2...
Windows XP Service Pack 2:
http://kgiii.info/windows/XP/general/winxpsp2.html
--
Galen - MS MVP - Windows (Shell/User & IE)
http://dts-l.org/
"My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of
existence." - Sherlock Holmes