IE history pulldown is broken

[Wile_E_Coyote]

Since today, the pulldown history menu (selectable down-arrow) next to the
address bar in IE has not been working. The history menu under
View->Explorer Bar does contain the correct history, though. When I select
the history pulldown, I see it flash for a second, but it disappears.

Also, after I select the pulldown (failing to see the history list), the
browser cannot be selected with the left mouse button, until I select/click
the left mouse button over the browser 3 times (I remember this from the
Wizard of Oz ). I can't say if this was a problem before, but I've just
noticed it now that I have the first problem (history pulldown won't appear).

I did a database search, and found another entry with a similar (not the
same) problem, and the solution appeared to be to disable Active-X in McAfee.
I don't have McAfee (Norton came on my laptop), so that isn't the problem
here.

Thanks for your help,
WEC

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Full Windows version? IE version? What Norton application is installed and
is your subscription current?

 

[Wile_E_Coyote]

Thanks for responding.

Full windows: I believe so. I bought the laptop from HP.
IE: version 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp2_qfe.070227-2300
Norton: Internet Security and Protection Center. Subscription has lapsed.

I just noticed in the version number above the string 'sp2'. I suspect that
means Service Pack 2. Since the IE version is what came with the machine, I
suspect SP2 is on the machine.

I ran a search for my problem on the u-soft site, and found a reference that
suggested re-installing IE. When I ran 'sfc' it asked for a SP2 disk. I
don't have such a disk, and a search on my machine for the string
"ServicePack" returned nothing. The u-soft web site doesn't seem to offer
SP2 (just SP3), and I'd like to avoid installing SP3 to avoid the risks of
introducing new problems. If re-installing IE makes sense, how do I get
around/past the need for an SP2 disk/directory?

Other solutions welcome.

 

[Wile_E_Coyote]

Thanks for responding.

Full windows: I believe so. I bought the laptop from HP.
IE: version 6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp2_qfe.070227-2300
Norton: Internet Security and Protection Center. Subscription has lapsed.

I just noticed in the version number above the string 'sp2'. I suspect that
means Service Pack 2. Since the IE version is what came with the machine, I
suspect SP2 is on the machine.

I ran a search for my problem on the u-soft site, and found a reference that
suggested re-installing IE. When I ran 'sfc' it asked for a SP2 disk. I

The solution suggested running Ie.inf rather than 'sfc'....

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Norton: Internet Security and Protection Center. Subscription has lapsed.

It's impossible to trust the security of this machine now. Format &
reinstall Windows.

After doing so, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer" so make
certain you take care of EVERYTHING on the following web-page before
otherwise connecting the machine to the internet (i.e., to browse, check
email, chat):

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

NB: You'll probably find the Norton free-trial available again: It will NOT
be valid! Before installing a new anti-virus application:

1. Uninstall anything named Norton and LiveUpdate via Add/Remove Programs.

2. Download/run this removal tool and reboot:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

 

[TompangBuddy.Com]

Hello,

Try running it with add-ons disabled. Start Internet
Explorer as normal, Tools, Manage Add-ons, Enable or Disable Add-ons.
Disable all the add-ons, restart IE and enable them one by one till the
problem appears and you get the culprit.

 

[Wile_E_Coyote]

It's impossible to trust the security of this machine now. Format &
reinstall Windows.

I've read the CERT bulletin, and I think I'm still secure. The bulletin
states,

"A hardware-based firewall provides a high degree of protection for new
computers being brought online.

If you are connecting your computer behind a firewall or router that
provides Network Address Translation (NAT), ...... you may not need to
additionally enable a software firewall."

Since I use a NAT router, I should be ok. Also, the Norton subscription was
for anti-virus software. The Norton Security firewall has remained active.
Since Yahoo is my email client, and I don't use an email client on the
laptop, there should be no
way for a virus to get onto my computer.

I there any way to diagnose the IE history menu issue? Does u-soft offer a
diagnostic tool, for example? I haven't been able to find one on the web
site. I
could re-install IE, but I still have the SP2 disk problem.

WEC

 

[Wile_E_Coyote]

Gents,

I'm not quite sure how, but the problem seems to have cleared itself up. I
haven't done anything differently today as compared to yesterday, but the
history pulldown now works.

Thanks for your help,
WEC

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

A NAT firewall does NOT protect you if you download & open an infected file
or email!