IE6 freezes computer

[SamGordon]

Hi

I'm using IE6 (SP1), on Windows ME, and am experiencing a serious
problem with it. Every time I run IE, it works fine for a minute or
two and then freezes my entire computer, so that I can't even move the
mouse, forcing me to reboot Windows. The same problem occurs when
trying to load MSN Messenger 7. This happens every time I try to run
IE or MSN, and it makes no difference what website I'm on - it'll
freeze regardless of what site I'm using. I don't get any error
messages beforehand, the entire computer just freezes and I have to
reboot.

I've tried using the IE Repair Tool in Add / Remove Programs in
Control Panel, with no luck, and have run AdAware and SpyBot, which
hasn't made any difference. I've also removed some of the objects
(Tools > Internet Options > Settings button > View Objects button)
I've been using with IE, because their status was damaged (not
installed). However, there's one 'object' that I'm unable to remove -
called the MSN Photo Upload Tool - and when I try, my computer freezes
up, and I have the same problem. Very strange, because this only
occurs with the one object, and I've been able to remove all the
others successfully.

This problem is only occuring in IE and MSN Messenger - FireFox is
working fine.

I'd really appreciate it if anyone can help me out.

Thanks

Sam

 

[Kaja]

Hi Sam, I think I can be of some assistance to you. The behavhior you are
describing sounds like a virus and or spyware and malware. I think it would
be wise for you to first verify the integrity of the computer. If it was me
here is what I would do. If you have a anti virus run a full scan. The best
anti virus is Avast. Actually I would advise you to go to
http://www.avast.com and download the free version. Since there is a
possible infection instead of running it save it on your desktop. Install it
then go through and do a full scan. If any viruses or threats are found it
will alert you and you can remove them. Next go to http://www.microsoft.com
and go to downloads and the download center. In there you will see a
download called the Malicious software removal tool. It is a free tool that
is updated the second tuesday of every month. The current one is 1/13/09.
Download it and since there might be an infection also save it to your
desktop. Then run it and do a full scan. This should take about an hour and
a half but is worth it to eliminate the possibility of malicious software for
free!
Next I would reccommend a very good free anti spyware/malware program called
Spyware Terminator. The website is http://www.spywareterminator.com Go
there, same thing, save to desktop and run a full scan.
This should verify the integrity of the sytem but another thing I would
reccommend is a cleaning up of Windows and unnessecary files.
Here is the procedure for that: They should be run once a month. I will
try to simplify them for you.

1. Open up Internet Explorer and hit tools on the top menu bar and then
internet options. You will see options for deleting things. Click delete on
each one. This clears out the cache and will speed up Internet Explorer
loading pages a bit.

2. Next go to start, all programs, acessories, system tools, disc cleanup.
Click on disc cleanup and if it prompts you to select your c drive select it.
If it does not give it a few minutes and a box will pop up with file types
and the space amount. If there is a number space amount to a file check the
box next to it. When you are done checking the boxes press OK and Yes to
clean

3. Go to start, all programs, accessories, system tools, disc defragmenter,
and click on that. Click defragment now. This will take approximately three
to four hours but you can minimize it and do otheer things while it is
working away. Cool huh.

Those are the main cleaning instructions. Do them monthly.
Let me know if this helps so I can improve my knowledge

I hope that answers you query,
Best Regards,
Kaja