Internet explorer won't open

[Guest]

When I click on Internet Explorer (XP; SP 2), nothing happens; my other
browsers (Netscape; SBCyahoo) work fine. I have Adaware which I update and
run daily, and Norton Antivirus 2006. My security settings are at default.
I cannot find anything on line to resolve this problem, which just manifested
itself yesterday and is very frustrating. Any ideas? Once, with my other
computer, I had to re-register IE, but that was after I accidently deleted
important files via a "cleaner" program. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Don Varnau]

Hi,
Will IE open from iexplore.exe (probably at C:\Program Files\Internet
Explorer?) If so, you may just have a damaged shortcut.

Otherwise, it's likely that another program is causing this- possibly
legitimate- possibly malware.

From IE> Tools> Manage add-ons. Disable non-microsoft add-ons to see if one
of them is the culprit.

Disable (for diagnostic purposes) programs such as pop-up blockers,
security, toolbars and other add-ons for IE, anti-virus, etc. Take a look at
any program that might be interfering with IE. You may have to reinstall, or
not reinstall, a program. The culprit is probably not your firewall, but
turn on the Windows Firewall (from Control Panel or Security Center) before
disabling a third-party firewall.

If not caused by a legitimate program, you should download, update and run
Ad-aware, Spybot and (if running WinXP) MS Anti-Spyware (Beta.)
See these sites for help:
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
The Parasite Fight http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
Malware Removal and Prevention Overview - CastleCopsWiki:
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Overview
Bugs, Glitches & Stuffups: http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.html
Removing Malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
What you can do about spyware and other unwanted software:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/spywarewhat.mspx

Hope this helps,
Don
[MS MVP- IE]