Problems with Internet Explorer, WindowsUpdate and new installation

[Yianis]

Actually I posted this thing some time ago, but never got a
reply. Please read the whole posting carefully before
reaplying, because I have tried numerous things.

I am running Windows XP Pro SP2 with all Microsoft patches
applied and Internet Explorer
v6.0.2900.2180.xpsp_sp2_gdr.050301-1519
(Update versions:;SP2

After installing MS AntiSpyware, Internet Explorer wouldn't
start from any shortcut.

I opened the task manager and it appears that as soon as an
IEXPLORE.EXE process is started, it is automatically ended
by the system with no mistakes, no messages, no errors
whatsoever.

I tried uninstalling and re-installing AntiSpyware. No success.

I tried to restore my system to various previous days'
points. No success (the Restore manager informes me that
the system could not be restored)

I issued the command "iexplore.exe" in the "Run..." dialog.
Nothing happened.

I issued the command iexplore.exe "www.microsoft.com" in
the "Run..." dialog. The page opened !!

I navigated to windowsupdate and just before the page
http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
was displayed the browser just closed itself. Again with no
error messages or anything !

I also did a Browser Restore from AntiSpyware's Advanced
Tools. The problem persists.

Finally I tried the iefix tool that did nothing. I had the
system scanned by AdWare, Registry Fix and Error Nuker but
nothing changed.

I am not infected by the about:blank virus, yet if I set
IE's home page to "blank", it will just not start.
I also have problems installing new software (e.g.
FineReader OCR).

Furthermore, if I click on "Start -> Help and Support",
nothing happens !

Firefox is still working properly and nothing else seems to
be affected.

Any ideas or help would be really appreciated.

Yianis

 

[PhilGreg]

[snip]

I tried to restore my system to various previous days'
points. No success (the Restore manager informes me that
the system could not be restored)

==> Methinx this is your starting point. Suggest you go here;
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srfail.html

 

[Yianis]

Thanks. I went through the list and actually
it doesn't seem that I have a problem there.
Still, I was pissed off that the thing didn't
work and turned off System Restore so I've got
no restore points...

-----Original Message-----

[snip]

I tried to restore my system to various previous days'
points. No success (the Restore manager informes me that
the system could not be restored)

==> Methinx this is your starting point. Suggest you go here;
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/srfail.html


--
PhilGreg
(e-mail address removed)


.

 

[Robin Walker [MVP]]

After installing MS AntiSpyware, Internet Explorer wouldn't
start from any shortcut.

I opened the task manager and it appears that as soon as an
IEXPLORE.EXE process is started, it is automatically ended
by the system with no mistakes, no messages, no errors
whatsoever.

It seems possible that Internet Explorer is infected by an add-on that is
sufficiently badly coded that it causes an exit.

Since you can get MSIE to open for at least one URL (as you report), then
open that page.

1. In MSIE, pull down the Tools menu and select "Manage Add-Ons"
2. Select: Show "Add-ons that have been used by Internet Explorer"
3. Select each add-on in turn and check "Disable" for any suspicious ones.
4. Click OK.
5. Close all MSIE windows.

Try launching MSIE again. Does it work now?

You can also disable MSIE add-ons in MSAS:
1. Close all MSIE windows.
2. Pull down "Tools", select "Advanced Tools", select "System Explorers"
3. In the left-hand box click "IE BHOs" - block any that look suspect.
4. In the left-hand box click "IE Toolbars" - block any that look suspect.
5. In the left-hand box click "Downloaded ActiveX" - block any that look
suspect.

Now try launching MSIE again. Does it work now?

 

[Yianis]

Dear Robin

Thanks a lot for your reply.
Unfortunately it didn't work. I disabled
two ActiveX and I think that I know what
each of the rest does and most of them are
even verified by MS.

Anyway, thank you again for your time

Yianis