Check the Show_StatusBar value under this key in the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
Set it to the opposite of what you want and then reboot before starting IE.
Now set the status-bar as you want it.
Also, a programme called Surferhelper has been known to cause this problem.
Search for iebvh3.dll and rename it iebvh3.old. Also, BHODEMON is an
excellent way to temporarily disable such programmes without having to
remove them - its a free download and can be found here - bhodemon. It does
not need installing - simply unzip and run the EXE programme. It is very
easy to use. If you don't find Surfhelper, use BHODEMON to find anything
else that may be lurking and causing the same problem.
It is essential to check for spyware/hijackware/foistware.
Go to IE tools, internet options, general tab. Click on the cache settings
button and then 'view objects'. Delete anything you don't recognise. If you
are unsure, or no objects appear, for diagnosis purposes I REALLY like
BHODemon, available at
http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm. It
does not need installing - simply unzip and run the EXE programme. It is
very easy to use.
I find this programme is a better option than IE6's ability to turn off
"Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart)". This disables
*all* plug-ins and makes troubleshooting very difficult.
Many people like AdAware, available at
www.lavasoft.de . Make sure you keep
the signature files up to date and remember, AdAware may only remove the
current installation of spyware; it may not do anything about software that
reinstalls itself, so unless you want to get stuck in an endless loop of
hijack/cleanout/hijack/cleanout make sure you get rid of whatever is
installing the junk. See my Troubleshooting advice for information about
how to track down and get rid of spyware completely.
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm#tshoot
An excellent replacement for AdAware is Spybot. Again, it is a free
programme which can be downloaded from:
http://spybot.eon.net.au/
--
Install the latest IE cumulative patch for protection against QHost:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/security_bulletins/ms03-040.asp
More information about QHosts can be found here:
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/darnit_3.htm#qhost
________________________________________
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer