Unable to open Internet Explorer after installing Windows XP SP2

[Rustybux]

I have Windows XP Home SP1. When I go to the update page and install SP2,
Internet explorer will not work. I double click the icon and I see the
hourglass for about 2 seconds then it dissappears and Internet explorer
refuses to open. I have tried Internet Explorer 7 and same problem. I have
to revert back to SP1 in order for Internet Explorer to work.
I have tried to update 4 times and the same thing happens every time. I
cannot find any help in the support pages. I hope some IT expert can help
me.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

1. Run a thorough check for hijackware, including posting your HijackThis
log to an appropriate forum.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

2. Do not install WinXP SP3 (yes, you can skip SP2) until an expert has
given your machine a clean bill of health.

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"

 

[Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM]

I have Windows XP Home SP1. When I go to the update page and install SP2,
Internet explorer will not work. I double click the icon and I see the
hourglass for about 2 seconds then it dissappears and Internet explorer
refuses to open. I have tried Internet Explorer 7 and same problem. I
have
to revert back to SP1 in order for Internet Explorer to work.
I have tried to update 4 times and the same thing happens every time.
I
cannot find any help in the support pages. I hope some IT expert can help
me.

Does this help?
Internet Explorer 6 crashes after you install security update 942615 on a
computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946627

 

[Rustybux]

I tried everything that you told me to. There were no problems when I ran
hijackthis. Here is another thing: I can open Windows Explorer, go to my
favorites and double click one of them and the web site will open in Internet
explorer but IEXPLORE.exe does not show up in the Task Manager like it
usually does.
What am I going to do. The IEXPLORE.EXE icon on the desktop, start
menu etc starts to open. I see the IEXPLORE.exe flash for a second in the
Task Manager then it goes away. There has to be an answer to this. I
reverted back to SP1 and disabled my firewall, add-ons etc and when I
re-installed SP2, I get the same problem. It's not my computer or the
manfacturer, it's the Microsoft Windows problem. Any more ideas?

 

[Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM]

I tried everything that you told me to. There were no problems when I ran
hijackthis. Here is another thing: I can open Windows Explorer, go to my
favorites and double click one of them and the web site will open in
Internet
explorer but IEXPLORE.exe does not show up in the Task Manager like it
usually does.
What am I going to do. The IEXPLORE.EXE icon on the desktop, start
menu etc starts to open. I see the IEXPLORE.exe flash for a second in the
Task Manager then it goes away. There has to be an answer to this. I
reverted back to SP1 and disabled my firewall, add-ons etc and when I
re-installed SP2, I get the same problem. It's not my computer or the
manfacturer, it's the Microsoft Windows problem. Any more ideas?

I know of three causes for the vast majority of such problems:
1. You might have incompatible add-ons:
Go to Start | All Programs | Accessories | System Tools
and click Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

2. Tools | Internet Options | Advanced
Scroll to the bottom and click Reset Internet Explorer Settings. Read this
article first:
How to use Reset Internet Explorer Settings (RIES):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737
Note that the Reset IE Settings button will delete AutoComplete data (such
as passwords.) Do you have those backed up?

3. Malware already installed on the computer: Help with malware
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for
malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince you that you
owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.

You might also try the steps here:
"Internet Explorer stops responding, stops working, or restarts"
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/pc_ie_intro

 

[Rustybux]

A couple things. Your #2 in the repair you sent me does not work. I can't
even get into Internet explorer to get to the Tools | Internet Options |
Advanced on the menu. I am not using IE7, I have IE6. I have deleted all
ADDONS, tried in SAFE MODE, I do not have any Malware on my system. I
reverted BACK again to SP1 just so I can read these discussions. I want to
install SILVERLIGHT from Microsoft, newer version of Media Player but it says
I need SP2. I CANNOT USE SP2 and Internet Explorer. Nothing is helping.
You said "Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315"
I DO not have an Unexplained computer behavior as It works great, It
seems that it is more UNEXPLAINED SOFTWARE (windows xp) behavior. Why does
my wifes computer with SP2 work great, so does my Sons but mine does not.
I about to give up.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

=> Do NOT attempt to interpret the HijackThis log on your own.

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.

 

[Rustybux]

I know I do not have any kind of spyware or anything. I finally totally
formatted my hard drive, re-installed Windows XP Home SP1 from my computers
Restore CD. Then I tried to update to SP2. SAME PROBLEM WITH INTERNET
EXPLORER. IT WILL NOT WORK. The name flashes for a second in the task
manager then dissappears and NO INTERNET EXPLORER. Tried to Repair IE6
according to Microsoft. NO WORK. NOW WHAT?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Well, your last post certainly gives us some heretofore unrevealed
information, doesn't it?

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

The wipe & reload gave you the equivalent of a new computer: Did you take
care of EVERYTHING on the above page before otherwise connecting the machine
to the internet (e.g., to browse, use email, chat, download other stuff) or
any networks?

Give us a link to the forum thread where you've posted your HijackThis log
for review. Until you've done so, you cannot claim that the machine's
hijackware-free.

PS: After you get IE working, skip SP2 and install SP3 manually. You will
then most likely need to see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144 before
you'll be able to install any other updates.