Internet Explorer (?) Issue

[Captain Over]

When I click on a link that spawns a new Internet Explorer window, it opens smaller than a pixel. Seriously. When I select "maximize" it opens fine. I have tried the recommended trick of closing IE after manually resizing it (manually dragging the window to max size; closing via File | Close), etc etc...nothing works. This one is driving me batty.

Second (maybe related?) issue: when a Java pop-up (which I allow on certain sites, thanks Pop-Up Stopper Pro...!) the window opens 90% off the screen. I faithfully drag it back to see it, and close it (I think) correctly, yet the next time I go to that site, the same thing happens! (This is from a radio station's streaming website that spawns a new window for the audio select panel.)

All cookies cleaned out as well as temp Internet files (thanks, AdSubtract Pro), all updates and patches applied, updated and running the latest bells and whistles, hardware and software-wise. Running XP Home Edition.

I'm stumped. Any helpers care to toss in their 2 cents worth? With great thanks in advance...

C.O.

PS Wishing to STAY with I.E. (unfortunately). This is an error that has a fix, somewhere.