Don, Snooky,
I used to get this all the time using Windows ME, IE6 and BTOpenworld dial up connection. Have just cleared my hard drive and upgraded to Windows XP, still with IE 6 and my BTOpenworld dial up account, and no problems.
I think it must be ME, It's useless.
"Get Bill Gates In Here"
Try XP Pro. I personally think its a great improvement.
FWyg