Internet Explorer freezes up. Help!

[grounded27]

Go to Microsoft, earlier last month they had reported a vulnerability that allows hackers in. I believe you may find a fix there.

[Arm out the window]

Thankyou again guys.

I went to the Microsoft site and downloaded the latest cumulative security update, hopefully that will contain what you said grounded?

Milo, Trend Micro got me to go to a link which ran a big scan and created a log; not sure if it was Hijack This or not - if that would be their normal procedure, I imagine so, but I don't specifically remember that name. They promised to get back to us within 48 hrs, so again, we'll see!

At least I've got a little bit of computer knowledge, but not enough to solve this kind of issue on my own - makes me wonder how people who just know it as a box they turn on and it does what it's supposed to, manage to go more than a day without having some big problem.

[Arm out the window]

Further to our saga, and I hope concluding it, Trend Micro have been following up our IE9 problem and applying various fixes. The last one was what they called an ATTK Clean Kit, which ran a big scan, found 5 items of concern and got 'fixed' them.

Now IE runs well again, and I think our computer, if it by some chance happened to possess a degree of sentience, would feel like it's been gone through with a wire-brush pull through followed by a dose of salts.

Thanks to everyone, especially Milo, for your help.

Also a thumbs up to Trend Micro for customer service - admittedly their software didn't stop the infection in the first place, but their support team (via the charmingly named Rain) kept following up until the problem was solved, unlike many companies of various kinds we've dealt with over the years.

[PPRuNe Pop]

My IE8 has been freezing on occasions and I have to get Task Manager to get me out - usually 'end now.' Then start over. It's annoying now and a suggestion of the nice kind would be appreciated. I regularly run Malaware and CC cleaner with never a problem.

I have XP and I have noted IE9 is not an option for it.

[Arm out the window]

I hadn't thought of contacting my security software provider direct before, thinking any emails I sent them would just disappear inside a corporate holding pattern and nothing would be done.

However, as I was going through the issue described above, I figured we had nothing to lose and clicked on the 'contact us online' link (something like that) for Trend Micro, which put me on a kind of direct chat thing with one of their operators in which I outlined the problem and they directed me to try a couple of simple things to narrow it down.

They followed up with a series of emails and, as I said, kept at it until it was fixed. Quite a positive experience - don't know if whichever company you use would do the same, PPrune Pop, but it might be worth a go if all else fails.

[Milo Minderbinder]

Pop

go to the "advanced" page in internet settings
first item in the list - DISABLE hardware acceleration - use software acceleration instead
having it enabled cripples XP machines in the way you describe

[PPRuNe Pop]

Thanks Milo, but I don't see hardware acceleration in Internet options.

I noticed that you said 'settings' but couldn't find that either.

PPP

[Milo Minderbinder]

sorry you're right....in XP its Internet Options. 'twas settings in some versions of 9X and the memory lasts....

If you have IE8 installed it should be the first item listed under "advanced"
Exact wording is "use software rendering instead of hardware"
Tick that. If its NOT there then you're probably using an out of date version of IE...so upgrade

However, you also need to do the usual: remove all toolbars, try disabling plugins, scan for malware in exactly the same way as I advised earlier in this thread. And make sure Java and Flash are up to date (if installed)
The "reset" button on that "advanced" tab is often a lifesave. Just remember to re-enable any AV plugins afterwards

[PPRuNe Pop]

The situation has got worse! I can open IE then the following happens.

1. I can open a site as this one. But when I click to open a thread as this one it won't do it.
2. Then I close the page and I get 'the programme is not responding and invites 'End Now.' That closes it.
3. I open IE again and it asks if I want to restore session or go to home page (I have tried both) and I use restore session, which immediately opens the page I tried in 2.
4. Then I try to open a thread and the same thing in 3 happens. That is how I got here BUT to get to this posting page I had to go through it all again.

I hope that this not sounding silly but that is what is happening.

I tried Firefox a few days before this but I have since binned as a possible cause but its no better.

In other words I have to 'open' individually each one of the options - I am not sure what is going to happen to this when I hit the submit button.

Now I can tell you. It went straight in but I tried to edit and it froze on the last page. Back to 1.

I also tried a system restore early this morning but that went OK. And I restarted the computer but I got back here by the above. It is beginning to grate.


PPP

[handsfree]

I'm getting exactly the same problem as above post.
I'm having to post this via my iPhone as neither IE or Firefox work with pPrune.
Will report back if I get anywhere.

[PPRuNe Pop]

Things appear back to normal and its all OK as far as I can tell.

I did a previous System Restore - that didn't help so I did another 2 weeks earlier than the last and that seems to have cured it - if there is such a thing.

Thanks anyway.

PPP

[Milo Minderbinder]

Pop

it would still be a good idea if you assumed you had an infection on the machine and went through all the clear up stages I mentioned earlier

[PPRuNe Pop]

I have done that, Milo and the situation is worse than it was. This is my laptop but my PC has gone belly up basically. Not sure what to do now tbh.

Would it help if I put my XP disc in for a 'repair?'

I can undo my restores but I have also been getting MS fixes that have been more trouble than they were worth.

The nearest wall is an option too!!!

PPP

[Dark Knight]

Similar problems down here and followed much of Milo's advice which, in part, helped.

Goto control panel<>programs and features (Ok so I am using Win7) and review and get rid of any programs you do not use or have not used for considerable time. You may find some of these are puting in `add on' which are interferring with IE operation.

Similarly, review all the `add on' from ALL sources and disable those not needed or used. Maybe disable all and enable them one by one may help eliminate a problem one.

Adddtionally, got System Configuration<>Startup tab and go through all the items in the start up list. Disable as many as possible or set for a delay startup; again some of these programs interfere with or interfere with IE.

I have and use Download Accelerator from Speedbit and it puts all sort of bits and pieces throughout the computer or IE (including it's bloody search engine) and eliminating some of these improved performance but the problem still is present from time to time.

Still looking but hope this assists.

[PPRuNe Pop]

I have been looking at add-ons very seriously and I came across one "WebEx support for Internet Explorer." I binned it and now my Explorer is blistering fast. I have no idea if I have done the right thing but I had a good clearup and time will tell.

PPP

[PPRuNe Pop]

Wait! Most of the above but I still get a long delay after a click in some instances.

[green granite]

Looking at the google results for "WebEx support for Internet Explorer." and as there are no informative results thrown up I would think you did the right thing there Pop.

[handsfree]

I did a system restore back to before the October Windows updates and all worked properly.

Applied the October updates and the problems came back.

This morning the system had done an auto update:-

System Update Readiness Tool for Windows Vista (KB947821) [September 2012]

Installation date: ‎14/‎10/‎2012 09:48

Installation status: Successful

Update type: Important

This tool is being offered because an inconsistency was found in the Windows servicing store which may prevent the successful installation of future updates, service packs, and software. This tool checks your computer for such inconsistencies and tries to resolve issues if found.

More information:
System Update Readiness Tool fixes Windows Update errors in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2008

Everything now working again.
I can't see why but I'm happy to leave it at that.

[lasernigel]

Having some problems here. Done a disc cleanup and tried a system restore but it failed. Can't seem to get windows updates as it can't find a restore point.
Pprune not affected or for that matter any page where I have to sign in. But say the home page of DM, if I minimise and go back 5 mins later the screen is black and it won't re-load. Have to close and start again.
Have Malawares and it scans daily (IT protocol from work), also have Macafee, neither have found anything.

[PPRuNe Pop]

This a pain, but I think I am getting there. I have attacked the add-ons with vigour and notice an improvement. I am thinking of Milo's idea of resetting Internet options but I don't think I know enough about what should or should not be there. He mentioned AV but what is that? Can't be Audio Visual surely.

I am still beavering away and getting rid of things that have come in by the many back doors developers and the likes of Norton etc., I have used SkyBot, Malware, Avast, HighJack This, HouseCall and others. Nothing was found at all.

My thoughts are now with registry but unless you have certain thoughts to delete something its not worth a try.

I have removed a toolbar called ALot and that made 'a lot' of difference. Too many toolbars too and I have disbaled most but that only made things worse.

It would be good to keep this thread active so that anyone with some brilliant moves can make a contribution.

Off to the registry now.