IE 6 long to load

I thought I had some kind of virus/spyware/malware because I downloaded something I shouldn't have.
IE just took FOREVER to load, over 2 minutes. HOWEVER, if I right click on the taskbar, it loads quicker....only takes about a minute.
I went round and round on another thread and after doing all the things they needed me to do, I was told all my logs were clean. :confused
It was suggested I try Firefox and after much contemplation, decided to give it a try. It opens up in about FIVE seconds!
It was also suggested that I come over here and post my problem to you guru's, as it might help someone else.
Thanks in advance,
BetteBoop
:wave

 

Yep, Firefox 3 works definitely faster for me. Have been a FF user for many years.

With its new Gekko 1.9 engine, the browser rocks, rendering pages faster and uses fewer system resources overall.

 

Typically when a browser takes along time to load its because it has a few plugins that it needs to deal with before it can open the page. If one of the plugins (or addons) is messed up it can cause the delay to be enormous.

When I open firefox it takes about 30seconds and always has, I don't know why, I have started with no addons and as I added stuff it never gets worse but from the start, on this system at least, for some reason firefox is slow to open and i just accept it.

What you can try is to open IE and under the TOOLS TAB select Manage Addons and start disabling things to see if you can find the culprit. Toolbars can often create problems, especially if they never got installed properly as can happen with a drive by installation where a web page tries to force a toolbar into IE and gets cut off before its installed. Look foir things that don't belong. If you use flashget it will have four different entries, flashget of course then Flashget Bar and gFlash as well as IE Catch5 Class. Shockwave flash player, java and Messenger a few other common ones.

Disable them one at a time and close and open IE to see what happens. If you find one thats bad try updating it to see if that helps.

If none of that helps, as long as you have "show hidden files and folders" enabled as well as "Hide Protected Operating System files" unchecked in your Windows Explorer (Tools > Folder Options > View Tab) you will find IE.inf in C > Windows > Inf and can right click on it and select install to reinstall IE6.

 

What OS do you have? IE7 is the recommended browser nowadays. And IE8 final release is just a few weeks away. Good ole IE6 can't cope anymore. You should update your IE and any old Google or Yahoo toolbars in it. Those toolbars should auto-update, actually, but it fails sometimes.

 

Sorry: make that IE8 beta 2. Expected in August. :cool

 

I personally use opera on my windows machine and firefox on my linux machine. I like opera better but firefox has better integration with linux.

 

I assume I have this Gekko thing? I just downloaded Firefox 3.

 

When reading your post, my first thought was "I haven't added ANY add on's". EEK!! Was I WRONG!

That said, which should I be looking at:
Add ons currently loaded in Internet Explorer
OR
Add ons that have been used by Internet Explorer

How do I know what is actually needed and what isn't?
Mind you, I had NO trouble until I downloaded something my 'gut' told me NOT to.

While I DO like Firefox, I am finding that some of the websites I visit, require IE.

I have kept IE6, because I really don't like the tabs in IE7...now that's what Firefox uses! LOL!! BUT...I LIKE the quickness.
:confused

 

I was using IE6, as I didn't really like the tabs in IE7. However, Firefox uses tabs! LOL!

:confused

 

Yep, you've got that Gekko rendering engine in FF 3 which FF 2 didn't have. Much faster than FF 2.

PS: I just need Explorer 7 to update Windows, that's it. All other sites are doing fine with FF 3.

 

Try to download IE6 again. Look at the promts - it should offer you a repair option. Hopefully this will solve the problem.

Or if you don't like tabbed browsing in IE7 - simply disable the tabs after you've installed it. Open IE7 - any page will do -> Tools -> Internet options -> General -> Tabs -> Settings -> remove the check mark in Enable tabbed browsing.

 

Well...IE7 isn't any better!! It's as slow as all get out!

PLUS...Windows won't update. It has tried several times and I get an error that they could not be installed.
While it was updating Windows XP SP3, after I thought it was finished, a black screen opened up (looked like the old DOS screen). At the top it had:
C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe
It went for awhile then I got:
Error: The parameter is incorrect. (twelve times)

UGH!!

Honestly, I think I should just reformat this system and start all over. These problems have been going on for a week now and I'm SO done with this!

:cry

 

What logs? What protections do you use for spyware, firewall, viruses?

You say both browsers are very slow starting. What about other software, with details?

 

Sorry...I originally posted here because the other thread told me it might help someone else. So I didn't put all the info here.

Here's what happened. I downloaded something I shouldn't have. I use CA Internet Security Suite (antivirus/antispyware/antispam). The second I downloaded that file, my screen went blue and I got the disasterous "fatal error".

Whatever attacked my system, also seemed to have attacked the CA. I contacted the company, they had me run different things, uninstall and reinstall CA. There was even a point where they had to remotely uninstall for me. I wasn't able to reinstall from my CD, they had to send me to a special website. When IE 6 still wasn't working, CA told me that I had malware and I would have to pay to have them help me. I was NOT going to pay them for a fix on a product I felt should have protected me from the beginning.

Well, I came to this website and went to the malware thread, because thats what CA told me I had. I did the "READ & RUN ME FIRST" thread first. I downloaded and ran everything in order on that thread. I then attached the logs and they told me my system was clean and suggested I try Firefox and post here.

Then someone here suggested I try and download IE 7. I did...now besides IE still being verrrrrry slow....I can't update windows! It keeps telling me my security updates can't install. No error # or anything.

I was able to update Windows SP3, finally. Don't ask me how...it just did. All my other programs seem to be running well. Outlook Express does seem a little finiky, so I don't know if that's next to go or not.

Soooooooo....that's where I'm at. Like I said, I originally posted here under the suggestion of another 'majorgeek' to see if it might help someone else. I haven't reformatted yet...just didn't have the time today. Don't get me wrong, I LIKE Firefox...but there are some websites I need to use and I need IE to access them.

If anyone has any other suggestions, I would be more than happy to hear what they are and am more than willing to try. I don't really want to reformat if I don't absolutely have to.

Thanks,
BetteBoop
(still confused)
:confused

 

I don't get it, betteboop:

Which one is it? Both of them can't be true.

 

1. Run CCleaner all options check marked - then run it again using the registry cleaner inside CCleaner - all options check marked. Download here.
2. Then run this free Microsoft online scanner: Windows Live OneCare safety scanner. Go for a full scan and OK all it's suggestions.
3. Then run Kaspersky's online scanner. Also a full scan - OK all it's suggestions. Link here.
4. Then go for a malware check here on Majorgeeks.

Did you ever have Norton, avast! or other such security programs installed? Remains form these programs can cauce the problems you have. We need to find some special uninstallers for you, if this is the case. But don't worry - it can be dealt with.

 

Here's what I get:

AT THE TOP:
Some updates could not be installed

The following updates were not installed:

THEN IN A BOX:
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)
Update for Windows CP (KB942763)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951698)
Update for Windows XP (KB951978)
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP (KB950759)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376)

 

It happens. Try and try and try again. Or: try that online scanner. OneCare - I just gave you a link. It will install the updates that you need. Microsoft made that online service.

 

Hi, thanks so much for trying to help.

1. I have run CCleaner already.
2. I have run MS online scanner.
3. I do not think I did Kaspersky.
4. Already did the malware check from that forum. Ran EVERYTHING they said to run and attached logs. That is where I was told all was well, suggested I use Firefox and post here as it may help others.

Never had Norton on this system. I do believe there was Trend Micro.

Do you want me to do all the steps again, or just Kaspersky (#3)?

Thanks again,
BetteBoop

 

Yep...it keeps trying and trying. I'll run OneCare right now. I have to wait for IE to open.....UGH!!!

 

OK...the OneCare just finished. (took a long time!) It says 1 "Health Issue" found and cannot clean it. It now wants me to purchase. It did do some registry fixes and cleared out some temp files.

I'm now running Kaspersky.

What should I do now?
:confused

 

UPDATE:

OneCare, on the next screen, DID say it cleaned that 1 "issue".

New Problem....Outlook Express refuses to open. :cry

Also, I lost internet connection, so I am restarting Kaspersky now.

 

Yes, Windows Live OneCare safety scanner will clean your computer for free. Did it say anything about getting updates for you? It should do that but that can be checked at Microsoft Update. It was the point of visiting this scanner, actually.

I also think we need to look at what you have attached to your start functions.

I think your malware check is fine enough by now. After all you had your logs cleaned. But a Kaspersky check won't hurt you. An alternative is to download Norman Malware Cleaner and let it run. It will disappear by itself when it's done. But it should not be necessary, though. :-D

 

Why don't you have auto-updates enabled? Microsoft updates all computers that runs their software remotely if you'll only let them. All over the world! This is how to get that. Start -> Control Panel -> Security Center -> enable Auto-update.

Are you sure your Windows Installer is updated? The latest is Windows Installer 4.5 Redistributable and can be downloaded here.

 

What error message do you get from Outlook Express?

 

I'll go and download it. Can't hurt at this point! Could be that this wasn't installed??

Kaspersky just finished. All is well there too. This is driving me CRAZY!!
:banghead

 

No error message...it just won't load. It sits and sits with half the screen opening. Then at the top it says "not responding" and I have to end task. I send the error to MS. At least I'm not getting the famous "more info" where it takes you to a page that says you have spyware. <sigh>

Not sure if you saw my last post. Automatic update has been and is on automatic.

After going to your link and downloading Windows Installer 4.5, my system restarted. Automatic update popped up. I selected it and got the following:

Update for Windows XP (KB942763)
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP (KB950759)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951698)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)
Update for Windows XP (KB951978)

I still am showing the windows update sheild icon in my systray. I think these are the same updates that continue to not install.

I'm telling you, this laptop is going to be sitting on the bottom of my pool real soon!

Sitting here waiting for more of your wise advice,
Bette
PS...why does firefox put shortcuts automatically on my desktop whenever I download/run something? Can I stop that from happening?

:***

 

OK...I ran Norman Cleaner in safe mode as suggested. It found 2 items and fixed them.

I rebooted and Windows update tried, once again. I got the following:
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951748)
Update for Windows XP (KB942763)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951698)
Update for Windows XP (KB951978)
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP (KB950759)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB951376)

I tried to open Outlook Express...it wouldn't open. This time I clicked on what was being reported to MS.

This was at the top:
szAppName : msimn.exe szAppVer : 6.0.2900.5512 szModName : hungapp
szModVer : 0.0.0.0 offset : 00000000

This is what was actually reported:
C:\DOCUME~1\amanda\LOCALS~1\Temp\WER0b3f.dir00\msimn.exe.mdmp
C:\DOCUME~1\amanda\LOCALS~1\Temp\WER0b3f.dir00\appcompat.txt

Now here's something quite interesting. I tried to open up IE7. It DID NOT take forever...opened up rather quickly.

Soooooo, IE7 seems to be OK...but now OE6 won't work.

You mentioned earlier that I might have to take a look at what's attached to my start functions. ???

Thanks for all your help so far. It IS appreciated!!
BetteBoop

 

If I do that, will I lose everything that is in my inbox? I did already save my OE because I was going to reformat. Would I be able to import it?

THANKS for chirping in!
BetteBoop

 

I went to the site and followed the steps. ALL seems to be well in OE!! I do think I 'lost' some emails as I couldn't backup what had started to download when it stopped working.

THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!
BetteBoop

 

I still can't udate windows. I'm still getting an error telling me it couldn't install updates.

Any suggestions?? Would your previous notation about my start functions have anything to do with this?

Thanks again,
BetteBoop

 

No, I'm not getting that anymore. I installed IE 7 this past week, after it was suggested I do so. The only update not installing now, is
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Should I still run the re-register dll??

Now...my MAJOR problem...my Outlook Express has been crashing (not responding when I try to open it). I've followed the instructions at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/258034. But, I've had to do it like 3 times today! It's getting annoying! I keep losing emails! One of the emails I lost was a response from microsoft on how to fix the download not installing! UGH!

:cry

 

Interesting...one of the things I remember the MS tech telling me was to uninstall .NET. (I haven't a clue what it is or what it does) She then told me to go and install some .NET updates in a certain order. Unfortunately, it didn't work and OE crashed, so I lost her response. Right now, I'm not getting an update not installed prompt, so I'm not going to worry about it.

HOWEVER....OE is driving me CRAZY!! The link you gave me had the same directions to follow as I have before. Now, here's something I find quite interesting:
when I get to the step where it wants me to select all and right click to uncheck the read only....it STOPS RESPONDING!!!!

What I've done now, is I've deleted 'identities' from regedit and not imported the outbox folder. I read on another site that usually something is 'stuck' in there and that causes it to crash. We'll see what happens.

SOMETHING is in there that is causing this to crash/not respond. What do you think??

:confused

 

PLEASE help

OK...that didn't work. I started my computer and tried to open OE6, (keyword is TRIED). I got the famous "not responding".

I am SO tired of this! Can someone please help me with this????

:cry

 

I'll try anything! On my way. I'll let you know how I make out. THANKS!

 

<very big sigh>
The first thing it sasys:
Close other programs
You will need both Outlook Express and Internet Explorer open.

I can't do that! It won't open!

I'm SO ready to give up.

 

Thanks..OK...I did what you said...to a point. (BTW, I believe this is part of what the MS tech said to do in that email).

When I did the regsevr part all went well, except for 2 of them.
On regsvr32 mshtml.dll, I got the error:
mshtml.dll was loaded, but the DllRegisterServer entry point was not found. This file cannot be registered
On regsvr32 msjava.dll, I got the error:
LoadLibrary ("msjava.dll")failed. The specific module could not be found.

I couldn't do the next part, because I can't open up Outlook Express. Now it's stuck at the blue block splash screen to start OE.

Any other suggestions????

 

Don't ask me how or why....but OE6 is NOW WORKING!!!!!!!

I'm not holding my breath....but for now I'm really happy!

In case I don't need to come back for more help....thank you, thank you, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your help!

You guys/girls are THE best!!

BetteBoop
:-D