can't open any links on IE

I have XP, Norton and Ad-Aware:
I started having all kinds of problems after I removed Photoshop and
illustrator. I was not able to access the internet and had a friend try and help me out. He had me uninstall Norton and then see if I could access. After I removed Norton I was able to access the internet. Then I reinstalled it and now I can't open any links at all. I've set the defaults on Tools-Advanced and Programs and nothing. I need help, its annoying as hell. Any help would grealtly be offered.