Hang problem for Outlook, IE6, XP

When I go on line with IE6 (same if I use Firefox) I get a "hang" when I get the mail. Outlook will start then freeze as it's coming in, or get the mail then freezes when you go to open a message. This also happens with Outlook Express or Thunderbird. When the computer is in that state, AVG updater will do the same, as will E-Bay sign-in. At that point, I get out using the end now button, often up to 6 times, and try to restart the computer. Here, often times nothing happens, so I have to power out. My OS is XP now but when I was using 98SE I used to get the blue screens. Sometimes the computer will restart but after maybe 3-4 minutes of waiting.
A techie came over the other day, convinced it was a bad RAM chip so put in a verified chip. Did not change the situation.
Once i'm in without freezes, all runs good for as long as I don't let the machine go into the screen saver.
When I'm not going on line, or am not on line, I get no hangs or freezing of any of my programs.
I've run registry mechanic, adaware, AVG, am up to date on my programs, did all sorts of things, nothing is fixing this problem. Frustrating or what ?

 

Well, based on info you've provided, I think some info about how you connect to the Internet might be helpful, since the problem only occurs when you're online. What type of Internet connection do you have? Dial-up, DSL, cable? Do you use a router between your modem and your computer? Did you install software from your ISP that you use to get connected? Do use onboard LAN connection for a cable from you modem or router, or do have a separate NIC card installed? Does Device Manager show your Network Adapater to be working correctly? Was all this similar when you ran Win 98SE?

 

Try not running a screen saver and see if that helps! All screen savers are TSR programs ( Terminate and Stay Resident ), and could be your problem.

 

for USAFVETERAN's questions --- I use a Soft V92 56k modem by AOpen which I changed in case that was part of the problem {it wasn't}. I am on Dial-Up, no router, no LAN, don't think I have an NIC but I really don't know what that is, went to Device Manager & did not find Network Adapter. I have no trouble establishing a connection & getting on line. This morning for an example, it took me over 45min. to have outlook to stop hanging. I would go on line with IE6 & when I would bring up outlook, the outlook window would freeze coming in. I repeatedly had to hit the power button to re-boot to finally get it going. When I used to run 98SE I used to get the fatal error blue screens.

Thanks for your response. Robert

 

For Novice who suggested I stop the screen saver.
I did that this morning after I read your reply and went out & did a round of golf, leaving my computer on. When I went on line with IE6 all went o.k. & when I engaged outlook it went without a hitch. I hope this continues to happen. Funny thing though, when I suspended my screen saver, my desktop picture dissapeared. I checked in the display controls & it's still listed there, but it's no longer on my screen.

In any event thank you for your response to my problem. --- Robert

 

Thank you Novice there are no more hangs. Your suggestion worked.
Robert

 

Glad to hear that it!