IE Crashing Problem

IE keeps crashing on me. There was tons of spyware etc on the computer. I went throught the READ THIS FIRST list of steps. Now everytime I start-up IE I get an error message wthin 30 seconds saying it needs to close down. Roughly a minute later I get a Dr. Watson error and nothing will execute on the machine. I have to reboot via task mgr, which is only accessible via ctr-alt-del. I was going to uninstall IE (AOL is also running on the machine) and then re-download and reinstall. It doesn't show up in the Add/Remove list. I removed it from the Windows components list and tried to download a fresh copy. It wouldn't download and I get a message saying the there is a more recent version running on the computer. As long as I don't start IE after boot-up everything seems to run fine. Is this enough information to help me out?

 

Did you actually remove the spyware and crap?

Also, don't bother reinstalling IE. Instead, use Mozilla Firefox . After all, it's not only more feature-rich, but spyware-resistant too.

 

30 seconds or 60 seconds? Sounds like you are infected with either the sasser virus or one of its variants. Spybot / Ad-aware programs won't cut it, make sure you scan your system in Safe Mode using a full Anti-Virus scanner (AVG, Avast) that is also up to date.

 

I ran all the suggested scanners and clean up tools and believe that I cleaned out most of the spyware. I'll install firefox after getting this cleaned up. However, is there anyway to IE uninstalled? I can't delete the directory (it tells me it's in use by another program). It's not on the Add/Remove list either. How do I get it out of here. I'm on XP Home, SP2.

 

Correct answer would be: you do NOT uninstall IE. There are programs and instructions to do it but I strongly urge you not to since IE is integrated deeply into XP and shares shell components with Windows Explorer, so you simply leave the program folder alone, do NOT uninstall or delete any related files/folders or registry entries. Install Firefox or whatever browser you prefer and enjoy...

 

I agree Chas, many anti-spyware programs do/can not get rid of the Browser Helper Objects and the problem with his IE could very well be that but I was simply pointing out that he should not uninstall IE whether he still wanted to use it or not. I knew his system was not 100% disinfected but didn't want to force the user since he didn't ask for help.

Bonaam, if all that makes sense to you and you would like our help with IE please start with this thread, after that also review the instruction on this thread prior to running/using HijackThis v1.99.1.

Afterwards, please attach your HijackThis log with your next post.

Again, if you like help please follow these steps and re-post!