IE6 browser won't open

I'm running xp sp1 (which is why I haven't upgraded to IE7 yet).
"IExplore.exe" appears as a running process in the task manager (indicating that the program is running), but the browser simply won't open at all. I went to add/remove programs, and tried to uninstall/reinstall it using the "windows components" portion, but that did nothing. It did indicate that IE6 required 0.0MB to install. Thought that was weird. I've also run Spybot, Adaware, and AVG (all up to date) to check for spyware/viruses, and got negative results. I only use it when I have to (Firefox 2.0.0.2 is my normal browser), but when you need it, you need it. Anyway, if anyone has any other ideas (short of a complete reformat), I would love to hear them. Thanks.

P.S. I've also tried numerous "restores", which have done nothing helpful (I lost Firefox temporarily after one of them).

 

In addition to Tim's suggestion (which is a good one!), try using Dial-A-Fix (check the boxes in the registration center) and IE Fix. Here's the links:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4899.html Dial-a-Fix
http://www.majorgeeks.com/IEFix_d4467.html IEFix
You'll want the XP CD for best results w/ IEFix

 

Thanks, TimW. I tried what you said, and the scanning ended both times with no error messages. Does that mean my IE6 program is not corrupted?

Also, good idea on that IE plugin suggestion. I forgot that you can emulate MSIE with Firefox. I will try that if all else fails.

 

Thanks Hopperdave, I will try both of your suggestions, and report back.

 

Get service pack2 that will probably fix it. But use FIREFOX ask anyone here Firefox is safer and just as good as IE if not better.

Turn to the Fox side

 

Thanks a lot Hopperdave, that Dial-a-fix actually worked! I came about this close (holding thumb and first finger ~ 1 inch apart) to spending the next 2 days re-formatting this thing. Thanks again!

 

Thanks for your input UKARMYCADET, but I don't want to "upgrade" to sp2, until Daves Quick Search Deskbar finds a way around sp2's security issues. Life without Daves Quick Search Deskbar is something I don't even want to contemplate [g].

I do use Firefox already for the most part. I just need IE6 for a few exceptions that don't work with Firefox (ie. Windows Update, Napster).

 

I use IE Tab within Firefox for those times https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1419/

 

I will give that a try. I have some sort of emulating option in my pref bar, but I'm not sure if it's the same thing. As slow as my computer is, any time I can avoid opening another program, I'll do it <g> Thanks.