Can't Open Internet Explorer

[Guest]

I am trying to help my friend. When he tries to open Internet Explorer it
opens with a hour glass that won't stop and nothing is on the page. Outlook
Express is working fine. Anyone have any idea about what could be wrong?
Also, when computer starts up there is a system 32 error each time. Any help
would be appreciated. Using Windows XP service pack 2

 

[Don Varnau]

Hi,
This is probably being caused by a third-party program- possibly legitimate-
possibly malware.

From ControlPanel> Internet Options> Programs> Manage add-ons, disable
add-ons. If that helps, re-enable add-ons one at a time to see if the
troublesome add-on shows itself.

Next step...
Startup in Safe Mode.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=315222 If the problem goes
away, a program that didn't load in Safe Mode is causing it. Look at
security/privacy programs, ad-blockers, etc. to find and disable the program
or it's troublesome feature.

Or, this might be a malware problem (adware, spyware, hijackers, etc.)
See these sites for help:
The Parasite Fight http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Malware Removal and Prevention Overview - CastleCopsWiki:
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Overview
Bugs, Glitches & Stuffups: http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.html
Removing Malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
827315- Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=827315
What you can do about spyware and other unwanted software:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/spywarewhat.mspx

Hope this helps,
Don
[MS MVP- IE]