IE6 hang after installing updates

[Walter_C]

I have done the steps for restarting the BITS with regard to the Article ID
910337 and the error 1083 trouble shooting. (Before so doing, I had not done
a virus and spyware scanning). After I retarted the computer, I received the
update notice too and choosed to download all the updates (about 10 items)
except the two IE7 and Windows XP SP3 and I could see it was downloading.
Then, when I finished work and shut down my computer, it gave message that it
needed to install the 21 ??!updates (windows XP security updates and
including Windows XP Active X killbits cummulative security and IE6 updates)
before the computer shutting down. Next day, I started the windows and do my
browsing using the IE6, it could start my home page and show the content
completely. However, when I clicked some link icons or webistes in My
Favourites or type in website address in URL bar, it started another blank
window and then hang up (in other one time, it started several blank windows
with a popup saying windows failed to access designated installation, path or
files. You may not have the appropriate rights to access the objects) while
the first window was flsshing at intervals going blank out and showing the
contents then but at last did not respond too. I tried to close the browers
and it responded a instant termination pop up for IEXPLOR.EXE. the
following is the details information:

=APP Name: IEXPLORE.EXE szAPPVer 6.0.2900.2180 szModName: hangapp
azModVer 0.0.0.0 offset:00000000


Then I have use my antivirus software and some other virus online scanner to
scan my compter but no defect was reported.

I don't know what happed to the IE EXplorer 6 and the present problem was
pertaining to the installed updates or other reasons. (I have unstalled IE7
before for repairing the Windows XP SP2)

Moreover, I have visited the windows update website and tried to see my
installation history, but it responded with a pop-up window for installing
the window update tool (I have clicked "NO" but later I checked the update
history the window update agent 7.2.6001.784 was installed) before I could go
on. I don't know if the window update tool is an offical tool or not as I
have installed the Active X control on my first visiting the upate website
after the upgrade installation for reparing my Windows XP.


Please help

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

=> IN RE the IE issue:

You still have a hijackware infection. A Repair Install will NOT resolve
such problems. Do a format & clean install.

After doing so, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" so take
care of everything on the following webpage before otherwise connecting to
the internet (e.g., to browse, email, chat, download anything BUT Windows
Updates, the installer for your anti-virus application and updates for
same):

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Also see: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/8463

IN RE the Windows Update issues:

You WILL have the same "failure to install updates" problem again after the
clean install. See this KB article:

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you perform a new Windows XP
installation or you repair a Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

You MUST install that ActiveX Control to be able to use Windows Update
website. The ActiveX Control is not required to use Automatic Updates.

 

[Walter_C]

I have checked with anti-spyware and found nothing. In fact, before I had
installed the updates, IE brower was functionally normally. The problem
occurred after I installed the updates and started my comptenext day.

Meanwhile, I found that the homepage (msn.com) could be loaded successfully
and I clicked the icon link , it could go to target webpage. And also I typed
in the website address to the search bar, it could show a search result and
then went to the website site I clicked to but with an extr blank window
turning up.

What should I do now to solve the problem as a clean reinstallation would be
the last resort.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

CORRECTION:

You were referring to the new Windows Update Agent v7.2.6001.784, not the
ActiveX Control required to use Windows Update website. When you installed
WinXP, you agreed to allow MS to "silently" update this application. See
http://blogs.technet.com/mu/archive/2008/07/03/upcoming-update-to-windows-update.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I have checked with anti-spyware and found nothing. In fact, before I had

installed the updates, IE brower was functionally normally. The problem
occurred after I installed the updates and started my comptenext day.

Given everything you've told us so far, I can assure you that you have NOT
ruled out a hijackware infection, Walter. No combination of
anti-virus/anti-spyware scans can successfully detect and remove the current
crop of this stuff.

What should I do now to solve the problem as a clean reinstallation would
be
the last resort.

1. If you suspect that one or more of the Windows Updates caused the problem
(I do not), you can open a free support incident:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527. For home users,
no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in the United
States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft subsidiary.
There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with security
updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related to a
Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g., KB123456).

2. Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
log to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjuction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, or other appropriate forums for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

3. If the above procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in
admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local,
reputable and independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer
repair shop.

Good luck.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

I have checked with anti-spyware and found nothing. In fact, before I had
installed the updates, IE brower was functionally normally. The problem
occurred after I installed the updates and started my comptenext day.

Meanwhile, I found that the homepage (msn.com) could be loaded
successfully
and I clicked the icon link , it could go to target webpage. And also I
typed in the website address to the search bar, it could show a search
result and then went to the website site I clicked to but with an extr
blank window turning up.

What should I do now to solve the problem as a clean reinstallation would
be
the last resort.

=> IN RE the IE issue:

You still have a hijackware infection. A Repair Install will NOT resolve
such problems. Do a format & clean install.

After doing so, you will have the equivalent of a "new computer" so take
care of everything on the following webpage before otherwise connecting
to
the internet (e.g., to browse, email, chat, download anything BUT Windows
Updates, the installer for your anti-virus application and updates for
same):

Before You Connect a New Computer to the Internet
http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/before_you_plug_in.html

Also see: http://www.dslreports.com/faq/8463

IN RE the Windows Update issues:

You WILL have the same "failure to install updates" problem again after
the
clean install. See this KB article:

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from
Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you perform a new Windows XP
installation or you repair a Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

[See my CORRECTION post ~PAB]

I have done the steps for restarting the BITS with regard to the Article
ID
910337 and the error 1083 trouble shooting. (Before so doing, I had not
done
a virus and spyware scanning). After I retarted the computer, I received
the
update notice too and choosed to download all the updates (about 10
items)
except the two IE7 and Windows XP SP3 and I could see it was
downloading.
Then, when I finished work and shut down my computer, it gave message
that
it needed to install the 21 ??!updates (windows XP security updates
and
including Windows XP Active X killbits cummulative security and IE6
updates)
before the computer shutting down. Next day, I started the windows and
do
my
browsing using the IE6, it could start my home page and show the content
completely. However, when I clicked some link icons or webistes in My
Favourites or type in website address in URL bar, it started another
blank
window and then hang up (in other one time, it started several blank
windows
with a popup saying windows failed to access designated installation,
path
or files. You may not have the appropriate rights to access the objects)
while the first window was flsshing at intervals going blank out and
showing the contents then but at last did not respond too. I tried to
close
the browers and it responded a instant termination pop up for
IEXPLOR.EXE. the following is the details information:

=APP Name: IEXPLORE.EXE szAPPVer 6.0.2900.2180 szModName: hangapp
azModVer 0.0.0.0 offset:00000000


Then I have use my antivirus software and some other virus online
scanner
to
scan my compter but no defect was reported.

I don't know what happed to the IE EXplorer 6 and the present problem
was
pertaining to the installed updates or other reasons. (I have unstalled
IE7
before for repairing the Windows XP SP2)

Moreover, I have visited the windows update website and tried to see my
installation history, but it responded with a pop-up window for
installing
the window update tool (I have clicked "NO" but later I checked the
update
history the window update agent 7.2.6001.784 was installed) before I
could
go on. I don't know if the window update tool is an offical tool or
not
as I have installed the Active X control on my first visiting the upate
website after the upgrade installation for reparing my Windows XP.


Please help

 

[Walter_C]

The active X control was installed successfully when I viisted the windows
update website after a repairing reinstallation while the Windows Update
Agent popup apperred and clicked "NO" when I vistied the update website after
I restarted the BITS and had the windows updates installed.
Anyway, what is your advice to cure the maleware problem??

CORRECTION:

You were referring to the new Windows Update Agent v7.2.6001.784, not the
ActiveX Control required to use Windows Update website. When you installed
WinXP, you agreed to allow MS to "silently" update this application. See
http://blogs.technet.com/mu/archive/2008/07/03/upcoming-update-to-windows-update.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:

You MUST install that ActiveX Control to be able to use Windows Update
website. The ActiveX Control is not required to use Automatic Updates.

 

[Frank Saunders MS-MVP IE,OE/WM]

The active X control was installed successfully when I viisted the
windows
update website after a repairing reinstallation while the Windows Update
Agent popup apperred and clicked "NO" when I vistied the update website
after
I restarted the BITS and had the windows updates installed.
Anyway, what is your advice to cure the maleware problem??

CORRECTION:

You were referring to the new Windows Update Agent v7.2.6001.784, not the
ActiveX Control required to use Windows Update website. When you
installed
WinXP, you agreed to allow MS to "silently" update this application. See
http://blogs.technet.com/mu/archive/2008/07/03/upcoming-update-to-windows-update.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:

You MUST install that ActiveX Control to be able to use Windows Update
website. The ActiveX Control is not required to use Automatic Updates.

Walter_C wrote:
Moreover, I have visited the windows update website and tried to see
my
installation history, but it responded with a pop-up window for
installing
the window update tool (I have clicked "NO" but later I checked the
update
history the window update agent 7.2.6001.784 was installed) before I
could
go on. I don't know if the window update tool is an offical tool or
not
as I have installed the Active X control on my first visiting the
upate
website after the upgrade installation for reparing my Windows XP.

Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
you that you owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I see nothing untoward in your HijackThis log
(http://www.castlecops.com/postitle226076-0-0-.html).

See if uninstalling FlashGet download manager and any Windows Live
applications via Add/Remove Programs resolves this behavior.

Otherwise, I've just not been able to keep track of what you've
installed/uninstalled/updated since this thread began so I'd recommend...

<paste>
1. If you suspect that one or more of the Windows Updates caused the problem
(I do not), you can open a free support incident:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527. For home users,
no-charge support is available by calling 1-866-PCSAFETY in the United
States and in Canada or by contacting your local Microsoft subsidiary.
There is no-charge for support calls that are associated with security
updates. When you call, clearly state that your problem is related to a
Security Update and cite the update's KB number (e.g., KB123456).

[or]

[2.] ...[Taking] the machine to a local,
reputable and independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer
repair shop.

 

[Walter_C]

Hi,

I have post a hijackedThis log to some malware forums of MS MVP websites and
got a reply that there was no indication of malware infection in my computer.

One more I want to supplement for my case is that initally Yahoo.com was set
as my homepage and when I started it and clicked any icon link, a blank
window would pop up and then did not respond anymore. But if I set msn.com as
my homepage and I could go to other webpages (such hotmail etc) by clicking
the linked icons.
But if I typed a website address to the URL bar, a blank window pop up too
in two cases and did not respnd.

What should I do? Reinstall IE or windows?

The active X control was installed successfully when I viisted the
windows
update website after a repairing reinstallation while the Windows Update
Agent popup apperred and clicked "NO" when I vistied the update website
after
I restarted the BITS and had the windows updates installed.
Anyway, what is your advice to cure the maleware problem??

CORRECTION:

You were referring to the new Windows Update Agent v7.2.6001.784, not the
ActiveX Control required to use Windows Update website. When you
installed
WinXP, you agreed to allow MS to "silently" update this application. See
http://blogs.technet.com/mu/archive/2008/07/03/upcoming-update-to-windows-update.aspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
<snip>
You MUST install that ActiveX Control to be able to use Windows Update
website. The ActiveX Control is not required to use Automatic Updates.
<snip>
Walter_C wrote:
Moreover, I have visited the windows update website and tried to see
my
installation history, but it responded with a pop-up window for
installing
the window update tool (I have clicked "NO" but later I checked the
update
history the window update agent 7.2.6001.784 was installed) before I
could
go on. I don't know if the window update tool is an offical tool or
not
as I have installed the Active X control on my first visiting the
upate
website after the upgrade installation for reparing my Windows XP.

Do a thorough check for malware, following all of the steps at one of these
Web pages.
Help with malware:
All MS-MVP Sites.
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/darnit.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm

Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

So How Did I Get Infected Anyway?
For quite a few people it's by installing programs like Messenger Plus,
whose ads for malware don't identify the malware as such and try to convince
you that you owe it to the author. See also:
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=27971
Don't ever do a "default" install of anything. Always choose Custom and see
what else is being carried along. Don't install any extras you're not sure
of.

 

[Robert Aldwinckle]

One more I want to supplement for my case is that initally Yahoo.com was set
as my homepage and when I started it and clicked any icon link, a blank
window would pop up and then did not respond anymore.

Depending on the implementation of the page that could just be a symptom
of too tight security settings. Make sure that you have Default Level settings
for that zone.

To test this idea, you could use View Source (Alt-V,c) to check if your
"blank window" is in fact, due to source which only does that--in which case,
it could be an indication of a connectivity problem with that site--or, if the source
looks as if it should have done something more than just show a blank window
and you do have security settings which should have let it proceed, then something
would be broken in the area of rendering, including scripting support.

But if I set msn.com as my homepage [and] I could go to other webpages
(such hotmail etc) by clicking the linked icons.

Is that sentence complete? I'm assuming so, and ignoring the "and". ; )

But if I typed a website address to the URL bar, a blank window pop up too
in two cases and did not respnd.

That could be something else entirely. Are you entering a protocol prefix
when you type your website address? In any case, pay attention to everything
that happens when you do that; e.g. Status bar, Title bar, Address bar, as well as
display area. Remember, your words have to substitute for what our eyes
might notice.

What should I do? Reinstall IE or windows?

In IE6 you have an option to repair as well. Unfortunately the provided feature is buggy
but you can try this alternative courtesy MVP Kai Schaetzl:

http://iefaq.info/index.php?action=artikel&cat=24&id=31&artlang=en

Download it and execute it. Since it is based on the old IE Repair
which used to be done during a boot when *nothing* else is running
I usually suggest as well that it might be a good idea to do it during
a safe boot when at least *less* is running. ; )


Good luck

Robert Aldwinckle
---

 

[Walter_C]

I have tried to reinstall IE6 but it tested that I have installed more
updated version of IE and it stop to installed. (In fact, uninstallation if
IE7 for performing a upgrade installation for repair my windows problem
before). Then I changed to install IE7 and now my probelm seemed already
solved. (The updates installed earlier conflict with the IE6?)

However, now when I visited the windows upated website, it again asked me to
install Active X again which I have installed before. Should I have install
it again as I have installed windows update agent at the early fixing update
problem .

One more I want to supplement for my case is that initally Yahoo.com was set
as my homepage and when I started it and clicked any icon link, a blank
window would pop up and then did not respond anymore.

Depending on the implementation of the page that could just be a symptom
of too tight security settings. Make sure that you have Default Level settings
for that zone.

To test this idea, you could use View Source (Alt-V,c) to check if your
"blank window" is in fact, due to source which only does that--in which case,
it could be an indication of a connectivity problem with that site--or, if the source
looks as if it should have done something more than just show a blank window
and you do have security settings which should have let it proceed, then something
would be broken in the area of rendering, including scripting support.

But if I set msn.com as my homepage [and] I could go to other webpages
(such hotmail etc) by clicking the linked icons.

Is that sentence complete? I'm assuming so, and ignoring the "and". ; )

But if I typed a website address to the URL bar, a blank window pop up too
in two cases and did not respnd.

That could be something else entirely. Are you entering a protocol prefix
when you type your website address? In any case, pay attention to everything
that happens when you do that; e.g. Status bar, Title bar, Address bar, as well as
display area. Remember, your words have to substitute for what our eyes
might notice.

What should I do? Reinstall IE or windows?

In IE6 you have an option to repair as well. Unfortunately the provided feature is buggy
but you can try this alternative courtesy MVP Kai Schaetzl:

http://iefaq.info/index.php?action=artikel&cat=24&id=31&artlang=en

Download it and execute it. Since it is based on the old IE Repair
which used to be done during a boot when *nothing* else is running
I usually suggest as well that it might be a good idea to do it during
a safe boot when at least *less* is running. ; )


Good luck

Robert Aldwinckle

 

[Robert Aldwinckle]

I have tried to reinstall IE6 but it tested that I have installed more
updated version of IE and it stop to installed.

Correct. There is an embedded version of IE in XPsp2 sometimes
referred to as IE6sp2. So, now I guess in XPsp3 we should be referring
to that level of functionality and fixes as IE6sp3. ; ) In either case
You would be trying to install IE6sp1 over that.

Even though the version of IE6sp1 that you would be installing would probably
be far more advanced (in terms of fixes) than the IE6sp1 functionality embedded in XPsp1
you would probably be prevented from trying that either with that level of the OS.
AFAIK the only way that you can install a separate version of IE6 into XP
is to go all the way back to XP base and do it there. Typically nobody even
has access to that level of the OS any more, except on very old distribution CDs.
E.g. the latest distribution CD of XP that I saw had XPsp2 pre-installed on it.

(In fact, uninstallation if
IE7 for performing a upgrade installation for repair my windows problem
before). Then I changed to install IE7 and now my probelm seemed already
solved. (The updates installed earlier conflict with the IE6?)

Installing IE7 over embedded IE functionality could have the effect of repairing
or reinstalling IE in an OS, yes, but it could also embed undiagnosed problems
even deeper into the OS. ; }

However, now when I visited the windows upated website, it again asked me to
install Active X again which I have installed before. Should I have install
it again as I have installed windows update agent at the early fixing update
problem .

I would.


HTH

Robert
---

 

[Walter_C]

Thank you Robert, you are very kind.

Correct. There is an embedded version of IE in XPsp2 sometimes
referred to as IE6sp2. So, now I guess in XPsp3 we should be referring
to that level of functionality and fixes as IE6sp3. ; ) In either case
You would be trying to install IE6sp1 over that.

Even though the version of IE6sp1 that you would be installing would probably
be far more advanced (in terms of fixes) than the IE6sp1 functionality embedded in XPsp1
you would probably be prevented from trying that either with that level of the OS.
AFAIK the only way that you can install a separate version of IE6 into XP
is to go all the way back to XP base and do it there. Typically nobody even
has access to that level of the OS any more, except on very old distribution CDs.
E.g. the latest distribution CD of XP that I saw had XPsp2 pre-installed on it.




Installing IE7 over embedded IE functionality could have the effect of repairing
or reinstalling IE in an OS, yes, but it could also embed undiagnosed problems
even deeper into the OS. ; }




I would.


HTH

Robert