PROBLEMS IN INTERNET EXPLORER

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Guest

I have a Dell 8200 Dimension desktop with Windows XP Home Edition and
Internet Explorer 6.0.

When I open Internet Exlorer and I goto a web site like msnbc, if I click on
anything on the web site, my cursor becomes a finger which indicates wait a
minute and after about 1 minute, the cursaor is normal but I did not go to
where I wanted to go. I did everything that the Microsoft Knowledge Base
Article 281678 indicated to do and still nothing happens when I try to click
a link on a web site. If anyone has any ideas, I would welcome them.

How would I uninstall Internet Explorer and reinstall it? I understand that
I can repair Internet Explorer, how would I do that so that my system works
better on Internet Explorer.

Thanks for any help or assistance in advance.
 
Hi George :-)
I have a Dell 8200 Dimension desktop with Windows XP Home Edition and
Internet Explorer 6.0.

When I open Internet Exlorer and I goto a web site like msnbc, if I
click on anything on the web site, my cursor becomes a finger which
indicates wait a minute and after about 1 minute, the cursaor is
normal but I did not go to where I wanted to go. I did everything
that the Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 281678 indicated to do and
still nothing happens when I try to click a link on a web site. If
anyone has any ideas, I would welcome them.

How would I uninstall Internet Explorer and reinstall it? I
understand that I can repair Internet Explorer, how would I do that
so that my system works better on Internet Explorer.

Thanks for any help or assistance in advance.
Click to expand...

It is possible you have a hijacker, malware, spyware or parasites on your
system that can cause this problem. In addition to running your updated
anti-virus
program, you should do the following to be sure none of these are present on
your system. Follow all instructions carefully:

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Be sure to run CWShredder, Ad-aware and Spybot.
Also be sure to use the HijackThis. Please do not post your log to this
newsgroup, but to the SpywareInfo or the Aumha HiJackThis forums
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30, to allow the experts there to
evaluate your log and advise you of the necessary steps to clean your
system.

CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

Also, get a copy of WINSOCKFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html

I don't think that the Repair is necessary to resolve your problem, however,
here's some instructions on how to properly perform the repair:

Unlike the previous versions of the Windows program, the IE6 is a core
part of the XP program. A reinstall over the existing install can cause
problems, and there are specific instructions that can reduce the
chance of such problems. However, it is always much safer to do a
repair instead of a reinstall. A reinstall should only be done as the
very last thing when all else has failed. And then only according to
the proper instructions.

Be sure that your AV and firewall is disabled, and follow all
instructions carefully

TO REPAIR WINDOWS XP -

Repair or Reinstall IE/OE (WinXP)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378

or...............

Courtesy of LuckyStrike -

How do I repair Internet Explorer in Windows® XP?
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_ie_reinstall.htm

The ability to Repair Internet Explorer does not exist in the version that
ships with Windows XP. This feature only becomes available after you
upgrade to a newer version. This is normal and has been this way since
Windows 98 and IE4.

However, you can reinstall IE in Windows XP by clicking Start, Run and
entering the following command:

rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132
%windir%\Inf\ie.inf

*You will need to have your XP CD available*.

Some people have problems with the command line above. A small VB Script
that will execute the command for you can be downloaded here at
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts/xp_run_ie_setup.vbs. Save the file to
your hard drive and double click it to run IE Setup.

or...............

IF that doesn't work, this is another way, but a bit more complex..., but
maybe less complicated (?) than the first method I supplied.

Note: Both of the following methods listed **require that the Microsoft
Windows XP CD-ROM be available**.

Method 1: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x Repair for Windows XP

From the Start menu, select Run.
In the Open field, type sfc /scannow (Note: There is a space between sfc and
/scannow)
Select the OK button.
Follow the prompts throughout the System File Checker process.
Reboot the computer when System File Checker completes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Method 2: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x Repair for Windows XP

From the Start menu, select Search, select All Files and Folders.
Select More Advanced Options and place a checkmark beside Search Hidden
Files and Folders option.
Ensure that Search System Folders and Search Subfolders are also checked.
In the All or Part of the File Name box, type ie.inf
In the Look In drop-down menu, select C: or the letter of the hard drive
that contains the Windows folder.
Click the Search button.
In the search results pane, find the ie.inf file located in Windows\Infb
folder.
Right click the ie.inf file and click Install on the context menu.
Reboot the computer when the file copy process is complete.

or...........................

Method 3.

How to Repair Internet Explorer 6 and Outlook Express
Tricking Windows into letting you reinstall IE6
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=71

Since you already have Internet Explorer 6 installed the operating system
will not allow you to reinstall over the existing installation. Due to this
we are required to trick the operating system into thinking IE 6 is not
installed.

### NOTE: in order to use this method you are required to edit the
registry. **Incorrect editing of the registry can cause serious harm to your
operating system** so it is advised you proceed with extreme caution.###

Follow these steps for repairing Internet Explorer 6:

Click on the Start button and then click on the Run option.
In the Open field type regedit and press the OK button.
Navigate to the key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active
Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}
Under that key you will see a entry named IsInstalled. Right click on that
entry and left click on Modify.
Change the Value from 1 to 0.
Exit regedit.

or..............................

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q318378
How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 6
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293907&Product=ie600
Unable to Install Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304872
Tricking Windows into letting you reinstall IE6
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=71

or...................

Courtesy of Robert Aldwinckle

XP users who have installed IE6sp1 before upgrading to XPsp1
will have setupwbv.dll and will be able to do a repair using

rundll32 setupwbv.dll,IE6Maintenance

Otherwise, they have to use

sfc /scannow

etc., or reinstall IE6 (Ref: KB318378)

or......................

Courtesy of Jim Byrd:

There is no direct Repair function for IE6 in XP. Here are some
alternatives:

1. With XP you need to go to Start|Run and type "sfc /scannow"
(without the quotes and notice the space between the c and the /.)
Have your XP CD handy and be prepared to go get a cup of coffee - it
takes a while. This will do the same thing as Repair IE6 for XP but a
lot more, that is find any corrupt system files and replace them. It
does not, however, re-register the various software components (except
possibly the ones it replaces?) AFAIK.

Be aware that under certain circumstances (Win2k before SP4 - see mskb
814510,
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q814510) sfc
can erroneously overwrite (restore over) previously installed files
from certain "hotfixes" which will then need to be re-installed. To
check for this, after running sfc, open a Cmd window and enter
"qfecheck /v /l:c:\" (without the quotes). If you don't have qfecheck
installed, it can be obtained for XP here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?ReleaseID=35468 and for
Win2k, obtain qfecheck here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?ReleaseID=35470

2. Another alternative that works on Win2k and may or may not work on
XP (but probably does - I've heard both stories), for just IE6 repair
if you don't have IE6 listed in Add-Remove Programs, then in Start|Run
then enter

"rundll32 setupwbv.dll,IE6Maintenance"

without the quotes, exactly as shown, and select the appropriate entry.

3. If you find that you need to do a re-install of IE6 then you can
consider the following, I can't verify this for XP (I'm Win2k - it
works there, and I've had good reports from XP users), but you might
want to give it a try at your own risk. Again, enter this at Start|Run
without the quotes and be careful about the spacing:

"rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132
C:\windows\inf\ie.inf"

4. Lastly, here is a link to a MSKB article about re-installing
IE6/OE6:

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in
Windows XP (Q318378)
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=kb;en-us;Q318378

You cannot install some updates or programs
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=822798

"The Software You Are Installing Has Not Passed Windows Logo Testing..."
Error Message When You Try to Install Internet Explorer 6 SP1
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=828031

Unable to install Internet Explorer 6 on XP
http://www.tek-tips.com/gfaqs.cfm/lev2/67/lev3/70/pid/779/fid/1586

or................

Here is a more recent suggestion I have been giving to XP users
who want to try some repair procedures.

<TITLE>831429 - Windows XP stops responding when you download updates
from Windows Update</TITLE>
< http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;831429 >

It is actually a more comprehensive set of re-registrations than an
IE Repair with the default FixIE.inf would do for either NT5.

Although they are listed specifically for W2K they should apply
equally to XP.

Additionally, the information here may be of some assistance:

Windows XP From A-Z
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm


If these steps do not resolve your problem, please post back to this thread
with the details and any error messages.


Hope this helps

Jan :)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Please reply to the newsgroup so others may benefit.
Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
 
Jan:-)

Thanks for all of your help. I was overwhelmed by your answer and I do
not know where to start. I went to several of the links and some were like
reading greek. I have run Norton Antivirus 2004, Ultra WinCleaner One Click,
and Spyware protection from AOL which I run everyday. If you lived close, I
would pay you to correct the situation on my computer because you obviously
know what you are doing.

I currently have Microsoft XP Home Edition as my operating system.
Would it be just as easy if I purchased Microsoft XP Professional and install
that on my computer. Would the new operating system remove the problems that
I am having with Internet Explorer 6.0 since the XP operating system and the
Internet Explorer work together.

I tried using Netscape 7.2 and it worked much better than Internet
Explorer but I really like Internet Explorer. I also use Outlook Express as
my email. When I was using Netscape 7.2, I still had Internet Explorer as my
default browser. Is that smart or should I just make Netscape 7.2 as my
default browser? If so, how would I do that.

Thanks,

George :-)
 
Hi George :-)

Comments in line:
Jan:-)

Thanks for all of your help. I was overwhelmed by your answer
and I do not know where to start. I went to several of the links and
some were like reading greek. I have run Norton Antivirus 2004,
Ultra WinCleaner One Click, and Spyware protection from AOL which I
run everyday. If you lived close, I would pay you to correct the
situation on my computer because you obviously know what you are
doing.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the kind words of confidence, although, I'm still on the
uphill learning curve myself. ;-)) I understand that some of the
information can seem very daunting at first, and Greek is a very good
description for some of it, too <VBG>

But, we will be more than happy to take things slowly and make sure you
fully understand all the necessary corrective action to be done. If you
don't understand something, just ask. That's why we're here. :-)
I currently have Microsoft XP Home Edition as my operating
system. Would it be just as easy if I purchased Microsoft XP
Professional and install that on my computer. Would the new
operating system remove the problems that I am having with Internet
Explorer 6.0 since the XP operating system and the Internet Explorer
work together.
Click to expand...

I may be wrong, and I hope others here will correct me if I am, but, if
there is some malware, virus or 3rd party program causing the program, it
most likely would require a reformat of your hard drive to fully clean it
before installing any new OS. Otherwise, you may not be any better off. It
is not usually recommended, nor necessary, to go to such an extreme to
remove these warez. Yes, they can be frustrating and annoying, even to hair
pulling at times, but, in the end, we can usually get rid of them. However,
we do need the assistance of the users to do the work on their end, report
back to us the results, and the wording of the error messages, etc., i.e.,
you are the technician, and our eyes. The work you do on your end is
important, we can't do that for you, thus, we work as partners to resolve
the problem. :-)
I tried using Netscape 7.2 and it worked much better than
Internet Explorer but I really like Internet Explorer. I also use
Outlook Express as my email. When I was using Netscape 7.2, I still
had Internet Explorer as my default browser. Is that smart or should
I just make Netscape 7.2 as my default browser? If so, how would I
do that.
Click to expand...

With the types of scumware that is being generated out in the cyber world
these days, I keep a backup browser myself, I use FireFox.
http://www.mozilla.org/.
It has lots of add-ins and such, but, I use IE as my primary browser:
However, if you do want to use Netscape as your primary browser, just do the
following:

1.Open IE>Tools>Internet Options>Programs and then uncheck the box next to
"Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser"
2. Close IE and then open it again. If you get a message asking if you want
IE to be your default browser, say no.
3. Open Netscape. You may get a message that asks if you want Netscape to
be your default browser, say yes. This should allow you to then have
Netscape as your default browser. If not, shut down and restart, open
Netscape and see what it says.

Please post the results of the above steps and the instructions I previously
provided, along with the exact wording of any error messages. The exact
wording of the errors can be very helpful in determining the necessary
corrective action to be taken.

Thank you for your patience. :-)

Jan :)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Please reply to the newsgroup so others may benefit.
Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
 
..
Jan Il said:
Hi George :-)


It is possible you have a hijacker, malware, spyware or parasites on your
system that can cause this problem. In addition to running your updated
anti-virus
program, you should do the following to be sure none of these are present on
your system. Follow all instructions carefully:

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Be sure to run CWShredder, Ad-aware and Spybot.
Also be sure to use the HijackThis. Please do not post your log to this
newsgroup, but to the SpywareInfo or the Aumha HiJackThis forums
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30, to allow the experts there to
evaluate your log and advise you of the necessary steps to clean your
system.

CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

Also, get a copy of WINSOCKFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html

I don't think that the Repair is necessary to resolve your problem, however,
here's some instructions on how to properly perform the repair:

Unlike the previous versions of the Windows program, the IE6 is a core
part of the XP program. A reinstall over the existing install can cause
problems, and there are specific instructions that can reduce the
chance of such problems. However, it is always much safer to do a
repair instead of a reinstall. A reinstall should only be done as the
very last thing when all else has failed. And then only according to
the proper instructions.

Be sure that your AV and firewall is disabled, and follow all
instructions carefully

TO REPAIR WINDOWS XP -

Repair or Reinstall IE/OE (WinXP)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378

or...............

Courtesy of LuckyStrike -

How do I repair Internet Explorer in Windows® XP?
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_ie_reinstall.htm

The ability to Repair Internet Explorer does not exist in the version that
ships with Windows XP. This feature only becomes available after you
upgrade to a newer version. This is normal and has been this way since
Windows 98 and IE4.

However, you can reinstall IE in Windows XP by clicking Start, Run and
entering the following command:

rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132
%windir%\Inf\ie.inf

*You will need to have your XP CD available*.

Some people have problems with the command line above. A small VB Script
that will execute the command for you can be downloaded here at
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts/xp_run_ie_setup.vbs. Save the file to
your hard drive and double click it to run IE Setup.

or...............

IF that doesn't work, this is another way, but a bit more complex..., but
maybe less complicated (?) than the first method I supplied.

Note: Both of the following methods listed **require that the Microsoft
Windows XP CD-ROM be available**.

Method 1: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x Repair for Windows XP

From the Start menu, select Run.
In the Open field, type sfc /scannow (Note: There is a space between sfc and
/scannow)
Select the OK button.
Follow the prompts throughout the System File Checker process.
Reboot the computer when System File Checker completes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Method 2: Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.x Repair for Windows XP

From the Start menu, select Search, select All Files and Folders.
Select More Advanced Options and place a checkmark beside Search Hidden
Files and Folders option.
Ensure that Search System Folders and Search Subfolders are also checked.
In the All or Part of the File Name box, type ie.inf
In the Look In drop-down menu, select C: or the letter of the hard drive
that contains the Windows folder.
Click the Search button.
In the search results pane, find the ie.inf file located in Windows\Infb
folder.
Right click the ie.inf file and click Install on the context menu.
Reboot the computer when the file copy process is complete.

or...........................

Method 3.

How to Repair Internet Explorer 6 and Outlook Express
Tricking Windows into letting you reinstall IE6
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=71

Since you already have Internet Explorer 6 installed the operating system
will not allow you to reinstall over the existing installation. Due to this
we are required to trick the operating system into thinking IE 6 is not
installed.

### NOTE: in order to use this method you are required to edit the
registry. **Incorrect editing of the registry can cause serious harm to your
operating system** so it is advised you proceed with extreme caution.###

Follow these steps for repairing Internet Explorer 6:

Click on the Start button and then click on the Run option.
In the Open field type regedit and press the OK button.
Navigate to the key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active
Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}
Under that key you will see a entry named IsInstalled. Right click on that
entry and left click on Modify.
Change the Value from 1 to 0.
Exit regedit.

or..............................

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in
Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q318378
How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 6
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;293907&Product=ie600
Unable to Install Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=304872
Tricking Windows into letting you reinstall IE6
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=71

or...................

Courtesy of Robert Aldwinckle

XP users who have installed IE6sp1 before upgrading to XPsp1
will have setupwbv.dll and will be able to do a repair using

rundll32 setupwbv.dll,IE6Maintenance

Otherwise, they have to use

sfc /scannow

etc., or reinstall IE6 (Ref: KB318378)

or......................

Courtesy of Jim Byrd:

There is no direct Repair function for IE6 in XP. Here are some
alternatives:

1. With XP you need to go to Start|Run and type "sfc /scannow"
(without the quotes and notice the space between the c and the /.)
Have your XP CD handy and be prepared to go get a cup of coffee - it
takes a while. This will do the same thing as Repair IE6 for XP but a
lot more, that is find any corrupt system files and replace them. It
does not, however, re-register the various software components (except
possibly the ones it replaces?) AFAIK.

Be aware that under certain circumstances (Win2k before SP4 - see mskb
814510,
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q814510) sfc
can erroneously overwrite (restore over) previously installed files
from certain "hotfixes" which will then need to be re-installed. To
check for this, after running sfc, open a Cmd window and enter
"qfecheck /v /l:c:\" (without the quotes). If you don't have qfecheck
installed, it can be obtained for XP here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?ReleaseID=35468 and for
Win2k, obtain qfecheck here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/release.asp?ReleaseID=35470

2. Another alternative that works on Win2k and may or may not work on
XP (but probably does - I've heard both stories), for just IE6 repair
if you don't have IE6 listed in Add-Remove Programs, then in Start|Run
then enter

"rundll32 setupwbv.dll,IE6Maintenance"

without the quotes, exactly as shown, and select the appropriate entry.

3. If you find that you need to do a re-install of IE6 then you can
consider the following, I can't verify this for XP (I'm Win2k - it
works there, and I've had good reports from XP users), but you might
want to give it a try at your own risk. Again, enter this at Start|Run
without the quotes and be careful about the spacing:

"rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132
C:\windows\inf\ie.inf"

4. Lastly, here is a link to a MSKB article about re-installing
IE6/OE6:

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in
Windows XP (Q318378)
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=kb;en-us;Q318378

You cannot install some updates or programs
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=822798

"The Software You Are Installing Has Not Passed Windows Logo Testing..."
Error Message When You Try to Install Internet Explorer 6 SP1
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=828031

Unable to install Internet Explorer 6 on XP
http://www.tek-tips.com/gfaqs.cfm/lev2/67/lev3/70/pid/779/fid/1586

or................

Here is a more recent suggestion I have been giving to XP users
who want to try some repair procedures.

<TITLE>831429 - Windows XP stops responding when you download updates
from Windows Update</TITLE>
< http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;831429 >

It is actually a more comprehensive set of re-registrations than an
IE Repair with the default FixIE.inf would do for either NT5.

Although they are listed specifically for W2K they should apply
equally to XP.

Additionally, the information here may be of some assistance:

Windows XP From A-Z
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_abc.htm


If these steps do not resolve your problem, please post back to this thread
with the details and any error messages.


Hope this helps

Jan :)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Please reply to the newsgroup so others may benefit.
Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
Click to expand...
 
Hi Brice :-)

I'm sorry, but, I've scanned this reply several times, and I do not see any
new message. Did you have a question, or response?

Jan :)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.
 
Jan Il said:
Hi Brice :-)

I'm sorry, but, I've scanned this reply several times, and I do not see any
new message. Did you have a question, or response?
Click to expand...


Jan,

Compare the line counts in his and your earlier one. (276 and 277.)
He added a period in line 1 and deleted the two blank lines that OE
always adds. Looks trollish? Or perhaps he is just putting himself
on an "interested parties" list for this thread? In which case we can
suggest that he use the MS Communities notification feature.
I have never used the web interface that he is using so I don't know
if it has something equivalent which would not require participation
in the thread you wanted be notified about.

It would be nice if the people who make these contentless echo
posts would at least write one line about their intent. Then they
wouldn't make everybody who reads them waste their time trying
to figure out if there was new content in them somewhere.

BTW trimming would be good too. I have noticed that since the
new MS Communities "full thread in a page feature" does not trim
the same way that Google Groups does, untrimmed top posts
look simply ridiculous and make the whole thread hard to read
(especially after many levels of long top posts). Many levels
of long bottom posts would be even harder to browse there
though because you'd have even more difficulty finding where
each level's new content started.


Robert
---
 
Hi Robert :-)
Jan,

Compare the line counts in his and your earlier one. (276 and 277.)
He added a period in line 1 and deleted the two blank lines that OE
always adds. Looks trollish? Or perhaps he is just putting himself
on an "interested parties" list for this thread? In which case we
can suggest that he use the MS Communities notification feature.
I have never used the web interface that he is using so I don't know
if it has something equivalent which would not require participation
in the thread you wanted be notified about.

It would be nice if the people who make these contentless echo
posts would at least write one line about their intent. Then they
wouldn't make everybody who reads them waste their time trying
to figure out if there was new content in them somewhere.

BTW trimming would be good too. I have noticed that since the
new MS Communities "full thread in a page feature" does not trim
the same way that Google Groups does, untrimmed top posts
look simply ridiculous and make the whole thread hard to read
(especially after many levels of long top posts). Many levels
of long bottom posts would be even harder to browse there
though because you'd have even more difficulty finding where
each level's new content started.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for your help, I thought I'd been eye-balling the screen
a bit too long and was going blind. ;=))

It's true that no message is worse than a terse or one word reply that gives
no information at all, yet, posting it means the helper has to take the time
to check it. :/

Jan :)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.
 
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