Internet Explorer 6 'Hangs'

[mike2002]

I'm running Windows 98SE with I.E.6.

Lately, when I open Internet Explorer, or click on a saved webpage, I.E. half-loads, then 'hangs' (sticks). I have to close the program by clicking on Ctrl/ALT/Delete about 8 times, then it will reload perfectly on the second attempt.
Or, the opposite happens, it may start perfectly well the first time but, if I close I.E., then try to open it a few minutes later, it hangs again.

I've tried repairing it from the Add/Remove programs but it still does it.

[classicsoftware]

Have you run windows update tomake sure everything is up to date?

Do you have anti-virus software?

Have you run any spyware removal tools such as Spbot or adaware?

[mike2002]

classicsoftware:

Windows Update? Yes, but in all my approximately 4 computing years, this effect has never hapened before.

Anti-virus? Yes, AVG Free Edition, updated every couple of days or so.

Spyware? Yes, AdAware, and Spybot, all up to date.

When I click on I.E. the hard drive goes to work, then stops as the program hangs. None of my other programs do this. :confused:

[Paul Komski]

Have seen a similar progressive thing - though on XP not 98 - and only properly cured by "going back in time". The workaround was to keep at least one instance of IE opened and minimised at all times. Possibly all due to a fragmented drive or an overfull cache. An overfull drive and small VM could also be at fault.

[mike2002]

Hi Paul:

"Going back in time." I guessed that someone would suggest this, but all too late I'm afraid. At first you think it's a temporary thing, then you realise that too many days have elapsed to cure it.

Fragmented drive - no, I defragmented it quite recently.
Overfull cache and drive - no, I clear the cache daily, System resources are 56% free; C:\ drive (plus another partition) are both 50% free.
Small VM? Not sure what you mean - Virtual Memory?
I use RamBooster to recover RAM; it's surprising how the RAM drains away
(sometimes to zero) when performing tasks such as audio processing or virus scans.

Your suggestion "to keep at least at least one instance of IE opened and minimised at all times." makes sense.
Maybe a reinstall (not reformat) of Windows would cure it, but it's something I can live with.

Regards,
Mike

[Whyzman]

System resources are 56% free;If this number is after initial bootup it would appear that you're going into the game backed up to your own end zone...

Here's an excellent read on how to control System Resources:

http://www.techtips4u.com/kb/sw/SW00013.htm

There are a couple of other things you might want to have a look at also...

I would do an on-line virus scan...check the links from mjc or Budfred

Also run HiJackThis and follow the directions for pasting...and do so in this thread so some of the folks can have a look-see and make recommendations...

[Quantax]

Have you run the I.E. Repair Tool?(found in the Add/Remove programs)

[mike2002]

Quantax: Have tried the I.E. Repair function already (see initial posting). Thanks for the thought anyway.

Whyzman: Have just completed an online virus scan from BitDefender - all clear. For the record, here is the log from 'Hijack'.

Another related query; in the startup list items can be selected or deselected, but how can old and uninstalled programs entries be removed from the list?
As an example, there is an item for Iomega, which I no longer have on my system.

Logfile of HijackThis v1.97.7
Scan saved at 17:43:05, on 09/01/04
Platform: Windows 98 SE (Win9x 4.10.2222A)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP1 (6.00.2800.1106)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\KERNEL32.DLL
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSGSRV32.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MPREXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\mmtask.tsk
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGSERV9.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\EXPLORER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RPCSS.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\TASKMON.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\SYSTRAY.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\AHEAD\INCD\INCD.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\GRISOFT\AVG6\AVGCC32.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIGHCRITERIA\TOTALRECORDER\TOTRECSCHED.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\POPUPREMOVER\POPRCONTROLLER.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT\AD-AWARE 6\AD-WATCH.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CPAL\CPBRWTCH.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZLCLIENT.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\RAMBOOSTER\RAMBOOSTER.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\WMIEXE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\RNAAPP.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\TAPISRV.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\CPAL\CPAL.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\IEXPLORE.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\PSTORES.EXE
C:\PROGRAM FILES\HIJACKTHIS.EXE

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Local Page =
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page_bak = about:blank
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\PROGRAM FILES\ADOBE\ACROBAT 6.0\READER\ACTIVEX\ACROIEHELPER.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {3D2C1DA4-BCD3-4317-9548-2E08BD222FF0} - C:\PROGRA~1\POPUPR~1\POPUPS~1.DLL
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHELPER.DLL
O3 - Toolbar: &Radio - {8E718888-423F-11D2-876E-00A0C9082467} - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\MSDXM.OCX
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ScanRegistry] C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe /autorun
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TaskMonitor] C:\WINDOWS\taskmon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SystemTray] SysTray.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [InCD] C:\Program Files\Ahead\InCD\InCD.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\avgcc32.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TotalRecorderScheduler] "C:\Program Files\HighCriteria\TotalRecorder\TotRecSched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PopupRemoverCtrl] C:\Program Files\PopupRemover\PopRController.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-watch] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT\AD-AWARE 6\Ad-watch.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Tweak UI] RUNDLL32.EXE TWEAKUI.CPL,TweakMeUp
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cookie Pal] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\CPAL\CPBrWtch.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Zone Labs Client] C:\PROGRA~1\ZONELA~1\ZONEAL~1\zlclient.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [LoadPowerProfile] Rundll32.exe powrprof.dll,LoadCurrentPwrScheme
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [Avgserv9.exe] C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\Avgserv9.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [TrueVector] C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\ZONELABS\VSMON.EXE -service
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [RamBooster] C:\PROGRAM FILES\RAMBOOSTER\RAMBOOSTER.EXE
O4 - HKCU\..\RunServices: [RamBooster] C:\PROGRAM FILES\RAMBOOSTER\RAMBOOSTER.EXE
O16 - DPF: {9F1C11AA-197B-4942-BA54-47A8489BB47F} (Update Class) - http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/CAB/x86/ansi/iuctl.CAB?37913.6434259259
O16 - DPF: {D27CDB6E-AE6D-11CF-96B8-444553540000} (Shockwave Flash Object) - http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab
O16 - DPF: {0E5F0222-96B9-11D3-8997-00104BD12D94} (PCPitstop Utility) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/PCPitStop.CAB
O16 - DPF: {9732FB42-C321-11D1-836F-00A0C993F125} (mhLabel Class) - http://www.pcpitstop.com/mhLbl.cab
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {C2FCEF52-ACE9-11D3-BEBD-00105AA9B6AE} (Symantec RuFSI Registry Information Class) - http://security.symantec.com/SSC/SharedContent/common/bin/cabsa.cab
O16 - DPF: {80DD2229-B8E4-4C77-B72F-F22972D723EA} (AvxScanOnline Control) - http://www.bitdefender.com/scan/Msie/bitdefender.cab

[mjc]

Two potential sources of browser problems......

C:\PROGRAM FILES\POPUPREMOVER\POPRCONTROLLER.EXE

and

C:\PROGRAM FILES\ZONE LABS\ZONEALARM\ZLCLIENT.EXE

Yes, your popup blocker and ZA......both of their databases can be corrupted and will cause problems.

There has been an increase in popups using characters that are normally reserved for wildcards. This is to cause popup blockers to malfunction. Usually clearing out the block list or cache (or hoewevery you blocker operates) and starting over fresh clears it up.

The ZA problems can usually be cured by clearing the list of blocked apps and clearing out the saved logs and starting over with it.

[mike2002]

mjc: My popupstopper is 'Popup Remover' by Yokonsoftware. It's a very simple application that sits in the System Tray, and there's no settings at all, save a 'toggle' to Allow or Disallow popups. You cannot even configure it to Load when I.E opens. There's no inbuilt intelligence, and therefore no database in the program.

I've cleared the Program list in Zone Alarm, but there are certain entries that baffle me; why, for instance, should 'Windows Explorer' want to access the internet, or 'Distributed COM services'?

I don't bother saving Z.A.s logs, as they build up as time goes by.

[mike2002]

Re: The following entries in my Startup list.

ScanRegistry, in C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe
Is this item required to run, as I have disabled automatic scanning when Windows crashes.

TweakUI, in RUNDLL32EXE TWEAKUI.CPL,TweakMeUP
Is TweakUI needed to run at Startup, as I rarely access it.

Cookie Pal, in C:\PROGRAM FILES\CPAL\CPBrWtch.exe
This program only loads automatically when I.E.6 is launched.

AdWatch, in C:\PROGRAM FILES\LAVASOFT\AD-AWARE 6\Ad-watch.exe
AdWatch keeps a real-time watch on anything that tries to install itself, but I haven't had any alerts for ages.

[Quantax]

Have you run the System File Checker also? I mention this because a check of my "Hijack this" didn't apparently indicate any sort of intrusive spyware. But on the suggestion of someone over on Annoyances.org I ran the SFC and uncovered many files needing to be updated. This corrected a pesky stalling problem that was afflicting my OS(also Win98) for about an hour.

[Budfred]

"ScanRegistry, in C:\WINDOWS\scanregw.exe
Is this item required to run, as I have disabled automatic scanning when Windows crashes."

Yes, this does need to run...

"TweakUI, in RUNDLL32EXE TWEAKUI.CPL,TweakMeUP
Is TweakUI needed to run at Startup, as I rarely access it."

No, this doesn't need to run, but it may be maintaining some of the tweaks you have done and you may lose them if you disable it. You could diable it and see. I would check in the program to see if it has that option rather than using HJT to fix it. If you can't find a way to do it in the program, you can do it with HJT and restore it if you have a problem.

[shanmuga]

Originally posted by mike2002
Another related query; in the startup list items can be selected or deselected, but how can old and uninstalled programs entries be removed from the list?For windows 98 see Sylvander's post in this thread
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=27054

[shanmuga]

As for your original problem, have you tried this ?
Type the command: regsvr32 Urlmon.dll
into the Run dialog box and reboot, see if that helps. If not, then type:

SFC

in the Run dialog box, and select 'Extract one file from installation disk'. Type:

oleaut32.dll

into the box and click 'Start'. You will be prompted for your Windows CD, and the file will be replaced. Reboot.

Based on http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;281679

[mike2002]

shanmuga: I tried your suggestion of "Type the command: regsvr32 Urlmon.dll nto the Run dialog box and reboot."

The strange thing is that I.E. loaded twice in succession, then 'hung' on the third.

Re. DLL replacing from installation disk; I'll delve into this after I have fixed something else that's cropped up!!

When I now boot Windows, it hangs on the C:\ prompt, and I now have to type 'win' to continue with the boot. I've a good idea that this is due to the fact that I uninstalled the 'Diskeeper' program (I've decided to stick with the Windows ME defrag).

Just before the C:\ is the line:-

"C:\>SET Path=C:\WINDOWS; C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND; "C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\"

It would appear that Windows is still looking for a program that no longer exists. How can I remove this reference - it's not hard is it??

[Quantax]

Did you delete it in the Registry?

[mike2002]

Yes - there are no references to to , either under 'Executive' or 'Diskeeper'

[mjc]

mike2002

Open Autoexec.bat in Notepad, go to the SET line and remove the part for Diskkeeper. Then save the edited file and reboot.

Anyway, why did you remove Diskkeeper?

The Window's defrag is a stripped down, less configurable version of DK.......

[mike2002]

mjc: Why did I remove Diskeeper? Ohh - don't ask - it just seemed like a good idea at the time. The Windows one seemed to do what I wanted, and took up much less space.

But regarding Autoexec.bat; here's the original text in Notepad. The first 4 lines are the current ones, the 5th line being the one I deleted.

@C:\PROGRA~1\GRISOFT\AVG6\bootup.exe
mode con codepage prepare=((850) C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\ega.cpi)
mode con codepage select=850
keyb uk,,C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\keyboard.sys

SET Path=%Path%;"C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\"

Unfortunately deleting the complete line hasn't made any difference. The command line is no longer in the Bootup screen, but it gets up to 'keyb uk,,C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\keyboard.sys' then displays C:\ and, below that, C:\ again.

[Quantax]

This time access the WIN.INI file(which I do by typing in Systedit at the Run command)and check if there are any entries after LOAD= and RUN=.
Sometimes programs can appear here when they're not shown in the MSCONFIG startup group.

[mike2002]

Quantax: Could you clarify last posting; you said "This time access the WIN.INI file(which I do by typing in Systedit at the Run command)."
If I go to Start/Run and enter Systedit, I get an error messsage that it cannot be found. However, if I enter WIN.INI, a 'WIN' file opens in Notepad. It's rather lengthy and involved. Do you want to see it?

[Quantax]

I apologize. I was incorrect by one letter. It should be Sysedit, not Systedit. And once there you locate the Win.ini file and as I say look for both LOAD= and RUN=.

[mike2002]

OK, have found the Win.ini file, and searched for 'Load', 'Run', 'Executive', and 'diskeeper', but no references found.

In the boot process (as I stated earlier, it gets up to:
'keyb uk,,C:\WINDOWS\COMMAND\keyboard.sys', then the C:\ prompt (twice).
Could I enter 'win' in a file somewhere, in order to make Windows continue with the booting? Just a thought.

As I no longer have a record of it, I am curious to know what used to appear after the (now deleted) line of:
SET Path=%Path%;"C:\Program Files\Executive Software\Diskeeper\"

I've tried Scandisk but, apart from finding some Lost File Fragments (which is nothing unusual), plus something to do with a boot directory,
an error which it repaired, that's all it reported. Scandisk does report the occasional error in the boot process. I cannot remember the exact text, but it repairs an error that I was previously unaware of.

I've heard of the phrase 'Master Boot Record', is this a permanent record that is kept somewhere, and can the boot sequence be restored to an original configuration?

The bottom line is that it's no big deal just to type in 'win' during the bootup. But you know what us computer-owners are like - we want things to be 'just so', and we're never satisfied until they are (lol).

[Paul Komski]

I've heard of the phrase 'Master Boot Record', is this a permanent record that is kept somewhere, and can the boot sequence be restored to an original configuration?

The MBR is only one part of the boot sequence.

The MBR is Sector 0 (the first physical 512-byte sector) of a HDD. It contains (a) code followed by (b) four partition tables (of which only one should be marked as active) followed by (c) a 2-byte signature code. If Sector 0 is bad the HDD will be inaccessible because without the partition tables there are no references of where to find the partitions on the HDD.

The MBR can only be restored if a copy of it already exists and you have a method of copying the record back onto the disk. The code of the first part can sometimes be restored using such as fdisk /mbr but this doesnt touch or restore the partition tables.

The "boot sequence" starts in the BIOS and if this directs to a HDD the MBR is the first thing to execute (load into memory) from that HDD. It then looks to the partition table marked as active and thus next finds the partition boot sector (for the active partition) which in its turn hands over the boot process to the relevant boot files (eg msdos.sys, ntlr, ntdetect.com, boot.ini, etc) for the OS in question.

If the OS loaded happens to be DOS and Win9x has also been installed - running win should then load windows.

Serious modifications of the above will occur when drive overlay, disk compression and disk managers have been installed.

[Quantax]

Do you know about the msdos.sys file, reconfiguring the info on it to make booting changes? If you access it(it's a read only, hidden, and system file BTW)from Start and Search Files and Folders and then use Notepad, you'd want to see that the entry "BOOTGUI"=1 and change it to that in case it says "BOOTGUI=0".

Not that this will "cure" the problem. Just something I happen to think of.

[Paul Komski]

Be very wary of changing msdos.sys but do read all about it (http://www.mdgx.com/msdos.htm) should that take your fancy.

[mike2002]

Paul: Your warnings have been noted, but no, I would't care to alter anything unless I was absolutely certain it would work, or leave the PC unbootable. The saying 'leave well alone' comes to mind!

Quantax: Here are the first (relevant) lines of my msdos.sys file.
You will see that it does say 'BOOTGUI=0'.

Dare I chance altering it - what do you say Paul - leave well alone??

[Paths]
WinDir=C:\WINDOWS
WinBootDir=C:\WINDOWS
HostWinBootDrv=C

[Options]
BootMulti=1
BootGUI=0
DoubleBuffer=1
AutoScan=0
WinVer=4.10.2222

[Quantax]

Yes, you notice that the BOOTGUI=0, indicating that for whatever reason it's not booting up straight to the GUI. If it were me, I would change that to a "1" as I indicated earlier but Paul may have a different opinion.

Should you choose that option you have to type ATTRIB -R -S -H msdos.sys in DOS to change the read only, system and hidden attrbutes of the file. Once the change is made you can then type in ATTRIB +R +S +H msdos.sys to return it to its "natural" state.

[Paul Komski]

Go for it - you can always change it back - and 1 (for true) is the default value anyways.

[mike2002]

Did I do this correctly; from within Windows I selected Start/Shut Down/Restart in MS-DOS mode. At the C;\ command prompt I entered in ATTRIB -R -S -H msdos.sys, noting the spaces where indicated. It said that the file could not be found.

What next?? :confused:

[mike2002]

SUCCESS!
I did a search on Google for 'msdos.sys +edit + 98' etc etc, and came up with some info taken from Microsoft's site. It was a complete success. The instructions are as follows:--

HOW TO EDIT THE MSDOS.SYS FILE (WINDOWS 98)
If you want to change any of the values in the Msdos.sys file, follow these steps to edit the file:

1. Click the Start button, point to Find, then click Files Or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type "msdos.sys" (without quotation marks). In the Look In box, click your boot drive (usually drive C). Click the Find Now button.
3. Use the right mouse button to click the Msdos.sys file and then click Properties on the menu that appears.
4. Click the Read-Only and Hidden check boxes to remove these attributes from the Msdos.sys file and then click OK.
5. Use the right mouse button to click the Msdos.sys file and then click Open With on the menu that appears.
6. In the "Choose the program you want to use" box, click WORDPAD and then click OK.
7. Make the changes you want to the Msdos.sys file. When you are done, save the file and then quit WordPad.
8. Use the right mouse button to click the Msdos.sys file and then click Properties on the menu that appears.
9. Click the Read-Only and Hidden check boxes to set these attributes for the file and then click OK. Close the Find window.
10. Quit and then restart Windows.

There is no mention of using the 'Apply' function when changing the attributes, but I used it anyway.

At this stage, may I give a big THANK YOU to those who have contributed.

Quantax; To return to my original thread, you asked about using the System File Checker. I'll post my reply next time round - it's getting late tonight.

[Quantax]

Glad to hear you discovered how to configure the msdos.sys file through Windows. I was aware of that procedure but I instead suggested the MS DOS method having seen it written about and the fact that after rebooting you always arrived stuck at the C:> prompt.

I'll be curious if this manages to finally resolve this problem.

[Quantax]

After re-reading your reply I see that in fact it DID manage to successfully correct the startup problem.

Jolly good show!

[mike2002]

OK. To return to my original thread regarding I'E 'hanging':

shanmuga: You suggested ".... type: SFC in the Run dialog box, and select 'Extract one file from installation disk'. Type: oleaut32.dll into the box and click 'Start'. You will be prompted for your Windows CD, and the file will be replaced. Reboot".

Unfortunately I don't think this method has ever worked for me with System Files, as Windows always says it cannot find them in the specified location (CD drive). There are so many folders/sub-folders, that you get fed up with trying each one in turn!
These files are compressed (CAB) and are located in a specific place, and I cannot understand how Windows can instruct the user to insert the installation disk to restore a System File, only to be told that it cannot find it!

Quantax: Re the System File Checker. I have read info that says you should only use this if your PC has a definate problem or are getting error messages. I did do a check and, strangely enough, the same files were reported as being corrupted as my previous reformat and re-install. Maybe the versions have been changed somewhere down the line. For the record here are the ones reported as being 'corrupted' :--

WINDOWS\SYSTEM. All are 'Application Extensions'.

mfcuia32.dll File Version 3.0. Description: Microsoft Windows (TM) OLE 2.0 User Interface
setupx.dll " " 4.10.2222. Description: Windows Setup Function
mfc30.dll " " 3.2.000. Description: MFCDLL Shared Library - Retail Version
mfcans32.dll " " 3.2.100. Description: OLE2ANSI Library - Retail Version
mfco30.dll " " 3.2.000. Description: MFCOLE Shared Library - Retail Version

[mike2002]

Have searched on Google for info about extracting CAB files and have found information about it, including a Windows powertoy named CabView. So plenty of stuff to get my head around.

[Whyzman]

Three times I've installed Win98SE on my Father's computer I've had to use a file that I copied to diskette...

I'm sure it's somewhere on the CD, but I've been unable to extract it.

You might want to download them from the net and have them available on diskette when SFC points them out...

[shanmuga]

The reason why I have suggested you to replace the oleaut32.dll is frequently this dll gets overwritten by a newer version (which comes with XP), when you install a recent software. The problem in opening a new window in Win98 running IE 6.0 is normally an incorrect version of Oleaut32.dll.
The correct version for win98 is 2.40.4515 and it is 3.50.5014.0 for XP. So,

Go to Start/run, and type SFC.
Choose 'Extract One File From Installation Disk'.
Type oleaut32.dll, not worrying about its location. Then, click Start.

Next to 'Restore From', type in or browse for the file’s location, which is probably in the Win98 folder of your installation CD-ROM (typically D:\Win98), or in your Windows\Options\Cabs folder, as the case may be.

Then, next to 'Save File In', enter C:\Windows\System, and click OK. System File Checker looks for the file, saves it as you requested, and then tells you that 'the file has been successfully extracted'.

Reboot.

NOTE: before doing that, make a copy of your present version of Oleaut32.dll and save it outside your Windows\System directory for safekeeping.

If you are not able to extract the file from the CD, then download this fix from microsoft. http://download.microsoft.com/download/msninvestor/patch/1.0/win98/en-us/mcrepair.exe
Mcrepair.exe was created originally for a fix with Microsoft Money. What it does is replace 4 files with the following versions.

Asycfilt.dll (2.40.4515)
Oleaut32.dll (2.40.4515)
Stdole2.tlb (2.40.4515
Olepro32.dll (5.0.4515)
the correct versions for Win98. It is perfectly safe to use with win98.

[mike2002]

shanmuga: Sorry for the delay but, for some reason, I didn't receive any e-mail notifications in the last couple of replies.

Yes your info was successful, I finally extracted the oleaut32.dll file from my CD-ROM. It's easy once you know how!!
It's not sufficient just to enter CD, you have to add the 'win98' bit. My version of oleaut32.dll was 2.40.4518.

Interestingly enough, I saw these instructions about how to extract CAB files:--

"Click on the Start button and select Find. Select the Win95/98 folder on the CD-ROM. Now open the Tools menu, select Find\Files or Folders and type *.CAB in the Named box on the Name & Location tab. Now click on the Advanced tab, type the name of the file you want in the Containing Text box and click on the Find Now button."

I couldn't work out the bit about 'Tools menu' (there wasn't one), but I extracted it the and saved it to disk. After selecting the 'show all files' function I tried to Cut & Paste it in WINDOWS\SYSTEM, but it would let me do it, saying that the file was in use by Windows.

I've yet to see if there's a lasting difference, as I.E doesn't hang every time. But, on my PC at least, I.E. isn't that stable, locking up
suddenly. I guess it's just one of its 'features'!!

[mike2002]

Whyzman: Yes, a good idea of downloading any (earlier or later) file versions from the net. Once you've Saved them they become invisible, so you got to name the folder accordingly!

shanmuga: I.E. still hangs I'm afraid, still as intermittant as ever.
Further to that other method of extracting CAB files using Start/Find,
I've attached a screenshot (hope it's clear enough). It actually shows which Zip archive (there's about 50 I think) a file is in.

The answer to the Paste problem has just hit me, one uses SFC to 'Extract' the file from wherever you've saved it.

[shanmuga]

Mike2002, did you try this from my last post.

"If you are not able to extract the file from the CD, then download this fix from microsoft. http://download.microsoft.com/downl...us/mcrepair.exe
Mcrepair.exe was created originally for a fix with Microsoft Money. What it does is replace 4 files with the following versions.

Asycfilt.dll (2.40.4515)
Oleaut32.dll (2.40.4515)
Stdole2.tlb (2.40.4515
Olepro32.dll (5.0.4515)
the correct versions for Win98. It is perfectly safe to use with win98."

It's nearing 1.00 AM here, I will get back after some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[mike2002]

shanmuga: Your comment of "It's nearing 1.00 AM here, I will get back after some zzzzz."
That's nothing, the latest I crept into bed once was 4.45 in the morning. It was starting to get light, and even the birds were singing! (laugh).

I downloaded the Mcrepair.exe file. The link you supplied took me to a general Download page, so I search for 'Mcrepair.exe' and found it. Upon installing it, I got the 'Confirm File Replace' message on 3 of the files;

Source: C:\WINDOWS\TEMP\IXPOOO.TMP\
Target: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM\
The target file exists and is newer than the source.
Overwrite the newer file?

I installed them all and, at first, thought it had worked. I opened and closed I.E. 3 times in succession, plus a saved webpage. But it wasn't long before it 'hung' again. Oh well, like I said, it's just a minor annoyance really.

[Paul Komski]

When clicking on links doesn't open an IE window, coupled with the sketchy results from attempts to replace versions of dlls such as oleat32.dll as suggested and tried earlier in this thread ALL INDICATES that the "dll chain-of-command/dependencies" has become corrupt at some stage.

This was a common problem when IE6 first came out and users of Win9X upgraded IE to version 6. As has probably become obvious, the same file name can be one of a number of versions. In addition, one dll is usually dependent on another and others will be dependent on it - and all of the files in this chain need to be of the same compatible versions.

Repairing IE never seems to do anything (though some suggest doing this in safe mode). You could try running regsrv32  urlmon.dll from the run box and also go to the Tools-InternetOptions-Programs Tab and click on "Reset Web Settings". Longish shots both of em.

If none of these measures work there are probably only two possible cures: (a) Eliminate IE using IEradicator and then reinstall it de novo or (b) A clean reinstall of Windows.

If upgrading to IE6 in the future do ensure that no other windows are running at the time - just a thought.

[mike2002]

Paul: Yes there's definately something odd going on with I.E.
For instance, it will suddenly stop halfway through downloading a webpage, but will then continue to completion upon clicking on 'Refresh'. Or it will freeze under the same circumstances; in this situation all the Toolbar buttons are inoperable, and I have to close down I.E. and start again.

I realise that a complete reinstall of Windows is the only real cure but, as past experience has shown, Windows is the easy bit. My difficuties lie with the 'Add New Hardware' wizard not automatically reacting to such items as the Modem etc, etc. It will search through any Plug and Play (and Non Plug and Play) items and not find anything at all.

[Whyzman]

Is your 98SE an upgrade installation, or was this a fresh/clean install?

I suspect that you could eliminate some problems with the OS finding devices for installation if you were to do them individually. By that I mean adding components one at a time rather than the usual...put everything in the system and then load the OS.

I would take note of which slots you currently have devices placed into and then begin...at the beginning. Barebones boot and add 'em back one at a time...

[mike2002]

Whyzman: This was from a reformat and clean reinstall.
Windows (naturally) goes on first, followed by (not necessarily in this order), Motherboard drivers, Sound Driver, Modem Driver, Printer Driver, etc, installed one at a time.

My Daughter recently did a reinstall on her PC made by Tiny, from Tiny's 'Restore' disk, but then ran into problems in trying to reinstall the Modem.

It is situations like this where a second (spare) PC would come in handy to experiment with. Then, if you run into trouble, your e-mail etc is not down at all.

[Paul Komski]

It is situations like this where a second (spare) PC would come in handy to experiment with. Then, if you run into trouble, your e-mail etc is not down at all
One of the advantages of having a dual-boot setup is that you can generally keep working on one when there are problems with the other.

An image of a working OS made soon after its installation and with just the drivers and a couple of must haves on it can usually be kept on a CD and restored within minutes as another method of getting on the road again.

Yet another way is to copy the "must haves" partition onto another identical partition and then hide it. When problems strike you set the hidden partition active and hide the wonky one.

And yet another way is to have your "must haves" copy on a second HDD and access your hdd via a swap bay; a bit like having a spare tyre ready for punctures.

All the above give you two virtual pcs on one pc and only hardware failure should let you down on both.

[mike2002]

Paul: A case of "I told you so!!"

My son made two partitions on my main Drive, solely so I could do just that. But, instead of backing up the installation at that point, I added more and more(essential?) programs, fiddled with this and that, installed and uninstalled this and that, then ran into 'the point of no return'. A lesson learned! :(

[Paul Komski]

;) LOL :D

[mike2002]

Paul: Forgive me for dragging this thread out!

I did an over-the-top Setup of Windows. The good news is that I.E. doesn't hang any longer; the bad news is that some clickable links and all JavaScript links still do not work. This is definately due to the 'Open in new window' function not performing at all.

I read through a page by Microsoft entitled "You Cannot Open New Internet Explorer Window or Nothing Happens After You Click a Link." It advised running several commands (including your previous suggestion of 'regsrv32 urlmon.dll') but no errors were reported; I also checked three Registry enties, but all were correct.

Reinstalling I.E. had no effect, as it merely scanned my current setup and added nothing to it apart from 'Distributed COM services'.
I've noticed that I do not have any option of uninstalling I.E., neither can I go back to the previous version of 5.5 (or whatever).
I've 'lost' that in the Add/Remove programs somewhere along the line.

Yes it's a proper 'screwup' (laugh), probably due to the over-enthusiastic use of a Registry cleaner (although I cannot be certain of this).

Which leaves your previous suggestions of "If none of these measures work there are probably only two possible cures: (a) Eliminate IE using IEradicator and then reinstall it de novo or (b) A clean reinstall of Windows."
Is it worth playing around with IEradicator I wonder. That leaves the clean reinstall option - hence my other posting concerning the Modem setup.

Have a nice day.

:)

[Paul Komski]

If clean install is the only other option (and even if it wasn't for that matter) using IEradicator and then a "clean" install of IE 5 or 5.5 would seem to be a good bet.

[mike2002]

Paul: Fun and games!

I used IEradicator, then reinstalled Internet Explorer 6.

When I restarted, a blue screen had this message: "File needed: File 'Show Desktop.scf' on (Unknown) is needed."
It gave me the usual search box, but I was unable to remove the I.E.6 installation from my CD-ROM drive (inserting a paper clip into the hole had no effect, save a grinding noise). So I clicked on Ignore.

After Windows fully loaded, some icons were missing from the Desktop.
In addition, my Gifs and JPEGS had lost their File Associations. Using TweakUI to repair them had no effect, so I associated the Gifs to open in IE. This gave them their correct Gif icon, but the JPEGs were still un-associated. I associated them to IE, but then they took on the IE icon. The GIFs were unaffected by this, still displayed their correct icon. Using TweakUI once again disassociated the Gifs and JPEGs back to square one.

As for IE6 itself, no it hasn't made a scrap of difference to the 'Open in new window' function. Also, originally, a web link in Outlook Express would open in IE, then the link didn't work. The link worked again upon doing a Windows Setup, but since removing and re-installing IE6 the link no longer works again. (As it's a simple case of right-clicking and choosing 'Copy Shortcut', it doesn't bother me).

So, the bottom line is, a full reinstall is obviously needed - uuggghhh. But how do I re-associate those JPEGs? :confused:

[Paul Komski]

I would have gone back to IE 4 or 5 rather than jump back in at the deep end with IE6. The dlls used by the earlier versions are more likely to be compatible.

Dont really understand what's happened to your file associations but I would normally re-associate them from the folder options from the My Computer menu bar. It's normal to have the same icon as the default program with which they are associated - but these can be customised to something else if one so desires from the file types tab.

Perhaps there is just much more deep-seated corruption than at first there appeared to be.

Once you clean install and have everything running the way you want - now that is the time to make an image of your system!

[linus_lynn]

just simple javascript can cause this problem, can you give me saved page source ?

[mike2002]

Oh dear, I'm afraid I didn't get arouund to reporting back. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since I last posted this subject.

So, an update: Realising that I needed a complete re-install of Windows, my son partitioned my HDD. Re-installing went like clockwork. Even so, it wasn't until a few weeks later that I backed up the C:/ partition with Acronis True Image. The first build worked with CD-RW but not with CD-R.
Acronis couldn't supply a reason, but suggested the 'latest build'. This acted in reverse, it worked with CD-R but not with CD-RW. As the former is more stable I'm happy with that, but as True Image's main function is to backup and restore, error messages shouldn't occur.

I did, however, have one re-occurance of the javascript problem. What I did to cause it I've no idea. But with True Image I can restore the C:/ partition in under 10 minutes.