IE5.5 will not initialize from Icon or Hyperlink on first start

[Guest_imported]

I have an inconsistant problem that IE5.5 will not intialize from a desktop icon or from a hyperlink sent in an email. ALT-CNTL-DEL manager shows "iexplore (non responding)", end task, and then a second or third try it will intialize. It then works properly through the online session, then will not inialize again. I have reinstalled 5.5 and run repair tool and the problem will begins reoccuring. I have searched Microsoft Knowledge base and non of the "fixes" has addressed the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated, please. System is running Windows 98 - original release, Outlook Express 5.
I have found other information posted here very helpful and hope someone can help on this one. Thank-you - IE User