IE7 stops loading page & stops responding to keyboard

[jrpatdlgs]

I use IE 7 with a wireless router connection to my cable internet provider and run ZA Internet Security Suite 8.0.059.000. PC is a Toshiba Satelite laptop running Windows XP home edition updated with all critical updates and service packs to date.

Frequently, but not always, when I attempt to go to a linked internet page from a current page, IE stops responding. That is, I (1) click on a link and nothing happens, or (2) the new page starts to load but will not complete.

My recently discovered work-around is to open a second instance of IE from my desktop. As soon as the new IE window opens on screen the original IE window will complete the link it had been frozen on and I then close the "second" instance of IE. Starting a new instance of IE seems to "jolt" the first instance of IE into action again. Kind of like hitting your starter motor with a hammer! :^)

I have visited the IE website and found many pages devoted to the general topic of "IE Stops Responding" but have not discovered an actual solution that (1) really matches what is happening on my laptop, and (2) that actually works. That is, the "repair" procedures that I have tried have not had the slightest impact on the problem.

Can anyone suggest a solution to the problem? (Step-by-step directions are appreciated as I am not a computer expert.)

Thanks,
John

 

[goombawaho]

Try disabling all add-ons in IE to see if one of those is causing the problem.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-us/help/e85a03aa-c7c6-428e-9891-67ea76df9b7e1033.mspx

Install Firefox (and I would advise to never open IE again after that) and see if it functions properly. If so, it kind of proves the XP installation is okay and IE is borked.

Do a System File Check - START RUN SFC /SCANNOW (enter or OK)

Try this last:

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Internet-Explorer-corrupted-fix.html

 

[linney]

ZoneAlarm has caused many funny problems in the past that looking at that by first disabling it and checking the situation, and if there is no improvement, actually uninstalling it, and then checking if the problem vanishes.

Other things to look at are testing in "Safe Mode with Networking", and resetting IE back to defaults, or as previously suggested running it with No Add-ons.

315222 - A Description of the Safe Mode Boot Options in Windows XP (or Vista)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315222&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

To temporarily disable all add-ons
Click the Start button , click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

How to use Reset Internet Explorer Settings (RIES)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737#appliesto

 

[sggaunt]

I am also experiencing some problems with IE getting going, this seems to have started since allowing the Google toolbar to update to a new version, or more specifically to adding extra buttons to it.
I am still working on a solution..


Steve: N.M.N.F.
If something is popular, it must be wrong: Mark Twain