I didn't suggest or recommend that you upgrade to IE8. In fact, upgrading
in hopes of fixing an existing problem is seldom a wise idea.
That being said...
... I haven't updated anti virus or security suite since I
bought the computer.
There's not a doubt in my mind that you're seeing the effects of a massive
hijackware infection!
Back-up any personal data (none of which should be considered 100%
trustworthy at this point) then format the HDD & do a clean install of
Windows. Please note that a Repair Install (AKA in-place upgrade) will NOT
fix this!
HOW TO do a clean install of WinXP: See
http://michaelstevenstech.com/cleanxpinstall.html#steps and/or Method 1 in
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/978307
After the clean install, you'll have the equivalent of a "new computer" so
take care of everything on the following page before otherwise connecting
the machine to the internet or a local network (i.e., other computers) and
before using a flash drive or SDCard that isn't brand-new or hasn't been
freshly formatted:
4 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
http://www.microsoft.com/security/pypc.aspx
Other helpful references include:
HOW TO get a computer running WinXP Gold (no Service Packs) fully patched
(after a clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/3f5afa8ed33e121c
HOW TO get a computer running WinXP SP1(a) or SP2 fully patched (after a
clean install)
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsxp.general/msg/a066ae41add7dd2b
Tip: After getting the computer fully-patched, download/install KB971029
manually: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971029
NB: Any Norton or McAfee free-trial that came preinstalled on the computer
when you bought it will be reinstalled (but invalid) when Windows is
reinstalled. You MUST uninstall the free-trial and download/run the
appropriate removal tool before installing any updates, Windows Service
Packs or IE upgrades and before installing your new anti-virus application
(which will require WinXP SP3 to be installed).
Norton Removal Tool
ftp://ftp.symantec.com/public/english_us_canada/removal_tools/Norton_Removal_Tool.exe
McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool
http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe
Also see:
Risks & Benefits of P2P file sharing
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/data/downloadfileshare/filesharing.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/mmpc/archive/2008/10/06/the-cost-of-free-software.aspx
Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/security/spyware/prevent.aspx
Steps to Help Prevent Computer Worms
http://www.microsoft.com/security/worms/prevent.aspx
Avoid Rogue Security Software!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/antivirus/rogue.aspx
If these 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.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
Okay, so I went to the windows update web site and downloaded IE8. Yahoo
still keeps closing. I haven't updated anti virus or security suite since I
bought the computer. No other Norton or McAfee application has been
downloaded on the computer that I know of. What do I do now ? Desperate
in Stuttgart !
Post by PA Bear [MS MVP]Post by KnuckleheadCan I upload a new version of IE ?
Is Automatic Updates enabled and/or have you visited
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com lately?
What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than
Defender)? What third-party firewall (if any)?
Has a(another) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on the
computer (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought
it)?
Post by KnuckleheadWhat is Yahoo Mail Classic ? Can I upload a new version of IE ? Is
there
a fee involved for uploading the newest IE ?
Post by PA Bear [MS MVP]Does Yahoo Mail still support IE6?
Do you see the same behavior using Yahoo Mail Classic?
Post by KnuckleheadI keep getting a notice that says "IE has encountered a problem and
needs
to
close. We are sorry for the inconvenience." It only happens when I
try
to
open my YAHOO e-mail account. I am using Version 6.0.2900.5512.
HELP
!!