Windows shuts down when opening IE5.5 sp2

[intrepide]

Greetings everyone and happy holidays !
My windows 98 second edition shuts down 40% of the time when I open IE 5.5 sp2, even when starting fresh in the morning. I'm running a Dell XPS T600r, P II. Any ideas would be most welcome.

Thank you.

Intrepide

 

[JennITChick]

Has this happened all the time since you installed that version of IE, or just recently?

If it's happened all the time since you installed it, I'd try upgrading to 6.0 SP1 to see if something just didn't install right or got corrupted in your previous installation.

If it's just started happening recently, what else have you installed on that system recently? Jennifer Sigman
Unemployed again

 

[cdogg]

Of course, you could also try to repair IE. Go to Add/Remove Progs and you should see an entry for "Internet Explorer 5.5 and Internet Tools". Select that option and the next screen will give you the choice to repair.

If that doesn't work, then I'd go with Jennifer's suggestion and install IE6 w/sp1.


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[intrepide]

Hey Jenn & Cdogg
Thx for the reply ! Just to let you know that I narrowed it down to IE 5.5 sp2 shuting down my PC and/or freezing it to the point where my only option is to hit the reset button (power off switch does not respond). It also seems to happen only when I try to access sites that have applets, mostly Playsite (99% of the time) Any ideas? I ran out...

Thanks again !

Intrepide

 

[cdogg]

interpide,
What have you tried? Did you already try our suggestions? Repairing IE and/or upgrading to IE6 sp1 should fix it...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[grez]

Agreed with all on the IE 6/SP 1 upgrade. In addition, if I may add, have you done all of your critical updates? Also look for a "normal w98 update" of Direct X 8. Hope it helps.

 

[intrepide]

Me again

I did try to repair 5.5, that did not work. Then I installed IE 6 and that did not fix the problem. I am not sure what to try next. Any ideas ?

Intrepide

 

[cdogg]

It might not be the browser at all. Now's the time to start updating drivers. I would start with the video card and DirectX 8.1. You should be able to get both by using Windows Update and by going to Dell's website.

If those don't work, try this in order only moving to the next step if one doesn't solve the problem (and remember to reboot after each one):

1) Uninstall any apps you've installed recently before the problem started occurring. Also uninstall any that you no longer use or ones that integrate with IE. Basically, clean up the system. I recommend reading the FAQ section here to find out about deleting Temp files (.TMP) and clearing cache in the browser (Tools->Internet Options->Delete Files). Of course, reboot to see any changes.

2) Use Windows Update to install any critical updates/patches.

3) Use scandisk first, then defrag the c: drive. Be sure to use CTRL-ALT-DEL and "end-task" on any process except Explorer before you run both. This will help ensure they don't get interrupted.

4) Use the msconfig utility: go to Start->Run and type msconfig and hit enter. Go to the Startup tab to view what loads with Windows. There might be a conflcit in here somewhere. Disable all the ones you recognize first and reboot. If that still doesn't help, continue to narrow it down or post back for additional help.

5) At this point, there's not much else it could be except possibly a hardware problem. I would continue updating any drivers you can think of and possibly "flash" the BIOS to the most current revision. Dell's website would have "how-to" outlined for you. Also, check the memory especially if you added some in the past couple months. It's quite possible that it has gone bad or is incompatible. Try running the system off it's original memory stick(s).

6) Last but certainly not least, backup important data (you can create another partition using a program like PartitionMagic and move data over, or use a burner if you have one), then format the drive. Proceed to reinstall Windows followed by the apps that you absolutely need. I recommend testing the system before you decide to reinstall everything.


Good Luck!! And remember, we're here if you get stuck...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[intrepide]

Hey cdogg !

Happy new year !

Tried everything you said but still having the same problem. No conflicts nor obvious problems. However, this does not seem to be happening with Opera. Does that tell you anything ?

Intrepide

 

[intrepide]

Hey, hey !!! Finally found what the problem was, brought down cursor one notch in Advance Graphics Properties. No more problems. Thanks to the ones who replied.