Windows Internet Explorer Freezes

Equipment: Dell Dimension Desktop. Windows XP with SP2 and up to date additions. IE6.
Problem: About twice or three times a month, Internet Explorer Freezes. Will not respond to any sort of stimulation. Hourglass appears on screen instead of usual pointer. Sometimes Outlook Espress will work; sometimes not. Am able to determine that internet connection is on, not off. Start button will not work.
Although there is no error message as such, there is a message that something has gone wrong, and do I wish to report this to Microsoft. I click ok and then am told that this has been done. I am asked if I wish to end task. Click on that but nothing happens. Finally turn off machine by pressing/holding the on button and machine shuts off. Wait 10-20 seconds, press on button, and everything starts up again and all is well; all the programs seem happy and content.
Would appreciate comments and suggestions. Thank you.
ALK

 

Is it always IE and Outlook Express or any other program also freezes?

 

Sounds like IE's cache gets filled up and not clearing.

IE's tool bar > Tools > Internet options > Advanced tab and scroll down to Security and check "Empty Temporary Internet file folder when borwser is closed ".

To manaually clear the TIF and cookies folders: again Tools > General tab > Temp internet files section > delete cookies and for the TIF - delete files.

If you're saving some cookies on a permenent basis - then deleting will delete all cookies.

You might also look at how long visted sites history is being saved before that gets cleared, default is 20 days I think.

Regards - Charles

 

Internet Explorer Freezes

Thanks for your advice. Will give it a whirl
ALK