IE Will Not Remember

I recently installed some updates to my computer because of the msblaster virus and ran into a problem that is killing me. I am running IE 5.5 and every time I reboot, my IE loses it's memeory. I mean it won't remember my "links" in the toolbar and the "search" button is active in the toolbar. I cannot imagine what I have messed up but I am about reinstall everything if somebody can't help me. I am running Win. 2000 Pro and so far it has been a dream with very few problems. Please, if anybody can help I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks in advance
Jim

 

Try the IE Repair Tool.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=318378

http://home.earthlink.net/~leetutor/FixWin/Internet/ierepair.htm

 

Thanks but......

The first link had to do with XP and mine does not have XP and the commands would not take. I would have tried the second fix you sent me, but my IE is not in the add/remove programs. What is up with that?? I thought all you installed programs were in there. Well, I sure do appreciate the effort. Thank you again. It is starting to look like a b.f.h. is going to be my only answer. Any other ideas would be great.

Thank you,
Jim

 

Here is the info on IE Repair Tool for Windows versions other than XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;194177&
You should find IE in the Add?Remove list, but it is under Microsoft.
And another way to access it would be Start|Programs|Accessories|System Tools|System Information|Tools|IE Repair Tool|Wait. Reboot.

 

I don't believe Internet Explorer will not be in add/remove programs until you have updated IE or Reinstalled IE.
You can copy and paste the following in the run command line.

rundll32 setupwbv.dll,IE5Maintenance "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\Setup\SETUP.EXE" /g "C:\WINDOWS\IE Uninstall Log.Txt

If that does not work you can look for your IE setup file on your hard drive. Probably Located in C:\program files\Internet Explorer

If you don't have that, you can update IE from the Windows Update site.

 

We Tried.

Well now I am confused. I copied and pasted the run command that Sunny posted and it worked. I got the IE repair tool and hit fix, rebooted and opened my IE. No "links" and the search button was active again. Now what? I really don't want you guys to get tired of my questions, so would it be easier to reinstall windows rather than bug you or do you guys want to keep trying?? I am sorry for being a pain.

Thanks all,
Jim

 

When you say the search button is active in the toolbar what do you mean?
Also if you do not see your links, right click on a blank area of the toolbar in IE and put a check in links.

Are you sure you are virus free?
What about spyware? Have you ever scanned for spyware on your computer which can cause problems with IE? If not Adaware is a free download.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

Here is a link on how to remove the virus

http://www.joi-odp.org/

Or

http://www.pchell.com/virus/welchia.shtml

 

Sunny,
I went windows update and downloaded their patch to prevent it from happening again, also downloaded symantec's removal tool for it. I ran it 3 times, and several times after I have had this problem just to be sure. The problem is my links will not stay after a reboot. My IE somehow defaults back to the same setting, which is no links. I can put them back in, but they will not stay after a reboot. The search button is on your one of the standard buttons on the explorer bar. When I customized my buttons I removed it, however when the browser opens, you can see it for a second in the explorer bar. Mine defaults to being active. Another way to get to it is View, Explorer Bar, Search. I just don't understand why I can't change it so it will keep my settings. It did before the virus and after the virus. I might be wrong but I am pretty sure it started after I downloaded some updates from windows update. Also, yes I put adaware on and found nothing unusual.
Thanks
Jim

 

Your welcome.

Maybe there is an issue with IE and one of the updates you installed.
You can try installing a more current version of IE and see if that solves your problem. If you are running 5.5 now you can update IE to 6.0

 

Sunny,

I just finished updating and got the same results. I am going to wipe this sucker clean and start over. Microsoft won't help me because I have an OEM version of 2000. I really appreciate all the help Sunny, but this thing is messed up. I can fix it, it's just the long way and it's senseless as I shouldn't have to do it this way.
Anyway, thank you so much for the help.

I WILL WIN.

Thanks again,
Jim

 

Jim, it may be that the update or the virus has changed some registry setting that is causing the problem. You might want to look into that before wiping the drive. Although, if you are having problems and recently had a virus I would probably want to reformat myself. I do this about once ever few years anyway.
Sorry I could not be of more help.

You might want to download and install Belarc. It is a system information utility that will give you alot of information about your hardware and software that you may need when reinstalling Windows. Just download it, run it and print a copy.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

 

Thanks for the info. It has been about two years since I reformated. I also want to say that you guys are a wealth of info and you will surely hear from me again. I will let you know how it all turns out.
Jim