Windows Explorer Error message in IE6

Using IE6 off my DSL connection, some sites generate an error message advising Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and has to close. I'm given an option to file a report with Microsoft, or not but, either way, whatever I'm doing is closed out and I'm returned to my Desktop. When I use MSN Explorer (left from a prior ISP relationship but reconfigured to use my current cable connection), no error messages appear.

Following directions from Dell Tech Support, I have: Run a System File Check, a System Restore, a Repair and Reinstall, Downloaded SP1, Downloaded LavaSoft's Ad-Aware 5.83, scanned all, and marked as "ignored" 41 "suspicious" items. The problem persists. Dell's last suggestion was that I must back up my HD, uninstall my OS and then reinstall Win XP.

Any ideas of 1) what's going on, and/or 2) any way to fix this w/o the OS Reinstall and all it involves?
Thanks.
Len

 

When you mark something as "ignored" in AdAware, it does just that...ignores it. Windows, however, does not ignore it and it continues to do its particular evil. What you want to do instead is let AdAware delete the "41 suspicious items. "

Until AdAware's update it out (supposed to be in February), you might want to download, install and run Spybot and be sure to tell it "fix all problems." (Tell it to fix the ones already checked and leave the optional items, which are listed but not checked, alone for now)

 

Kloster--When you get that message, it is telling you that Internet Explorer had a problem, but it does not tell you what the problem is until at the end of all the grinding and reporting you get a window with a button named Details. Click on that the next time and report the actual error message. Then, hopefully, someone can help with the specific problem.
And concerning Ad-Aware's alerting you to 41 "suspicious" (is that an Ad-Aware category?) items, yes, allow AA to delete them. However, first let AA back them up in case you have more problems and want to reinstall. Spybot will also allow a backup before deletion.

 

Windows Explorer problem seems resolved!

Miz - Thanks for the referral to Spybot. I think I was able to delete/remove/marginalize the offending files, registries, etc. and this seems to have fixed the problem. I'll feel more comfortable once more time has passed without seeing that d*** Windows Explorer error message. Thank you very much. This sure beats the alternative suggested by my friends at Dell!

Welshjim - Thank you as well. I was unable to find any option to "Delete" or "Remove" - just to "Ignore." I thought that perhaps an upgrade to Ad-ware Plus was what was needed to get the "delete" option, so I tried to download the upgrade for US$15, but succeeded only in downloading the same version of Ad-ware I had previously downloaded for free. Anyway, there was still no option to delete or remove anything.

 

re: Ad-Aware

Once ad-aware finishes scanning it shows a list of files.
It is up to you the check the boxes beside the files that you want to remove. Once you've done this press continue and then a box comes up asking if you want to remove the selected items.
If you click o.k.- the files selected will be removed.

Hope this helps!

 

ad-aware

That's what I thought would happen, but I was only allowed to check the items on the list and then opt for "IGNORE" or "CANCEL." No matter where I tried to look for a "DELETE" or "REMOVE" option, I couldn't find one. That's why I thought perhaps I had to pay for the upgrade to Ad-aware Plus.
Thanks for your interest and concern.

 

You've got me stumped. Do you not have a "continue" button?
That's the one you need to press after the files are checked.
If not, I don't know what else to suggest other than using Spybot which I just started using a couple of days ago and already my computer is running faster and better than before.

 

I'm stumped too!

I do click on "continue" but then the only choice I am offered is to "Exempt" the marked files, registries, etc. so that they will be "Ignored," or not. Even when I opt for "exempt" and get all the suspicious itmes "ignored," when I trey to continue, I am asked if I really want to continue although I haven't removed any items. BUT, I cannot find any place where I can choose to remove anything!!!

But, you're right. Now that I also have Spybot, so far everything seems to be running smoothly. My only regret is that I was suckered into paying US$15 for Ad-aware Plus and cannot see any difference between it and the free Ad-aware I already had downloaded.
Thanks again for your help.