Computer help, browser problem?

[Sleeper]

I need some computer help
I just started having a problem with my Internet Explorer browser. Whenever I try to open a new window by clicking on a link, a blank window pops up but nothing happens. If I copy he link and paste it into the address bar of the new window and click go, it runs, but not automatically.
Is this a browser problem, or a problem with my OS? I run Win 98SE
Any ideas?

Thanks
Paul

 

[wagon]

Just a guess, but maybe you have some spy ware in your system. Kind of like a virus, just not as destructive. I had something similar at work. It would try to access different pages everytime that I opened the browser, but it wouldn't get through, because at work, I have to enter a password to get through. They installed Ad-aware software made by Lavasoft, and it found tons of stuff that must have gotten through when I was surfing Buick porn. On my breaks of course. The web site is www.adaware.com, and for private use it is free. Don't be confuse with Ada-Ware. They also have spyware software, but that's not what I have. Try it. you'll probably be amazed at what it finds.

Brian

 

[Sleeper]

Thanks Brian, but I already run Adaware and Spybot search and destroy, nothing came up. I also run antivirus software and a firewall. I doubt it is spyware or a virus. I'm thinking it is more software related, some setting that may have changed.

Paul

 

[granatl]

If you recently installed something like XP Service Pack 2 or Google search bar, etc., it probably has a pop-up blocker included in it. Just hold the CTRL key while clicking on the link.

 

[Sleeper]

Only thing I have installed recently was a driver upgrade for my video card GeForce 2 (Nvida drivers)

Paul

 

[Data]

Try going to a previous video card driver version.

 

[TurboTTypeWE4]

Quick Question When you click on the link does it have the http:// in front of the site? If not do you put it in when you copy and paste it. If so then it is a registry problem. You can do the following to fix it. Backup the registry before making any changes. But look at the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\URL\Prefixes and simply add the http:// to the bit were it says www.

 

[Sleeper]

Scott
I think it is a registry problem, but not the one you mentioned. I checked and the key you suggested, and it is ok.
When I try to open a link, it brings up a "ghost window" much like a zoom window, with the underlying windows info in it, but the address bar is blank. If I copy and paste the shortcut into the bar it works.
I also noticed that if I am on my desktop and right click on a icon, click on properties and then hit "find target" nothing happens.

Data
The reason I updated the drivers was I was having stability problems with the OS. (AVG issue) After the upgrade, things seem to improve dramatically. I may try using a less recent version.

Thanks
Paul

 

[Sleeper]

ttt
I installed an older version of the video drivers...no diffference
Paul

 

[Brer Rabbit]

set your computer back

U may want to consider a System Restore(go to HELP AND SUPPORT under PICK A TASK locate System Restore and follow the instructions.) then install a firewall like the free version of Zone Alarm. I havent had any problems with my computer in 5 years using zone alarm, norton anti virus-corporate edition spyware scan and windows updates. U can find those free downloads on Cnet.

 

[Sleeper]

I'm running Win98SE, so I don't have the system restore you speak of. I reloaded a backup version of my registry, but still have the problem. I already run a firewall, with an antivirus program, so I'm pretty sure it isn't a virus or trojan. My system is running overclocked so I may have corrupted a file or the registry. Still looking.

Paul

 

[Sleeper]

ttt
Anybody else?

Paul

 

[TurboTTypeWE4]

Sleeper is it almost like the HTML is not being understood. It might want to take a look at file associations to make sure that HTML and HTM are being opened with IE. Also out of curiosity you didn't try to install a 3 rd party internet browser?

 

[Sleeper]

I have installed Opera and opening links works fine, but the desktop problem still exists.
Any other ideas?

Thanks
Paul

 

[Sleeper]

Fixed the problem
FWIW
If anybody runs into this problem in the future.

It was an...

Unhandled exception
Error number 0x80070725
Incompatible version of the RPC stub

Cause
"This error is caused by an incompatible version of a DLL that was installed on the system, such as Oleaut32.dl..."

Fix
Use the SFC tool and extract oleaut32.dll from the Win cab files to the Win/Sys folder.
Worked like a charm

Paul