IE v6.0 freezes when linking to other websites

I have a 533 MHZ Pentium III, 40GB HDD, 384MB RAM, Windows XP Pro Computer using IE v6 (SP2) and Outlook Express. I use Surewest's Phone Line DSL access through a Router which is not shared by any other PC. My PC is clean, defragged, and free from viruses and spyware. Norton Antivirus and Internet Security are installed. I have difficulty, once logged into a website, linking to other websites from the original website ... e.g. Accessing a Real Estate Website, I usually link to other affiliate sites. About the 2nd or 3rd link, IE freezes up. I cannot access any other site nor can I perform any functions or utilities using Windows. If I wait 3 to 10 minutes, the freeze clears up, and I can continue with the normal linking routine. If I proceed to link further into other websites, freezing usually occurs as a result. I have run, through a friend's suggestion, Windows Utility, "SFC /scannow" System File Checker, but that did not help matters. I can always access any website's home page once the freeze clears up. This freezing problem will erupt while accessing any website after the 1st or 2nd link within the website. I must ad that this problem occurred prior to SP2's installation. I formally had SP1 installed, and the results were the same. I have not tried uninstalling IE v6 and reinstalling it in fear of losing all of my "Favorites" and possibly clearing out OE folders, Inbox, address book, etc. What can I do to resolve this annoying problem?

 

Do u have any of the following software installed. If not, I suiggest u download Spybot Search & Destroy, http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html and do a scan of ur computer

Ad-Aware SE [latest version] - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/
Be sure to include the Plug-in which is a cleaner of the VX2 variant. U will find this in ur Add-in's and do a scan from there. After downloading Ad-aware, check for updates and then do a scan of ur computer.

Spywareblaster - http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/ - be sure to enable all protection.

U can also do an online trojan scan - http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/

If none of the above help - consider using another browser such as Firefox, Opera or SlimBrowser rather than uninstal IE. U can transfer ur favorites from IE to Firefox.

 

Peaches4U: I have tried all the latest (updated) Spyware, Ad-Aware and Spyblaster programs you've suggested with zero results. I haven't tried the online Trojan scanner program you've mentioned. I've tried "Maxthon" or "MyIE2" browser, and there's been no changes to my original problem. Have not reverted to Firefox or Opera. I'm taking either one of those guys as a last resort. While scanning the Internet for Firefox or Opera user comments, I discovered MSIE was far more compatible with the millions of other users out there. Unfortunately, Uncle Bill has a monopoly and I'm afraid to take the chance on the changeover.

 

Give the following site a read an d see if there is any helpful info.

http://www.wintrouble.net/discus/messages/63/3193.html?1010864554