windows explorer 6 and 7 trouble

I am running windows xp and IE7. This problem started with IE6 and contunued when I installed IE7. When I close out a website I get the error message "Internet Esplorer has encountered a problem and needs to close." Followed by the prompt asking me to report the problem. It then wipes out everything I have running. Lately now that I have loaded IE7 it freezes and I have to "end program now to get it off the screen." It is quite a hassle and I would appreciate anyone that would be kind enough to take the time to respond to find a solution.