1) Try resetting the IE default settings:
With Internet Explorer open, click on the Tools menu and select Internet Options. There, click on the Advanced tab and then the Restore Defaults button or 'Reset Internet Explorer Settings.' Lastly, click Apply and OK. Close & Reopen IE and test.
2) I had a similar situation with one workstation where IE crashed when a particular site was opened.
I believe it had something to do with the java elements used by the site.
Updating to the latest version of Sun Java Runtime cured it.
http://tinyurl.com/2kclvk
3) Is this system using IE6 or IE7? If on IE6, has it ever had IE7 on it? If it did at one time, was it a beta version of IE7? If it currently has IE7, did it ever have a beta version of IE7 on it at one time? Many problems are related to IE7 install issues and how these questions are answered determines what the solution is. I recommend that you stick with IE6 if you are using Windows XP since IE7 was designed with Vista in mind. If IE7 is or was ever on this system, a clean-install may be required. I will add a post to this thread with steps on performing a clean-install of IE7.
4. your situation may be due to Spyware, Adware or Malware.
Try emptying your Internet Explorer temporary cache* and then doing a scan and clean.
Here are some excellent free tools for dealing with that garbage:
X-Cleaner Micro:
http://tinyurl.com/357tuu
Ad-Aware:
http://tinyurl.com/lvov4
CWShredder:
http://tinyurl.com/5lstv
5) If you are using a firewall (Windows XP's built-in or a third party one), go into the settings and add the problem web site to the 'friendly' or 'trusted' list.
6) In Internet Explorer, go to Tools - Internet Options - Programs - Manage Add-Ons. There disable the add-ons and see if that takes care of the issue. If it does, then it is a matter of re-adding the add-ons in the Manage Add-ons window one at a time to find out which one is causing the problem. Once you pin point the cause, you can either try to update that add-on or simply not use it anymore.
7) If the situation continues after doing all these things, there is most likely a program that is blocking the site. Are you currently using any Spyware Blocking programs such as SpywareBlaster? If so, first try temporarily disabling their protection and then, if need be, uninstalling them (not just turning them off).
Good Luck.
I hope I was able to help.
* How to empty the Internet Cache - if you are using IE7, open to a browser window, click on Tools, select Internet Options, in the Browsing History section click on Delete and then in the next menu click on Temporary Internet Files 'Delete Files.'
If you are using IE6, click on Tools, select Internet Options and then under Temporary Internet Files click on the Delete Files button.
If you're nervous about removing things found by spyware scanners, you can always create a System Restore Point as a safety net.
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