Fix IE7

Block Popups is turned on by default. So, if you didn't turn it off, it's left on after install.

Popups can also be blocked by toolbars you have installed, such as Google toolbar. There are many more which do the same thing.

You can use Device Manager to change the power management settings for a network adapter. To disable this setting in Device Manager, expand Network Adapters, right-click the adapter, click Properties, click the Power Management tab, and then clear the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power check box.

Click Start, Run and type netsh winsock reset and press Enter or click OK.

How to troubleshoot network connectivity problems in Internet Explorer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936211

... resetting all the security zone settings to default?

How about starting IE in no add-on mode? Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

What exactly is happening when you try to start IE? Do you get a blank page or what? The link you posted in your original question doesn't have anything to do with pop-ups.

Now I'm over my insanity streak, here's a few more points to think about.

MS have a whole bunch of wizards that work in the background, some deal with network connections.

When you turn a Windows system on and it has a network interface card (NIC) it tries to access the network, especially if it's set for dhcp. If it fails to find a dhcp server it sets up with a default MS set up (I think it's in the 169 IP address range from memory), it's partly because of this behaviour I set up static IP in my home LAN. When you open IE it automatically tries to find the Internet, if it can't it sometimes assumes you are using a dial up instead of a direct connection. At times these two 'automatic features' conflict and cause problems, that may be the case here.

If you have both wired and wireless NICs you could be getting a kickback from the above. Especially if you use one NIC at one location and the other NIC at another.

Next time the IE doesn't work, check the Internet Options and see if you can tell which method of connection IE thinks it's using. Also, in the Command Window, run the command:

ipconfig /all

and see what it has to say about the active adaptors, ip addresses and dns settings. After noting that info try running the command

ipconfig /renew

and see if it changes any of the settings and if IE works if it does change any.

From [b]Tools[/b], select [b]Diagnose Connection Problems[/b].

View the resulting Log, and tell us about any errors there reported.