Hi Gandalftheking, welcome to DaniWeb :)

Try Winsockfix and see if it helps:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Network-Tweak/WinSockFix.shtml

Also, have you checked your firewall settings to...

See post #19

Try a 'repair' installation, instructions here (Method 2):
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315341&Product=winxp

This particular thread has been 'Solved,' anyone (besides Pleasehelpme) who has a similar problem should start a new thread so they can get individual assistance. Thanks :)

Hey Catweazle, any idea what causes these things to change on their own? I recently had a similar problem that my son helped me resolve -- had to go to Tools, Internet Options, Accessibility, and...

It could be the firewall settings, or there is a patch for an issue similar to this. Read through this thread to see if there's anything helpful:...

This should fix your startup error:
http://www.cryer.co.uk/brian/windows/ie_artehodywtd.htm

Can't help with the display problem though :(

I'm a bit confused -- are you using Netscape or Internet Explorer?

To get access to the ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer, Open IE, click on Tools, click on Internet Options, click on the...

This problem isn't exactly the same as yours, but similar enough to have a look at it:

http://www.daniweb.com/techtalkforums/thread10773.html

Maybe there will be something there that will help....