the past few days when i use i.e. i get an error message saying explorer needs to close. it seems to always happen if there is a popup on whatever page i am looking at, but sometimes there doesn't appear to be a popup when this happens. when explorer shuts down it removes all the icons and the taskbar and i have no choice but to restart the pc. it happens within 5 minutes of using the net and i need help. sorry that theres not much to go on but does anyone have any ideas?
thanks
xxx

Which version of Windows are you running? What you are describing is a common problem with Win9x running out of resources. One indirect solution is to install the Google Toolbar, as it has a real nice pop-up stopper built in.

Another thing you might try is viewing and noting the details when the "must close" box pops up. This option is useful for tracking problems, whether you actually send the report or not.

Are you running a firewall and anti-virus software? A firewall is less-needed if you are on dial-up rather than broadband.

How much memory do you have? You may have either insufficient memory or an actual memory problem.

Here's a few free utilities that may help you track this down:

TinyResMeter -- http://perso.accelance.net/~pesoft/trm/us_trm.html
Works well to monitor system resources and it's a screen-grabber.

MemTest86 -- http://memtest86.com
An excellent memory tester. Creates a bootable floppy or CD, depending on which version of the file you download.

Grisoft AVG -- http://www.Grisoft.com
An excellent anti-virus program that's not only more effective than McAfee, but much less of a resource hog than Norton and it's free for personal use.

Spybot - Search & Destroy -- http://Security.Kolla.de
Spyware/adware tool. Donationware. Also see the forums, good info.

i'm on windows 98, and have 128mb of ram 5mb of that is free, 77% of system resources are free.
i'll check out some of the software you suggested, thanks.

i don't think im running a firewall either.