Member Avatar for Yo_Landa

When I try to open up IE (or even windows explorer/control panel/search etc.) it gives me that message. Currently, I'm using Realplayer to surf the net for answers. This problem started occuring yesterday when my dad's friend downloaded iTunes and Windows Spyware. Today, my dad uninstalled iTunes and found that IE stopped working. He then deleted Windows Spyware and it worked for awhile. Now, it's broken again. Can anyone help?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by MidiMagic

Dani AI

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Short, practical checklist (XP / IE6–7 era) that fills the gap left by ’s “fixed it” post and answers ’s request. was right to mention rolling back state, and was right to flag conflicting spyware — below are safe, ordered steps that usually find the culprit and get IE/Explorer working again.

  • Boot to Safe Mode (with Networking) and test IE. If IE runs in Safe Mode, the problem is usually a startup item or extension — use a clean boot (msconfig) to isolate the offender. (support.microsoft.com)

  • Run up‑to‑date on‑demand scanners in Safe Mode (Malwarebytes, Microsoft Safety Scanner, etc.). If malware is preventing downloads, save the Microsoft Safety Scanner on a clean PC and run it from USB. (learn.microsoft.com)

  • Repair protected system files: open an elevated command prompt and run sfc /scannow to replace damaged Windows DLLs that can crash IE. (support.microsoft.com)

  • Disable or remove third‑party add‑ons and toolbars, or use Internet Explorer’s Reset (Tools → Internet Options → Advanced → Reset) to remove problematic BHOs and customizations. (support.microsoft.com)

  • If the crash dialog or error signature names a module (for example mshtml.dll), note that module and search for the specific hotfix or update — some mshtml/ActiveX crashes were fixed by Microsoft updates/hotfixes. Reinstalling/repairing IE may also be needed. (support.microsoft.com)

Extra notes: if a clean boot isolates a startup item, re‑enable items half at a time to find the one that breaks IE; check Event Viewer for the faulting module and timestamp; back up personal files before System Restore or reinstall. If you prefer System Restore, run it from Safe Mode (or run rstrui.exe from a Safe Mode command prompt) and pick a restore point dated before the change, then scan again. (learn.microsoft.com)

If the problem persists, post the exact error signature (AppName/ModName/Offset or the module named in the crash dialog) and the results of the sfc and anti‑malware scans — that makes targeted advice much easier.

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Member Avatar for Yo_Landa

Nevermind, we fixed it.

Member Avatar for NLeeC

Yo_Landa: I am having the same problem on an old computer. Do you remember the fix? - Thanks

Member Avatar for The Dude

Welcome to the site!!

I think a simple SYSTEM RESTORE may fix your problem (Then run a full virus scan)

Good luck

Member Avatar for MidiMagic

This can happen if two spyware programs are running at the same time.

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