I am running the latest (Version 6) of I.E. plus all updates.I am suffering frequent Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close error messages.This problem has only recently occurred. I have tried the repair function with zero effect.I cannot uninstall/reinstall as that button is 'grayed out' I am at a loss what to do now. Anyone in the group any experience of this nightmare and/or can suggest a fix ? Keith

Sounds like it could be malware related. Are you able to run online scans at reputable sites? Online malware scanners If yes, please do so, if no, update any antivirus/anti-spyware programs you have installed and run full scans and allow them to remove any malware they find. Also, stay away from "anti-spyware" products listed here: Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products

Thanks for the response Leroi.Not confident it is a malware problem but having tried the first of your suggested sites (Panda) up came the dreaded message 'Explorer has encountered an error and must Close' error message that is driving me mad :-(( I sweep for malware regularly (Spybot and Lavasoft).What is really bugging me is why my system will not let me uninstall I.E. 6.0.Why is that option 'grayed out' ? Would you have another think while I try some other of your recommended sites.Thanks Keith

Hmm, well can you run a repair or roll back to an older version of IE through start > programs > accessories > system information > tools menu? (this may not be a perfect step by step, I'm trying to do this from memory, I have removed this particular portion of my OS) Also, read here: How to Repair or Return to Previous Internet Explorer Installation You should probably clear your temporary internet files and all offline content when prompted (internet options) and run a standard scan disk before attempting either of these methods. Also, it might work better if you end tasks of everything except explorer and systray beforehand (ctrl+alt+del).

Thanks (again) Leroi.Now you have pointed the way I can try to strip out version 6 and revert (I hope) to version 5.5 that I had running quite happily before I downloaded and installed version 6. If I have any goodwill left why do you think Microsoft make it so hard to uninstall Version 6 ? It runs in my list of programmes as Internet Explorer version 6 SP1 + Internet Tools.If I try to Uninstall the 'Revert to Previous Version' option is 'Grayed Out' It might be Windows Me is not comfortable with this latest version of I.E. and for the dwindling band of those of us trying to keep Me running are best advised to stick to the earlier versions of I.E. Do you buy that thought ? Keith

"Do you buy that thought ?" Not really - IE 6 runs on 98 without issue (according to most folks) and seems fine on my ME install. Still, IE problems can pretty much 'break' Windows, since it is so highly integrated - I'd recently repaired a friend's machine that was FUBAR'd by a bad IE6 install Have you tried downloading the actual IE6 package (*not* the online installer) and tried reinstalling that way? Might also find it on various promotional or other CDs We've heard that a million monkeys at a million keyboards could produce the complete works of Shakespeare; now, thanks to the Internet, we know that is not true

Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread.I have solved the problem which had nothing to do with my browser.Some who upgrade to the latest version of Internet explorer will have problems with some (not all) sites visited because Microsoft no longer supports the Java Virtual Machine which enables Java applets to be displayed.This can result in page freezes and Internet Explorer shutting down.What is Microsoft's rationale for the decision ? Keith