A funny yp appears in my emails

This is a known bug if you use HTML without including message in reply.

Turn on the option to include the original message in your reply, and delete the old message during composition. The yp can also be removed from the source code of your message if you prefer.

 


Can I use Outlook Express on a network?

Microsoft doesn't support putting the data files on a network drive.

Cannot Store Outlook Express Messages on Removable Media
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q199/0/74.asp

It is possible to place the OE files onto a network drive, but it involves manipulating the registry (and continuing to do so as you use OE) and there are caveats that cannot be ignored.

1. The files are not sharable. If you try to open the same *dbx via two different machines, your data will corrupt. 

2. If you start OE, and the files are on a network drive or another system and the files cannot be reached for any reason OE will change your specialised registry entries to the default settings (local storage files).  You will have to start all over again.

3. Account information such as identities in use, message rules and blocked senders list are all stored in the registry.  You will have to add these to your synchronisation regime.

 


MSIMN caused an invalid page fault in URLMON.DLL

Urlmon.dll controlls URLDownloadToCacheFile function. Outlook Express uses the IE cache during operation.

You may just have a cache problem.   Clear your TIF at control panel, internet options, general tab. Make sure you turn on the option to delete offline content.

If you are still having problems, the cache may be corrupt. 

Shut down all programmes and boot into dos if you are using Windows 95 or 98. If using Windows ME use an appropriate disc to access DOS. Run the following commands from the windows directory, typically c:\windows\>

smartdrv
deltree tempor~1


Reboot using ctrl, alt, del if using Windows 95 or 98.  If using WindowsME remember to remove the boot floppy.  

Windows 2000 users will have to log in as Administrator to be able to delete the folders in question directly from within Windows Explorer. Windows XP users will use the same procedure.

NOTE:

Different operating systems use different paths to the history, temporary internet files and cookies folders.  Check your system to make sure that you are using the correct path for your machine.  For example, you may find your folders are located at ...\documents and settings\{identity}\{dir} or similar.

 


View source doesn't work / add source code editors

Have you emptied your IE cache? That often works.

Make sure notepad.exe is in ..\windows and that it is not a third party version.  Also, make sure that there is no shortcut to notepad.exe on your desktop.

Also, search your registry for the DWORD noviewsource.  If that exists, delete it or set it to 0.

Have a look at these site for hints:

Changing Source Code Editor in Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q163/6/06.asp

Cannot View Source in Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q154/1/68.asp

Cannot View Source Code for Web Pages
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q203/5/92.asp

How to View HTML Source Code for Web Pages in Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q176/2/22.asp

 

Word is not listed as an HTML editor in IE

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;250815

 


I am getting multiple copies of my emails

You probably have a corrupt POP3UIDL.DBX file.Close OE and delete that file. It will be recreated when you re-open OE. One more download to get pop3uidl.dbx up to date (OE uses this file to keep track of what has already been downloaded), and you should be right.

Also, if you have more than one email account on the same POP3 server (same ISP, different names) then keep on server will not work because of a known OE bug.

Following is special instructions for Hotmail and Outlook Express:

When you download Hotmail, either do not access the Hotmail folder itself whilst downloading, or turn off the option to include Hotmail in a send/receive.

If you access the Hotmail folder (which initiates a download) at the same time as OE is retrieving from the same Hotmail account, you can (and often will) get two copies of the email.

Also see this link:

OLEXP: Hotmail Messages Duplicated [Q296447]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q296447

 


My homepage is stuck on www.passthison.com

Have a look here:
http://wizardscc.com/passthison_warning.asp
http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/vbs.passon.html

Microsoft have also released their own KB:

PassThisOn.com Home Page Appears When You Start Computer [Q309313]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q309313

 


How do I delete newsgroup messages without resetting?

First, if you are using the Microsoft web interface to access newsgroups, there is *no way* for you to delete read messages. If you wish to use the following instructions, you will have to access the newsgroup via  Outlook Express. Other newsreaders also have a delete ability but instructions for those groups are outside the scope of this site. 

To create a newsgroup in Outlook Express for the Microsoft newsgroups create a news account called  msnews.microsoft.com. OE will guide you through the rest.

A common point of confusion is caused by the automatic deletion option at tools, options, maintenance where you are given the option to delete read messages.  This rule only deletes the message bodies, not the headers.  Secondly, the bodies of messages marked as watched will not be deleted.

If you want to delete the message headers as well, you have two options.  Firstly, you can create a news rule to delete messages older than ## days and apply it manually (tools, options, messages rules - apply now button).

Secondly you can use find (ctrl, shift, f) to 'find' all the messages you want to delete as per any of the standard find criteria.

Now, highlight all the messages *in the find window*.  Right click the highlighted messages, select 'move to folder' and move the messages to the deleted items folder.

 


Spell checking doesn't work.

 

Have a look at these links.

Cannot Spell Check Messages in Outlook Express 5
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q224/1/76.asp

Spell Checker or Custom Dictionary Errors
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q178/2/38.asp

 

Finally, this site has some excellent pointers:

Fix_OE_SpellCheck.txt

 

 


Hyperlinks don't work

 

First, try setting IE5 as your default browser. Go to IE tools/internet options/programs and turn on the check box for IE to check if it is the default browser. Shut down and restart IE. When it asks to be default browser, say yes.

Also have a look at this link:

Internet Shortcuts in Outlook Express Don't Start Browser (Q177054)
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q177/0/54.asp

 

New window is blank or nothing happens when you click on a link - Q281679
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q281679

Incorrect Settings in the Dcomcnfg.exe Tool [Q274696]
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q274/6/96.asp

 

Internet Explorer Home Page Opens When You Click a Link That Is Pasted into an E-mail Message (Q291859)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q291859

 

You cannot open an MHTML URL after you install the April 2003 cumulative patch for OE
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=825803

 

Also see 'open in new window doesn't work'  and 'opens blank (empty) windows'

 

Go to my computer, view/folder options/file types (or control panel, folder options depending on your operating system.

Scroll down to the  URL:Hypertext Transfer Protocols, click edit twice and make sure the following is in the application used to perform action box:

"C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\iexplore.exe" -nohome

The same applies for URL:Gopher

DDE should be set to:  "%1",,-1,0,,,,
Application should say:  IExplore
DDE application not running should be blank
Topic should be:    WWW_OpenURL

 

 


Install fonts doesn't work

Most likely your Fonts folder has lost its  System attribute. 

On this occasion you do not need to boot into DOS. A dos prompt is sufficient. Type the following:

attrib +s c:\window\fonts
exit

Make sure the path to the fonts folder is correct for your machine and reboot when you're finished..  

You may also like to look at this Microsoft KB:

Missing Menu Commands in the Fonts Folder
(http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q133/7/25.ASP

 


Save password doesn't work

 

Have a look at these links:
 

Save Password Check Box Is Unavailable
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q137/3/61.asp

Dial-Up Networking Password Is Not Saved
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q148/9/25.asp

 

Q306895 AutoComplete Does Not Save Username and Password

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q306895

 

Damaged Password List File Does Not Save Passwords
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q135/1/97.asp
 

Your Password Is Not Retained in Windows 2000 or Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q264/6/72.asp

 

AutoDial Does Not Remember Password or Connect Automatically

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q255070

 

Also,  have a look at the following information.  ALWAYS back up your registry before making any changes. 

 

For information about working in the registry, see the following:

 

How to Back Up the Registry in Windows 98 [Q256419]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q256419  

 

Verify that password caching is enabled. To do so, use Registry Editor to view the DisablePwdCaching DWORD value in the following registry key:

 

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ Policies\Network

 

If password caching is disabled, the DisablePwdCaching DWORD value has a value data of 1. To enable password caching, change the value data to 0.

 

NOTE: If the DisablePwdCaching value does not exist, add this DWORD value with a data value of 0 to the registry key listed above.

 

Note that you may need to remove this value altogether, and then restart your computer to make caching work.

 

Also note that if you cancel out of the classic Windows log on, you won't be able to save password. Have a look here for advice on how to get rid of the log on.

 

 


Problems accessing secure sites/ cannot install 128 bit encryption

You cannot log on to a wb site or complete an Internet transaction, or you receive an HTTP 500 (Internal Server Error) Web page
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=831167

Internet Explorer 6 SP1 may stop responding when you try to connect to a secure Web site
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=842607

How to troubleshoot problems accessing secure web pages with IE6 SP2 (XP)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;870700

Connection security may not be detected correctly in Internet Explorer 6 or Internet Explorer 5
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=840837

Make sure your computer's date and time are correct.


Secure site troubleshooter for XP:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=813444

Blank page - Tools, internet options, advanced, browsing, HTTP 1.1 settings. Turn off "Use HTTP 1.1", turn on "Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections".

If you have been to the page before, you might simply have a cache, or cookie problem. Search out and delete any cookies that may be related to the problem pages. Shut down all programmes and boot into dos if you are using Windows 95 or 98. If using Windows ME use an appropriate disc to access DOS. Run the following commands from the windows directory, typically c:\windows\>

smartdrv
deltree history
deltree tempor~1

Reboot using ctrl, alt, del. If using Windows ME, remember to remove the boot floppy from the drive.

Windows 2000 users will have to log in as Administrator to be able to delete the folders in question directly from within Windows Explorer. Windows XP users will use the same procedure.

NOTE:

Different operating systems use different paths to the history, temporary internet files and cookies folders.  Check your system to make sure that you are using the correct path for your machine.  For example, you may find your folders are located at ...\documents and settings\{identity}\{dir} or similar.

 

Search your computer for a hidden file called HOSTS. Open HOSTS using Notepad and remove any reference to the problem site/s.

Run the following commands from start/run:

Regsvr32 softpub.dll
Regsvr32 wintrust.dll
Regsvr32 initpki.dll
Regsvr32 dssenh.dll
Regsvr32 rsaenh.dll
Regsvr32 gpkcsp.dll
Regsvr32 sccbase.dll
Regsvr32 slbcsp.dll
Regsvr32 mssip32.dll
Regsvr32 cryptdlg.dll

Go to IE help, about and make sure that you are showing the correct cypher strength.  If you are showing zero cypher strength, search for and run IE501DOM.EXE which should, hopefully, reinstall the 128 bit encryption pack.

Strength Appears as 0 Bit in Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q261/3/28.asp

Cannot Install the Internet Explorer High Encryption Pack
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q303823

Q232012 Error Message When You Attempt to Install 128-Bit Upgrade
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q232012

Older versions of IE may need to upgrade to 128bit encryption:

How to upgrade IE to 128bit encryption
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q195/8/33.asp


Disable all other software, including antivirus, firewalls etc to ensure they are not interfering.  Also install and run BHODemon and disable anything it finds then test.  BHODemon is a free programme available from:

http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm


You may also like to give Spybot or AdAware a run.


If still no joy, have a look at these links:

 

(Windows 2000):

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q318815

 

Page cannot be displayed (SSL3.0 timeout)

http://support.microsoft.com?scid=kb;EN-US;Q305217

 

Damaged registry key:

http://support.microsoft.com?scid=kb;EN-US;Q259537

 

You receive a "Page Cannot Be Displayed" error message when you post to a site that requires authentication

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q821814

 

Continually prompted for authentication:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q820780

 

Unable to Connect to Secure Web Page Using Internet Explorer

An error occurred in the secure channel support.
The page cannot be displayed. Cannot find server or DNS Error.

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q181/1/47.asp

 

Cannot gain access to certain security enhanced web sites

When you try to gain access to a security-enhanced Web site, you may receive the following error message:

"The Page Cannot Be Displayed" "Cannot find server or DNS error"

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;EN-US;Q246725

 

Note: If a local security policy is enabled, you may need to enable TLS1.0 and maybe PCT1.0.  The policy below has been specifically noted as problematic (thanks to Seth Burgess for the heads up):

"System cryptography: Use FIPS compliant algorithms for encryption, hashing, and signing." (secpol.msc)

 

Internet Explorer Connectivity and Certificate Display Issues

When you use Internet Explorer to connect to Web sites that use the "Connection: Close" header during a keep-alive connection, Internet Explorer may enter an infinite loop of trying to connect to the site. The expected behavior when this problem occurs is for Internet Explorer to continue trying to connect until the port times out or is reset.
Internet Explorer also may not show a client certificate when you try to connect to a secure Web site after you are prompted for authentication by the secure site. The expected behavior when this problem occurs is that the client certificate that is used to connect to the secure Web site is not available in the list of available certificates that you can select from for authentication validation by the secure Web site. In some cases, you might receive a "Page cannot be displayed" error message when you try to connect to the secure Web site.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q811383

 

Internet Explorer Error Message When Viewing a Secure Web Site

When you attempt to gain access to a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protected Web site using Microsoft Proxy Server 2.0, Internet Explorer may generate an access violation in Wininet.dll. In Windows NT, you may receive a Dr. Watson error message.
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q232/0/98.asp

 

Unable to Log on to Web Site or Gain Access to Some Web Site Services

You may not be able to log on to a particular Web site or gain access to certain services at a particular Web site. The Web site may display a message that indicates that you must use a supported browser or that your browser does not support frames, cookies, java, or some other technology that is supported by the version of Internet Explorer that you are running.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q301455

 

"The Page Cannot Be Displayed" Error Message When You Try to View Web Page on a Secure Web Site

The page cannot be displayed

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q303807

 

Error Message When You Try to Connect to Secure Site: Client Certificate Has Expired or Is Not Yet Valid

HTTP 403.17 Forbidden:
Client certificate has expired or is not yet valid
-or-
HTTP 403 Forbidden You are not authorized to view this page

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q301803

 

Unable to Log On to a Secure Site Using a Personal Certificate

Internet Explorer cannot open the internet site
https://.......
An error occurred in the secure channel support.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q257669

 

Cannot Connect to a Secured Web Site That Requires a Certificate

HTTP Error 403 403.7 Forbidden: Client certificate required
This error occurs when the resource you are attempting to access requires your browser to have a client Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate that the server recognizes. This is used for authenticating you as a valid user of the resource.
Please contact the Web server's administrator to obtain a valid client certificate.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q199215

 

Err Msg: Client Certificate Has Expired or Is Not Yet Valid

HTTP 403.17 Forbidden:
Client certificate has expired or is not yet valid
-or-
HTTP 403 Forbidden You are not authorized to view this page
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q301803

 

Sometimes you can get an error message when trying to register schannell.dll, rsabase.dll or Rsaenh.dll.  The error will be along the lines of "LoadLibrary("<file name>.dll") failed. If that happens to you, follow the instructions at this link:

Load Library Failed While Registering DLL File

Regsvr32
LoadLibrary("file name.dll") failed.
GetlastError returns 0x000001f
-or-
Regsvr32
LoadLibrary("file name.dll") failed.
GetlastError returns 0x00000002
-or-
Regsvr32
LoadLibrary("file name.dll") failed.
GetlastError returns 0x00000485

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q309288

 

 


Internet connection 'freezes' - data going to and from modem seems to pause

Do you have an unused network card installed on your computer? If so, disable it via device manager.

Hot off the presses - HTML pages only partly appear, HTML pages do not appear or network stops responding

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=823386


Also, the following settings can sometimes help (my grateful thanks go to Steve Winograd for his advice and guidance about the following - you can find Steve's FAQ site here - an excellent source of Networking information faq):

Add an IP address to your network card (ie 10.1.1.1) or (192.1.1.1) and the subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Those on a network may prefer to use 192.168.0.1 and subnet 255.255.255.1

To do that go to "Control Panel" then "Network" then "TCP/IP->you Network card" then "properties" then "Specify an IP address"

If you are running Win2K, then the following steps are used to assign the static IP to the Local Area Connection:

1. Open Network Connection, open Local Area Connection
2. In the Local Area Connection, click Properties, then double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
3. Click "Use the following IP Address" checkbox
4. Enter the IP Address 192.1.1.1 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0
5. Click OK

The precise settings can be affected by your particular system's setup.  Please check out Steve's site or post a query to one of the Microsoft networking newsgroups if the above does not help.

 


Internet Explorer Windows open 'off screen' or tiny or minimised to the taskbar.  The window will not move if off-screen, and if resized by dragging or using the window buttons, does not keep the size set.

This trick should work.

Remove any 'Auto-hide' option for the taskbar and then maximise the problem window.  While the window is maximised, increase the height of the taskbar from one row to two. Allow the maximised window to reset itself to fit into the new area allowed by the taller taskbar.  Now return the taskbar to its normal single row. This is to try to make Windows re-calculate the window size and boundaries.

If no joy, run regedit and remove these registry key values which are most likely corrupted:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\window_placement

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Desktop\OldWorkAreas\OldWorkAreaRects

Then reboot.

Note - there is a known bug that causes off-centre windows - check out the following KB article:

http://support.microsoft.com?scid=kb;EN-US;Q321268


Content Advisor error: "Please check Content Advisor settings for missing information"

Shut down Internet Explorer.  Search for a file called ratings.pol. Rename it ratings.old

See this link for further information:

Err Msg: Please Check Your Content Advisor Settings for... [Q242037]
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q242/0/37.asp

 


I want Internet Explorer's new window to open 'empty', without any content from other pages

This is the only workaround I can think of to get what you want.

Go to IE tools, internet options, general.  Press "use blank" to set IE's home page to "about:blank: (a blank page).  Click apply, ok.  Now use the "home" button to go to your new home page.

If you have active desktop, use your right mouse button to drag the icon for about:blank from your address bar to the Quicklaunch taskbar.  Release and select "create shortcut".  If you do not have active desktop, use your right mouse button to drag the icon from your addressbar to your desktop.  Again, release and select "create shortcut".

Now when you want a new blank window, click on the shortcut you've created.

 


Can't access attachments sent by somebody using Outlook (not Outlook Express)

Outlook Express does not understand Outlook's RTF (rich text format). Ask the sender to use plain text and you should be able to access the attachments.

 


IE6 Blank Subject Line Fix

Microsoft has released an update (thankfully) that fixes this problem.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/download/preview/ie6/ie6update.asp  

This is what you had to do before the fix was available (saved for posterity's sake) ;-) 

Replace the version of mlang.dll installed by IE6 with the version provided with your last copy of Internet Explorer.

Search ...\windows update setup files for files *containing text* mlang.dll - leave the file name area blank.  This will show you what cabinet file contains the file in question - point System File Checker to that folder.  The restore location is ...\windows\system. 

Mlang.dll could be in any of these *.cab files

       iemil_2.cab    
       iew2k_1.cab    
       ient_3.cab    
       ie_3.cab

Note: The IE6 public preview has been refreshed and is now V.2479.  It is recommended that you download and install this refresh (after uninstalling the old beta). It contains several bug fixes and the cookie options are much more complete.


My dialup settings keep changing from 'never dial' to 'always dial' or 'always dial' to 'never dial

A third party programme is resetting your dial up connection. Do a complete inventory of anything that is internet related or which may require a connection and disable all.

Also go to www.lavasoft.de and download AdAware. Get the latest signature as well then run it over your system - see if there is any spyware that may be wanting to dial home.

An excellent replacement for AdAware, which won't be updated until the new version of the programme is released, is Spybot. Again, it is a free programme which can be downloaded from:

http://spybot.eon.net.au/

Even if AdAware or Spybot do not find anything, which is more than possible, have a look at this troubleshooting link for guidance on how to check your system for spyware/hijackware.

Also, some ISP supplied connectoids (IBM being one) insist on specific settings. In such cases there is nothing you can do.

tsadbot.exe caused exactly this problem. It is a programme that is used to generate advertising on your computer, and is installed by shareware programmes.

Your dialup settings may also change if you have Norton Anti-Virus with the Auto-Protect turned on. If this applies to you, turn off the Auto-protect and set it to scan program files only.


"Connect to the Internet using a modem" option is being disabled and the "Connect to the Internet using a local area network" option is being turned on

PKWare PKZip for Windows version 2.60.01 (shareware version) is installed, and the Tsadbot.exe program is running.

Rename tsadbot.exe  It is used to generate advertising on your computer.


IE6 opens blank/empty/seethrough windows or have to refresh to see contents

 

Knowledge base articles have been released addressing a 'bug' that causes blank windows in IE. 

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=870863 (turn off HTTP 1.1 or turn off encoding autoselect)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q816405 (turn on HTTP 1.1)

 

Hotmail: Tools, internet options, advanced, browsing, HTTP 1.1 settings. Turn off "Use HTTP 1.1", turn on "Use HTTP 1.1 through proxy connections" (success seems to be dependent upon ISP)

Hot off the presses - HTML pages only partly appear, HTML pages do not appear or network stops responding

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=823386

 

Hot off the presses - Internet Explorer Displays a Blank Page and May Appear to Stop Responding on Windows 2000

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=832624

 

Try disabling *all* other programmes, including virus scanners, to see if there is an improvement.  If not, proceed as follows:

 

You may have a broken entry in file associations.

Go to my computer, view/folder options/file types (or control panel, folder options depending on your operating system).

Scroll down to the  URL:Hypertext Transfer Protocols, click edit twice and make sure the following is in the application used to perform action box:

"C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER\iexplore.exe" -nohome

The same applies for URL:Gopher

DDE should be set to:  "%1",,-1,0,,,,
Application should say:  IExplore
DDE application not running should be blank
Topic should be:    WWW_OpenURL

'open in new window' is dependent on the following files, therefore you should ensure they are the correct version for your system, and correctly registered.

This new command, for later versions of IE, may work:

iexplore /rereg

If the above command fails, continue with the instructions below.

Run the following commands from start/run.  Run each line individually.  After each run, you should see a short message stating the command was successful. The first command is the one most likely to work.

regsvr32 Urlmon.dll

regsvr32 Shdocvw.dll

regsvr32 Shell32.dll (only applicable to Windows ME, Windows 2000 and XP - if using an earlier operating system, run regsvr32 shdoc401.dll)

 

regsvr32 Oleaut32.dll
regsvr32 Actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 Mshtml.dll
 

It has been noted that replacing OLEAUT32.dll will work when all else has failed. Do that using System File Checker, or if you have Office 2000 installed....

Microsoft Office 2000 or an Office 2000 Component Is Installed on Your Computer
If Office 2000 or or an Office 2000 component is installed on your computer, obtain and install the Office 2000 Service Release 1 (SR-1). For information about how to do so, please visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/office/previous/default.htm


Microsoft Office 2000 or an Office 2000 Component Is Not Installed on Your Computer
If Office 2000 or or an Office 2000 component is not installed on your computer, obtain and install the Mcrepair.exe tool. To do so, please visit the following Microsoft Web site, save the Mcrepair.exe file to the desktop, and then run Mcrepair.exe:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/msninvestor/patch/1.0/win98/en-us/mcrepair.exe

 

Update your MS scripting engine:

http://microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0A8A18F6-249C-4A72-BFCF-FC6AF26DC390&displaylang=en (98, ME, NT)

Windows Script 5.6 for Windows 2000 and XP

 

Note: If the IE repair tool is available to you (control panel, add/remove programs, highlight IE, select add/remove) - running a repair will often fix the above associations automatically.

 

Further note:

I thought installing Mozilla 0.9.2 (which, may I say, is damned SLOW to start up) was quite a polite event, especially considering the fact that I didn't allow it to take over any defaults as part of the install.

But still, I discovered that hyperlinks in emails weren't working properly anymore - IE was opening, but just to a blank window. No attempt to access the URL was made.

Somehow or other, WWW_OpenURL disappeared out of 'topic' in the default open action for the URL:Hypertext Transfer protocols and Gopher - nothing else was out of whack - go figure :-/

Some knowledge base articles addressing the blank window problem are:

Browser Window Is Blank After You Install First Aid 98 [Q182038]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q182038

Current Web Page Is Blank After Opening an Outlook:// URL [Q257136]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q257136

New window is blank or nothing happens when you click on a link - Q281679
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q281679

Finally, BHODemon is an excellent troubleshooting programme, available at http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm. It does not need installing - simply unzip and run the EXE programme. It is very easy to use.
 


How do I uninstall IE6?

After uninstalling Internet Explorer 6 Public Preview, it is not possible to remove the browser that was installed prior to Internet Explorer 6 Public Preview.

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 6.0

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q293/9/07.ASP 

Use the uninstall option at Control Panel, add/remove programs.  

If this option is not available to you, try this:

Open C:\Program files\Internet Explorer.  Right click the folder Uninstall information.  Click Properties
Uncheck the hidden mode and press OK. Go to C:\Program files\Internet Explorer\Setup.  Run setup.exe

How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP  Q318378
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q318378

How to remove IE6 or OE6 *by reinstalling Windows* (ME, Win98SE, Win98)

http://support.microsoft.com?scid=kb;EN-US;Q312451

Windows 2000

If you reinstall a W2K Service Pack you will not be able to uninstall IE6.  W2K users can try running w2kexcp.exe /u

 


The Hotmail Banner Ads

Note that the Hotmail banner ad is removed in OE6.

There is no safe way to remove the Hotmail banner ad, apart from reverting to an older version of OE that doesn't include the banner.

There is, however, a workaround.  Note that the banner is part of the Hotmail folder, not the message itself.

So, you can double click to open your first message and then use the "next" button to open the next message without having to go back to the folder and therefore not see the banner.

Hotmail is a free for user service, and the banner ad in the Hotmail folder pays for the service ie: its is advertiser supported.

 


Internet Explorer 'About' box is empty

(Also unable to select text on a web page; right click; "Error 96 Unspecified Error" when trying to open 'About' box.

regsvr32 mshtmled.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll


Slow right click/right click doesn't work

Run the following commands:

regsvr32 mshtmled.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll

Too many fonts installed can cause this problem (in the many hundreds). Delete those weird and wonderful ones (but don't delete tahome or marlett).

McAfee VirusScan has been noted to cause this problem. Their instructions are as follows:

Open Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
   SOFTWARE
      NETWORK ASSOCIATES
           TVD
              SHARED COMPONENTS
                   ON ACCESS SCANNER
                         McSHIELD
                             CONFIGURATION

Double-click on the ScannerThreadTimeout and change the value to eight f 's (ffffffff)

Close and restart VShield.

Try disabling third party programmes (antivirus and crashguards - especially NORTON) to see if the problem goes away.


Can't send page or link by email

A special note for Prodigy users

Check out this Microsoft link addressing problems unique to Prodigy:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q248/0/05.ASP

My grateful thanks to Norm who got in touch with me to let me know about the Prodigy issue and the recommended fix.

Mipmapi.dll error (Windows Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close....)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q821403

The following applies to all users, including Prodigy users.

Make sure that Outlook Express is your default email client. Go to IE tools, internet options, programs and make sure OE is listed as the default.

If no joy, shut down all programmes and go to my computer/view/folder options/file types. Scroll down to URL:MailTo  protocol. Highlight and click on edit, then edit again. Make sure the programme used to perform the operation is listed as follows:

"C:\PROGRAM FILES\OUTLOOK EXPRESS\MSIMN.EXE" /mailurl:%1

Check to make sure that the path to msimn.exe is correct for your machine, and make sure you include all quote marks and spaces.

If you prefer to use another email client, you will find guidance here:

How to Change Default Mail Client for Internet Explorer [Q154359]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q154359

Further information about the correct IE/OE settings can be found here:

Internet Shortcuts in Outlook Express Don't Start Browser
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q177/0/54.asp

If still no joy, you  may need to follow the instructions at the following link. If you use Outlook, pay particular attention to the warnings:

Fixmapi.exe Tool Included with Internet Explorer 5
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q228/4/57.asp

 


Message: A runtime error has occurred. Do you wish to debug?

Go to IE tools, internet options, advanced, and disable script debugging.

 


Removing GOHIP auto-signature, search page and home page

Microsoft have issued KB articles regarding GoHip and Outlook Express

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q255/7/20.asp

 

How to Remove the GoHip.com Browser Enhancement

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q305660

 

Gohip also have their own removal page.

http://www.gohip.com/remove_browser_enhancement.html

 

Just in case it disappears, I have stored the removal programme for download here

Gohip.com has placed a file in your Windows directory that sets your autosignature, changes your search page, and sets your home page.  This executable is called winstartup.exe.

To stop this from happening, remove the file from my C:\windows directory and also uncheck it from the Startup tab in MSCONFIG.  (In MSCONFIG it may show up as  c:\windows\winsta~1.exe)

This is why you should read the fine print before downloading anything

 


Outlook Express is slow to start

 

There are various reasons for a slowing down of OE. Here are some ideas to start.

1. A corruption of one or more of the following files:


psbase.dll, pstorec.dll, pstorerc.dll and pstores.exe.

You need you extract fresh copies from your IE5 installation files using System File Checker.

2. Corruption or removal of imagehlp.dll, especially if you use McAfee. Do a search of your system for imagehlp.dll and if it has been removed go to the McAfee web site tech support and follow the instructions to download a fresh copy. If you don't use McAfee, extract and replace the file anyways.

3. A missing or damaged imagehlp.dll has also been implicated in a slow forms problem.

Also, go into tool\options\maintenance and do a good clean out of old messages and/or headers and then do a compact. A little hint here, do one server at a time. A better job is done then. 

Set your virus scanner to check programme files only, and turn off background compaction.

Microsoft has released a knowledgebase article about this problem:

 

Delayed Response When Editing Internet Explorer Forms and Outlook Express May Take a Long Time to Start

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q251/7/87.ASP

 

Finally, please have a look at this link:

http://www.tomsterdam.com/insideoe5/problems/performance.htm

 

 


Socket Error: 10060, Error Number: 0x800CCC0E

10060 =  Connection timed out
0x800CCC0E = Cannot connect to server.

Increasing the Server Timeout in Tools, Accounts, Mail, Properties, Advanced may help.

Search your computer for a hidden file called HOSTS and rename to HOSTS.OLD.

Web accelerators  will often use a HOSTS file to create the illusion of faster web browsing by recording IP addresses.   Mail and news can be affected as well.

Programmes that use a HOSTS file to speed things up have one basic flaw - they work by recording IP addresses. If the address changes for any reason or (as I suspect is the case with the mail server above) there is one box in a large farm of servers that is having problems, you can no longer connect until the reference is removed from the HOSTS file.  Well, it was a good idea at the time... <G>

To make things worse, some programmes write to lmhosts or hosts.sam which are meant to be sample files (one recent example is a Norton product).


Removing ISP branding and restoring the spinning IE globe

 

Watch out for branding by hostile web sites.  If that is your problem, PLEASE update your version of Internet Explorer:

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q275/6/09.ASP

 

These links will be of help with branding of IE5

Title bar
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q176/4/97.asp

Logo
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q176/7/13.asp

 

Open Regedit, navigate to this key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar]

Delete the "BrandBitmap" and "SmBrandBitmap" value, then restart your computer

(note the name may change depending on provider).

 

To get rid of a toolbar background, the key involved is:

 

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\software\microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar

Delete "BackBitmapIE5"

If you want to restore the default Windows Title, follow these steps:

Open Regedit, delete the following value in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\WindowTitle

And then navigate to this branch:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express]

Double-click the "WindowTitle" value and change it to Outlook Express

 

Running the following command can help remove branding created using IEAK (Internet Explorer Administration Kit) but use with caution.

 

rundll32.exe iedkcs32.dll,Clear

 

 


Removing attachments from an email

Forward the message, delete the attachment, then copy to a folder, or drag the message to your Desktop, open it in Notepad, delete the attachment, then drag it back into OE.

 


Why are all emails appearing as attachments?

You should use "Western European (ISO)" for Encoding.  Places to check this in OE5:
- Tools, Options, Send, International
- Tools, Options, Read, Font
- Tools, Options, Read, International
- When composing a message, look in Format, Encoding

 


Digitally signed ID's crash Outlook Express

Enabling the "Revocation Checking" will cause the certificate check to delay sending and can sometimes freeze or crash your system when opening a digitally signed email.  Turn off the revocation checking at tools, options, security, advanced.

 


Error importing email from OE4 to OE5 (no messages can be found)

Err Msg: No Messages Can Be Found in this Folder or Another...
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q217/2/64.asp

 


Multiple instances of msimn appear in Task Manager, or msimn does not close down properly

MSIMN Is Still Running After You Quit Outlook Express
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q226/3/13.asp

 


How to force OE to always prompt for an identity

Check out the excellent article by Tom Koch, MVP extraordinaire

http://www.tomsterdam.com/Olexp/forceid.htm

 


My icons keep on disappearing; getting mixed up; moving; disappearing.

Shut down all programmes.
Turn on the option to view hidden files.
Search for a file called "shelliconcache"
Delete it.
Reboot using Start, Shutdown.  Do not use any shortcuts you may have.

Shelliconcache will be recreated during reboot, and will be written to when you shut down. So reboot twice.

If you have no joy, use Regedit to add a  "Max Cached Icons" (without quotation marks) string value with a value data of 2048 (without quotation marks) to the following registry key and then restart the computer.  Note, I prefer to do this if deleting the shelliconcache does not work:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer

 


Script_errors

 

The fix depends on the precise error, but generally updating IE's scripting engine at http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/downloads/list/webdev.asp (98, ME, NT) will do the trick. 

 

Use the following link if you are running Windows 2000 or XP.

Windows Script 5.6 for Windows 2000 and XP 

 

Also, check out these KB articles:

 

Internet Explorer incorrectly displays web pages

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=825057

 


How to I uninstall IE 5.5?

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 5.5
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q257/2/34.asp

 


Blank pages when printing in IE

Blank First Page When Previewing or Printing
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q257/0/97.ASP

Hot off the presses... Blank Page Prints when you use "Print Target"

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=823386

On the I.E. toolbar, go to view, encoding. Turn off autoselect.

Additional Blank Page When You Print in Internet Explorer 5.5 [Q270841]
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q270/8/41.asp

 

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Last updated Sunday, August 20, 2006