I've got a Dell Inspiron 6000 laptop running Windows XP that hangs every time I try to launch IE8. Other browsers (FF, Chrome, Safari) work fine, but as you know Windows Update has a nasty habit of requiring Internet Explorer. I've tried all the obvious fixes (list below) and am looking for additional ideas.
Here's what I have tried so far without success:
1. Tried running IE8 with no add-ons and in Safe with Networking mode.
2. Uninstalled and reinstalled IE8.
3. Reset all IE8 settings through Control Panel.
4. Run all the FixIt utilities recommended by Microsoft.
5. Run a full scan for malware using all the following: Malwarebytes, Avast!, Advanced System Care Pro.
6. Run a full Windows repair using my Windows XP CD.
BTW, IE 6 works fine both before and after doing the list of things above, but as soon as I upgrade to IE8 I'm toast. Everything else on this system seems to be in tip top shape.
Mark Simmons