Have you tried reinstalling IE 7 using the downloader from the MS website? That might solve your problem. But also do what Broni says.

Originally Posted by townsbg

Why don't you try re-installing it through the direct download of either 7 or 8. I would start with 7.

Is it possible that my recent installation of Google Chrome could cause this problem?

Did IE work fine before you installed Chrome?

Have you tried reinstalling IE 7 using the downloader from the MS website? That might solve your problem. But also do what Broni says.

We need to wait until the HJT log is analyzed before doing anything else. Once the logs are clean, then we can pursue other avenues.

Broni, I have downloaded and installed the Hijack this installer but I do not know how to post the results!! ( I am not very computer literate)
Michael

Please see the D-A-L HijackThis Procedures for instructions on how and where to submit your log.

Broni, I have done as you asked, including running a Trend scan (which found 1 Microsoft vulnerability of High Risk on the Office program which apparently can be resolved by obtaining MS08-011 which I can't do)but I am unsure what to do with this flood of information. I read the Read First, but it is still not clear to me.

Open HJT....
Click on Scan button.
When scanning is done, Scan button changes to Save log button.
Click on it.
Save pop-up window will open.
Click Save button.
Save window will close.
Notepad will open.
Select all text, copy, and paste in your next reply.

Broni, Herewith results of my HijackThis

[clean log removed]

I don't see anything malicious, so we'll have to find some other solution...

A reinstall might fix things.