My notebook computer will not open certain files or web pages, below are three examples.
Example #1: When I try to open Help and Support from the Start Menu it will not open.

Example #2: When I tried to see if there were any windows updates on the website (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/) it would not open.

Example #3: When trying to sign on to some web sites, the sign in buttons are not there.

My computer is a Compaq Notebook, Presario 2500 with Windows XP.

Any ideas or support is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

Are you using Microsoft Internet Explorer as your main browser? If yes: which version? Could you use these services in the past?

Do you have problems with example 3 using a different browser, such as Firefox (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/)

I am using Microsoft Internet Explorer as the main browser - when I tried to see which version, it was blank. It has been recent that I am no longer able to open these files/sites.

I have not used Firefox, nor have I ever heard of them. Is this better than Microsoft?

Firefox is a browser from the Mozilla organisation.
Interesting to read is http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/switch.html

Have you tried once to redownload Internet Explorer from the windows site so that the standard settings are correct? http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/...1/default.mspx

On your computer: do you have Windows XP with SP1, otherwise downloading the SP 1 can solve many problems.

This is so frustrating. When I tried to download Internet Explorer I get this message "A previous installation has pending work requiring a roboot. You need to restart your computer to complete that installation before running Internet Explorere Setup. Setup will now close." So I rebooted and get the same message. Any ideas?

Still need help....any ideas??

going back to your problem opening help & support:
did you ever use Easy Cleaner?

if so look at this, it worked for me: i had lost help & support as well as system info ...

Repairs Windows® XP Help and Support after running Easy Cleaner - rev 03/25/2002
© Doug Knox

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_d...xwinxphelp.htm

as to the internet explorer i think you need to uninstall it then do a fresh install if it continues to be a problem

as to firefox, i switched to it & like it, but certain sites, such as windows update, will only open in IE.

hope this helps

I tried downloading the easy cleaner.

When I try opening the folder, I get this message. Can't find script engine "VBScript" for script.

ok....sorry.....i just tried myself and the link is not working....perhaps too old....let me look for an update

but by the way, just to clarify, what i posted was not the "easy cleaner" but a fix in case you had ever run the "easy cleaner"

anyway i had the same problem & found a script fix ... i am looking now

i just discovered that it was firefox (or the way i have it setup) that was blocking the script download for me......it works fine under IE

how is your IE setup? go to Tools>Internet Options>Security & go to default level (if it's not)

i cant send the script here cause this board doesnt support attaching .vbs files

but if these are IE problems then they are beyond this script anyway

sorry for any confusion.....just tryin to help