Email Links Don't Work

[fordee9r]

All of a sudden I have problems with hyperlinks in my Outlook Express emails. When I click on one, I see the linked site try to open but end up with the error message "Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close".

I thought maybe my Norton Internet Security my be the cause but with it disabled I get the same results. Any ideas??

[Broni]

Welcome aboard

What Windows version?
Are you current with Windows updates?

[Oneder]

The below does work in IE6, not sure on IE7 but may be worth a shot.

See if this works for the links in Outlook Express.

Start Internet Explorer
Select the Tools > Internet Options menu
Select the [Programs] tab
Look for a checkbox labelled "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser"
If this checkbox is not ticked, then this may be the cause of the problem, so tick it!
Click OK
Close Internet Explorer
Re-open Internet Explorer
Close Outlook Express
Re-open Outlook Express and try a link

[fordee9r]

Thanks to both of you for responding to my problem.

First, I'm running Windows XP Home Edition and, since I am on automatic update, I'm reasonably sure I'm up to date. I will go to Microsoft to manually check for updates.

I will also try "oneder's" suggestion and get back as soon as I can with the results. I have limited time on my computer so it probably won't be immediate.

Again, I thank you for your interest in my problem and am glad I found this site! 

[fordee9r]

  I tried "oneder's" suggestion but it didn't work. "Broni" suggested to check for Windows updates so I went to Microsoft.com/downloads. A new download was listed for IE-7 so I clicked on it.

What I got this time was the following.........

"Internet Explorer has encountered a problem with an add on and needs to close. The following add on was running when this problem occurred:
Add On Name: UIBHO.dll
Company Name: Symantec Corp.
Description: User Interface BHO Implementation"

Does this indicate a pronlem with my Norton Internet Security? Maybe a conflict with Norton's Firewall & Windows firewall?

Any ideas?

[Broni]

Maybe a conflict with Norton's Firewall & Windows firewall?

Do you have both of them on? It's not good.

[fordee9r]

I checked on this and the Norton firewall is on, the Windows firewall is off.

[Broni]

UIBHO.dll is a part of Norton Internet Security "Fraud Monitor Taskbar"
I'm not familiar with Norton, but open it, look around, and see if there is an option to turn that feature off, for now.
When you turn it off, see, if you can update Windows.

[fordee9r]

Thanks, I'll take a look. By the way, you say you're not familiar with Norton Internet Security so I assume you use something else.

Since my Norton expires at the end of the month, can you suggest something else that could do the same job without causing me problems? I don't want to renew if there is a better alternative. Thanks again............

[Broni]

Since my Norton expires at the end of the month

Run!!!
Before I suggest something else, I need to know what kind of Norton you're using. Whole Security Suite?

[fordee9r]

What I have is "Internet Security 2007" which I think was in the $40-$50 price range. All it includes is antivirus, inbound firewall, anti-spyware and Windows automatic update.

I've always relied on their antivius protection but am not sure about the other protections. I run other antispyware programs that detect things from time to time that must be getting past Norton.

Although your words have been few, your help & interest are greatly appreciated.

[Broni]

When your subscription runs out, download (all free):
- Comodo firewall: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/
or
- PC Tools firewall: http://www.pctools.com/firewall/

Download AVG antivirus: http://free.grisoft.com/

Download real time antispyware tools:
- a-squared: http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/
- Spyware Terminator: http://www.spywareterminator.com/

Uninstall Norton, using Norton uninstaller: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Run CCleaner: http://www.ccleaner.com/ to remove any Norton registry leftovers.

Install one of two listed above firewalls, AVG, a-squared, and Spyware Terminator.

You'll be all set.

[fordee9r]

Thanks Broni! This appears to be an early Christmas present for me from you! 

Rather than wait for my subscription to expire, I think I'll take on this task this weekend when I have some free time. I'm on a dialup connection and downloads take some time to complete.

Should I download in the order you listed or uninstall Norton first to avoid any conflicts?

Thanks again for your help........ 

[Broni]

This appears to be an early Christmas present for me from you!

My second name is:

You want to download everything, first, so you still have Norton protection.
Disconnect from the Internet, uninstall Norton, run CCleaner, and then install other programs.

[fordee9r]

  Here's an update..... Yesterday I tried to download AVG Antivirus but, partway thru, I received a message that several files were corrupted. I went back, tried again and got the same result. 

I moved on and downloaded Comodo firewall. I was a little surprised to learn that it estimated over 8 hours to complete the download. I let it run and finally it was done! I turned off my computer, went to bed and installed it early this morning. After work, I turned off Norton's firewall and got my email. Just for the heck of it, I clicked on two diffent links in my emails and connected to them OK!

I plan on trying to continue the downloads you suggested and be free from Norton completely! Thanks again and I'll keep you posted of my progress. 

By the way, I really like the way the Comodo Firewall communicates and lets you know what it's doing!