BleepingComputer.com: IE 8 Freezes After Inactivity

I was running IE6 happily for years. After formatting and reinstalling Windows, IE8 was installed. Although it has many very nice features, the freezing up is driving me crazy.

Whenever the computer has been sitting idle for a while, IE8 freezes and I have to reboot. Any suggestions?

Something is wrong with your system.

FWIW: IE8 is not part of the XP, SP3 install CDs which I have...those CDs install IE7 as part of the default XP install. Which means that the only way anyone can get IE8...is to elect to install it, eithe manually or via automatic updates.

I suggest that you Disable Automatic Restarts When Windows Crashes - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic74644.html. This will enable you to possibly get an error message if the freezing is the result of STOP errors.

Freezing is not a unique occurrence on a system...causes can be software, hardware, O/S problems, and/or malware.

I would check the system for possible overheating, first.

Cases, How to Avoid Overheating - http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/142

Cleaning the Interior of your PC - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/cleaning-the-inside-of-your-pc/

Core Temp - http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/

I would also check Event Viewer for errors (not info items or warnings) that might provide clues. I would concern myself with the last five errors listed on all tabs....no point in looking at more than 5 right now. I would also try to check for errors at the time the system evidenced problems.

How To Use Event Viewer - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic40108.html

Louis

Hi Louis,

Thank you for your reply. I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop. It had been acting up so I reinstalled Windows. Actually, I'd lost my disc so I took it to a shop and they did it for me. All the drivers had to be downloaded as well as any Windows updates. That is how I got IE8.

Perhaps I should try to install IE7 if that's possible.

Erika

I would not go back to IE7, for security reasons...but it's your call, your system.

I would check Event Viewer for possible clues, focusing only on errors...particularly any that relate to network/Internet connectivity.

Are you able to access email without problems?

I would try a repair of IE8, if I were convinced that it is the problem.

How to reinstall or repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=318378

Louis

I thought I'd send this in case someone else has a similar problem.

I stopped IE 8 from freezing after prolonged inactivity by changing the power settings. I changed everything to "never" and that solved the problem.

Thanks for providing feedback...I think I'd keep an eye on this freezing that is related to power settings. Let us know if the problem returns.

Louis

Hmmm, interesting solution. I will refer users to this thread if I encounter this again.

Thanks,
Kyler
IE8 Outreach Team