IE6 doesn't open

[Quidam]

After unsuccessfully reviewing 20 pages of old threads, I decided start one that probably exists somewhere.

A user has IE6 on WINXP Pro. Beginning yesterday morning, IE would not open. The box that says (paraphrased) "IE encountered a problem and will be shut down.... restart and try again..... Send into to MS?....." is displayed.

I used msconfig to turn off start-up programs. No change.
I reverted back to a restore point 3 months ago. No change.
It is possible to get to the internet from Windows Explorer.
IE does not appear in the Add\Remove Programs list.

Any suggestions or advice? My solution of last resort is to reinstall WINXP, but I am reluctant to proceed down that lenghty path.

Thanks

[vass0922]

Have you tried simply reinstalling IE?

Redownload it, and go through install process
During the install process there is also a "Repair" option if I"m not mistaken.

[Quidam]

I checked the OEM CD for a 'repair' function, but there was none. IE will work in 'Safe Mode with Networking', so I'll try to run all WIN and IE patches.

If that doesn't work, I'll try to reinstall IE from the MS web site.

No magic bullet it seems, just tedious trial and error.

[jmatt]

Repair IE6
http://is-it-true.org/nt/xp/utips/utips13.shtml
http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/howto-03.html
Windows XP comes with Internet Explorer 6. Microsoft has made IE part of the core operating system. If you think IE is screwed up, and want to repair it, you must use the sfc command:

Start > Run , copy & paste Sfc /scannow & press Enter .

This will scan and restore protected system files ( which IE is ).

Or ,

If this does not work, check out How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q318378
http://support.microsoft.com/default...;EN-US;q194177
http://www.theeldergeek.com/repair_r...e_and_oe_6.htm
http://www.3dspotlight.com/tweaks/ie6/index.shtml
http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/442/
http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/howto-03.html

[Quidam]

Thanks jmatt. That's an impressive list.

I'll try your suggestions today.