Gary,

Thank you for your fullsome and understandable reply. For some reason the
fault cleared without much input from me, but I was made aware of how
vulnerable I was to this older software not being available so I will
download a copy as you suggest. I will also try and find a downloadable
version of Windows 98 with all the upates if one exists. I do have the
original disks for the computer.

--
David


"Gary S. Terhune" wrote:

First of all, your problems are more likely due to adware/spyware than to
anything your ISP left behind. All they did was "brand" IE with their logo
and some additional configurations. There isn't any time bomb left behind. I
suggest you see my articles on Security and Clean Boot (Clean Boot for
diagnostic purposes.) Links in my signature. BE sure to finish the
procedures I suggest with a visit to http://amha.org/a/quickfix.htm and do
all the things suggested there, also. There will be some overlap.

If you still want to mess with IE, don't bother uninstalling IE6, just try a
Repair first, and if that doesn't help, try an "overinstall".

In Add/Remove Programs (Control Panel), the item is called "Microsoft
Internet Explorer 6 (SP1) and Internet Tools". Double-click the Item and
choose Repair. If the item doesn't appear there, try running MSINFO32 from
the StartRun box and look in the Tools menu for IE Repair.

If Repair doesn't work, and/or you simply want to do an overinstall, check
through the following three options until you figure out which one(s) apply,
then once you've got the installation files and are ready to actually do the
installation, see below item 3.

1. Look for a folder named "C:\WINDOWS\Windows Update Setup Files". If it
exists, run IE6SETUP.EXE. If it doesn't exist:

2. If you already have an IE6 SP1 install CD, first copy the contents to a
new folder on your hard drive (preferably "C:\WINDOWS\Windows Update Setup
Files") and then run IE6SETUP.EXE from that folder.

3. If you don't already have a copy of the installation files, then I
suggest you get yourself a full set for safe keeping, since who knows how
long MS will keep providing them. Do this by going to this site and
downloading the installer "stub". http://tinyurl.com/6zjbm (It's an MS site,
but the URL is really long, so I've provided this TinyURL.) When prompted,
Run the download. Don't bother to Save it, as that will be automatically
done. After accepting the licensing agreement, choose "Minimal..." setup,
click Next, then click the Advanced button at lower right. In the new
dialogue, choose Download Only and follow through with the obvious choices.
Then go back to number 1., above. When you're finished with IE installation,
I suggest you burn a couple of copies of the storage folder (Windows Update
Setup Files) to CDs for safe keeping. This is the last version of IE that
will ever run on Windows 9x systems.

OK, now that you've got the installation files and have started
IE6SETUP.EXE, accept the licensing agreement, then chose "Minimal..."
option, then click Next. Now, put a check mark into every item that is
bolded. Then continue. Personally, I put check marks in every item down to,
but not including, the Multi-language options. Some items may not be
available due to newer versions already being installed. WMP, for instance.


--
Gary S. Terhune
MS MVP -- Shell/User

"David" wrote in message
...
I was unable to access the Internet properly today on a laptop runing Win
98
and IE6. Kept getting error message 403 Access denied. I had loaned the
computer and checked to see if anyone had put on access restrictions but
could not see any. I appeared to be able to access some sites relating to
my
previous ISP who's logo is on the top of IE window but no others. Thinking
this might be a timed restriction which had come into force (It was about
a
year ago I swapped ISPs) I tried to remove and reload a clean version IE6

I can't find how to uninstall and reinstall IE6, can anyone point me in
the
right direction please?
--
David