XP errors and SP2/internet explorer problems

Question

I just purchased a Dimension 3000 desktop.  It was preloaded with XP with SP2.  I am having a few different problems.  First, I am having huge problems getting webpages containing Java scripts to load.  I went to the Java website and did download the newest version of Java.  I installed it and by going back to the Java website it confirms that it installed correctly.  If any link contains a javascript nothing happens when I click it, I get something like javascript() on the bottom of the browser.  I also cannot verify my windows on the microsoft pages.  I went through the directX download and it seemed to download fine, but then said my brower wasn't capable of continuing that route, so it directed me to another route.  When I clicked on that script all it did was open up a new blank window and did nothing.  I have set *.microsoft.com in the safe zone.   Secondly, I get nothing when I click on the Dell help and support button on my start up menu.  It loads nothing, no menus, etc...   I also cannot search for files or folders, this brings up the window and the dog, but it is a blank blue box, with no menus I can click anywhere and all it does is make the dog scratch.    This is my first experience with the XP and it is pretty frustrating right now.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

maxd · Answer

first off, you don't need to install Java for the scripting in XP and Internet Explorer to work; Java and javascript are 2 separate things.

I suggest you run a virus scan-update your AV program first.

Then run this program. You must download, install and update it (just like you do for your AV) before you run it; delete all that it finds.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download506.html

If this doesn't fix your problems (and I don't think it will) I suggest you try these ideas, testing system/internet problems after each. Try them in the order I have them.

1. System Recovery- if your computer came with this option. I'll find a link and post it later. This will return your system to the state it came in. You will lose all you have added since you first got it.

Link (does the date apply to you ?)

http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?journalid=798327C222E311DA9E4077DC82D31D5F&docid=DC47E7957E35BBC0E030A68F27280D16

2. System Restore- this will possibly restore your system to when it was working correctly; you may have to re-install/update some programs but personal touches like documents, email, favourites will not be lost; you can "launch" System Restore by going to All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.

3. Do a Repair Install. This is the last thing I would try. Try the others first.

Message Edited by maxd on 09-11-2005 02:16 PM

bhaton · Answer

Ok, I was on the phone with Dell all morning on Saturday.  The first thing I thought was to run all of my virus scans they found nothing.  Basically Dell said that it wasn't their problem, that it was a Windows problem even though the functions I explained never worked from the first time I turned the computer on before it was ever even connected to a phone line, if I wanted their help to fix it I would have to use their help desk, which would cost me another $100.  I tried using the system restore, it doesn't work either, I just get a blank screen.  I didn't get any Windows XP CD to reinstall it myself, so I was told to call today and try to get one.  Thanks for you help!

drpubdef · Answer

I have been very frustrated about a recurrent problem that I have been having.  When I read your email I realized that it was the exact same problem.     I too cannot load any link that contains a javascript and have the same javascript() indication on the bottom of the browser.  I also get nothing when I click on the help and support button on my start up menu and I also cannot search for files or folders as the stupid dog animation appears in a blank blue box with no menus and all it does is make the dog scratch.    Unfortunately, none of the 'fixes' suggested by your responders worked with my problem and I didn't get the impression that it was your fix either.   What ended up being the problem and how did you correct it?   Thanks...

bhaton · Answer

Hi,

My problem was that the Windows software was not installed properly the first time (this is only my guess, but it didn't work right the first time I turned it on, and I couldn't convince them that I did not have a virus). I used the e-mail support from Dell (which was much better than sitting on the phone with them, I'm still not happy about those wasted hours). Anyway did you get the Windows system CD with your computer? If not, then I'd get on the phone or e-mail Dell and make them send you a Windows CD ASAP. My system restore didn't even work, so I had no other options, which they didn't seem to understand on the phone. I got my CD within 3 days so I was pretty happy with the support over e-mail. I did a repair reinstall, so I didn't have to delete everything and do a fresh reinstall. As soon as I did this everything worked fine, and I have had no problems with it since then. I would definately try that, it sounds as though you were having the exact same problems I was having. It almost acted like certain files were missing or that the computer couldn't find them in my case. If you do send them an e-mail they will provide you with the links that will walk you through step by step how to do the repair reinstall. If not drop me an e-mail (bhaton@uiuc.edu) and I can send you the links that worked for me. Good luck and I hope that this fixes your problem.

maxd · Answer

Glad to hear you got it working. Did the Repair Install fix your System Restore not working. If not  use the System Properties' tab to disable it. Reboot computer and go back and re-enable System Restore.

bhaton · Answer

Thanks!  Yes the repair reinstall fixed everything.  I haven't used the restore, but I did click on it and at least I get a window containing options so I know that I at least have the option to do it now.

drpubdef · Answer

Thanks!  I was afraid that was the solution....

oodee · Answer

I employed the usage of the Norton software that came with my Inspiron 1200 from day one of receiving my new laptop.  I had problems opening all javascript hyperlinks in Internet Explorer from the start.  After a month of dealing with this problem, I finally decided to do something about it.   I tried downloading a Dell recommended update for Java (which turns out had nothing to do with javascript), and the installation failed due to an error.  I talked to a live Dell support agent who initially did not notify me of the obvious javascript hyperlink problem (which was not common knowledge to me being computer illiterate).  After some suggestions which did not resolve the problem (uninstalling Java and reinstalling, repairing XP, repairing IE), I was referred to call software support.  Was told that the problem could definitely be solved, but I would have to pay a $100 fee. :robotindifferent: Quickly (and angrily) declined their help and sought to fix the problem on my own.   After searching Google and Microsoft all day for the fix, I read on this forum about problems with AV software interfering with normal functions.  After experimenting with disabling parts of the Norton software, I discovered that the javascript hyperlinks would work if you disabled Norton Internet Security.  No need to disable Norton AntiVirus.  You do have to close and reopen your browser for this to take effect.   After sending an irate email to Dell prior to this discovery, I received the next day an email response of too late assistance suggesting that the problem could be due to '3rd party applications installed on your system that are causing your issue. Some of these applications are commonly referred to on the Internet as 'spyware' or 'adware' . These applications may have been downloaded without your knowledge while you were on the Internet or as a part of a larger software application.'  Really?  How about the Norton software you included with my computer, you think?  And you were going to charge me $100 to tell me this, this piece of info Dell obviously should be aware of (according to history in this Dell forum extending back a couple of years) and neglected to disclose this to me as a warning of using the Norton software you included with my computer? :robotmad: Hey, I am not savvy to the workings of the computer and its components.  I did not know.   Anyway, my point here is to let everyone with this issue know that the problem could be as a result of using the Norton software provided with the computer.  You can still run the AntiVirus component of the Norton software, but do disable the Internet Security if you want javascript to work.  Be sure to close and reopen your browser for this to take effect.  As much grief that I went through just to find out this little tidbit of info that seems to be common knowledge to the computer wiz, I hope that someone else like me will get some benefit out of this, too.:smileywink:

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