Hi:

This link might be of help:
here.

Joe53's link covers the details.

The Microsoft Critical Updates caused the problem.

You will always have the problem unless you use the MVP's small file (see Joe53's link, final paragraph), or unless you edit the following registry KEY:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\ActiveX Compatibility\{4B106874-DD36-11D0-8B44-00A024DD9EFF}

When you get to the above-KEY, you then need to MODIFY the STRING VALUE (i.e. "Compatibilty Flags" found in the right frame) by changing the "Data Value" from 0x00000040 (64) to 0x00000000 (0).

When you do this, it returns your Help Troubleshooters; however, the change also leaves your computer vulnerable, so you will need to return the value to 0x00000040 (64) after you have finished using a Troubleshooter, or you will need to download MVP's small-file.

The MVP-file allows you to use it as an on/off switch, negating the constant need to edit the registry KEY.

Hi again:

First of all, you are correct that a cumulative critical update will include all critical updates that preceded it. It is considered very important that you keep up to date with these, since these updates 'patch' security holes in your operating system, Internet Explorer browser and in Outlook Express. I would suggest you visit the Windows Update site at  http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp and click on the "Scan for updates" which will present you with a list of all updates not yet present in your system. You should then download and install all updates listed as 'critical'. If the scan tells you that no critical updates are available, then you can be assured your system is up to date and all patches are already installed.

Once you have done this, you can address your original problem. There is no need for you to do any editing of your registry, or to use your Win98 CD. Just go back to the link I gave you and download the file to your desktop, and run it. It will make all the registry changes for you.

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@tutu wrote:

Does MS know about your patch? It certainly would save many people like me a lot of heartache.

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I'm sure that MS knows: that link came from the MVPs.org website. MVP's (Most Valued Professionals) are volunteer experts recognized by MS (and their peers) for their contributions, usually in help forums such as here. They are not MS employees, and often have workarounds for problems, that are not officially sanctioned by MS. Their home page is an excellent resource, and a good place to start at when trying to troubleshoot problems. It can be found at www.mvps.org.

Hi again tutu:

I'm having the same problem here, and those recent updates are a good bet to be the source.
I'll see what I can find out about this.

Hi again:

I confirmed that downloading and re-installing the fix that worked before (Win98_TS_Fix.zip) did NOT work this time for me either.
However, I found that restoring the tshoot.inf file (as described in the original link I gave you) DID fix the problem, and my Troubleshooter now displays properly again.

"To restore the tshoot.inf file:
1. Make sure you have your system set to show all files. Go to Start > Settings > Folder Options and in the View tab, scroll down to the Files and Folders section. Place a check in "Show all Files".
2. Open your Windows\INF folder and locate TSHOOT.INF.
3. Right click the file and choose "Install"."

You might be prompted to use your original W98SE CD to complete the installation.
Let me know if this fix works for you as well.