Troubleshooting Surfing Issues on Windows ME and IE6/Netscape

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting issues related to web surfing on a laptop running Windows ME with Internet Explorer 6 and Netscape. Participants explore potential causes for problems with links that open in new windows, which do not display any content.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the issue of new windows opening without content and suggests that it may be related to common code used by both browsers.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the likelihood of both browsers having the same issue and recommends reinstalling the operating system, suggesting Windows 2000 or XP as better alternatives.
  • A different participant agrees with the suggestion to reinstall the OS and mentions checking browser options for settings that might block pop-ups.
  • Questions are raised about system specifications, including memory and CPU speed, and whether firewall settings might be blocking new browser windows.
  • One participant asserts that Windows ME is problematic and suggests reinstalling Internet Explorer 6 instead of the entire OS, while also recommending trying Netscape to see if the issue persists.
  • Another participant mentions the possibility of a pop-up blocker interfering with new windows and advises checking for such software.
  • A humorous analogy is made comparing Windows ME to a "bastard child" of Microsoft, highlighting the perceived flaws of the operating system.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Windows ME is problematic and suggest various solutions, including reinstalling the operating system or Internet Explorer. However, there is no consensus on the exact cause of the issue or the best approach to resolve it.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention potential settings related to scripts and plugins that could affect browser behavior, but it is unclear if these settings have been altered. The discussion also reflects a lack of clarity on the specific configurations of the user's system.

tribdog
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I have a quick question for you computer genius out there. When I'm online on this laptop I have a hard time surfing. I can click on most links with no problem, but if the link opens in a new window it doesn't work. A new window opens up, but there is nothing in the address bar and no page appears.I have to save the target link and paste it into the address bar to get it to work. Any ideas why? I'm using Windows ME and IE6, but the same thing happens with Netscape.
 
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I've never heard of this. It's concievable that both IE and netscape are using some common code, maybe a .dll in the C:\windows\system32 area, to manage HTML stuff or your socket connections or whatever and that this code is broken. Have you run windows update or anything like that? This might fix the problem.
 
I too have never heard of this.

Although it is possible that the scenario presented by grady could happen, I agree that it is very unlikely. I have never seen Netscape and IE have problems like that.

Before you waste the money you spent on the laptop, waste your time instead reinstalling the OS. That will almost definitely fix the problem. If at all possible, make the reinstall one of Windows 2000 or XP. Much better os than ME.

If that is not currently an option for you, grady's suggestion is right on. Update the crap outta your machine.
 
Originally posted by Considering

Before you waste the money you spent on the laptop, waste your time instead reinstalling the OS. That will almost definitely fix the problem. If at all possible, make the reinstall one of Windows 2000 or XP. Much better os than ME.

I say the same thing. WinME is the worst of Microsoft ever...
You could take a look in the "options" to see if there's a disable pop-up windows or something thete. This happened to me once with Opera...
 
A few questions for you.

What are your system specs? (Especially how much memory and CPU speed.)

There are some settings that may cause this type of behavior (script and Plugins settings), but unless you set them yourself this should not effect both Netscape and IE.

Do you have a firewall that may have a setting blocking a new browser window from starting?
 
Originally posted by tribdog
I have a quick question for you computer genius out there. When I'm online on this laptop I have a hard time surfing. I can click on most links with no problem, but if the link opens in a new window it doesn't work. A new window opens up, but there is nothing in the address bar and no page appears.I have to save the target link and paste it into the address bar to get it to work. Any ideas why? I'm using Windows ME and IE6, but the same thing happens with Netscape.

I know the exact problem. You have ME. It's crap. dump it and get a real OS like WIN2K. ME is full of bugs like that. But if you insist, try just reinstalling IE 6 off the web, istead of the whole OS.

Also, does this only happen with IE, or with netscape also, if you use it? If you don't have netscape, I recommend trying it out to see if you get the same problem.
 
I'd have to agree...

I've often heard ME referred to as the bastard child of microsoft. They used Ideas from 98, and ideas from nt4 to make ME. Many problems result.


The first thing that pops into my head is a popup killer. Sometimes, when enabled, they will do such a good job at killing the popups you don't want to see, that they get the ones your after as well.

Check your icons next to your clock to see if you have a popup killer installed or enabled. Some will install themselves by tricking the user.

But really, I'd look into installing a newer OS. My personal favorite MS OS is 2000.
 


Originally posted by megashawn
I've often heard ME referred to as the bastard child of microsoft. They used Ideas from 98, and ideas from nt4 to make ME. Many problems result.

if i had a kid like ME, i think i'd keep it locked up in the basement, and charge money to see it at freak shows. but hopefully none of us will be cursed with one of those kids.
 

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