Computer hanging up

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 22 Aug 2003 7:32 am

I have Windows 98, & when I'm on the web, Steel Guitar Forum for example.. & in the task bar there's a white bar that says The Steel Guitar Forum in it.. Most of the time when I exit the forum the white bar remains in the task bar, & when I try to click on it & maximize it then the computer hangs up.. So I hit Control Alt Delete, & it says Steel Guitar Forum or Internet Explorer not responding.. So I hit end task, & windows goes into safe mode... I click on restore my desktop, & it does , but I lose everything in my task bar, including the icon that shows I'm on line, although the phone is still connected, except Norton anti virus icon is still there.. So I have to reboot my computer to restore everything.. The only thing I have added is something that upgraded Outlook to give it added backgrounds, I would delete it but can't find how..Hope someone can help me...[This message was edited by jolynyk on 23 August 2003 at 07:14 AM.]

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 22 Aug 2003 11:54 am

Can anybody help me with this, Mark are you out there???

Mark Ardito · Post by **Mark Ardito** » 23 Aug 2003 5:20 am

When you say you "added something to give Outlook backgrounds". Do you mean the background of your message you are sending?

Also, what web browser are you using? Internet Explorer? If so, please go and download the latest version and all service packs for the browser. Microsoft just released an update for Internet Explorer 6 on Thursday and it patches up a hole that is pretty necessary.

Let me know.

Thanks!
Mark

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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 23 Aug 2003 6:10 am

Thanks for your reply Mark... Yes I'm running Internet Explorer, & since I've put my post here, I went to Microsoft & downloaded & upgraded to Internet Explorer V6...It also upgraded my Outlook Express to 6... but the problem is still there, although ( & maybe it only seems that way) not as bad or as often... The thing that I installed ( & that was dumb) was a pop up that said it was from Microsoft, & now there is another task bar near the top & you can add backgrounds, eCaeds, Funny, Animation, Text, Biz Cards, Options smilies etc.. I would sure like to remove it , but can't find it anywhere in start menu, or add/remove programs.. when it updated my Outlook to Express I was hoping it would get rid of it, but it's still there..[This message was edited by jolynyk on 23 August 2003 at 07:17 AM.]

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 23 Aug 2003 6:19 am

I just went back to Outlook , & the thing I installed is from "EDITED BY MARK ARDITO" John[This message was edited by Mark Ardito on 23 August 2003 at 10:52 AM.]

Jeff Agnew · Post by **Jeff Agnew** » 23 Aug 2003 7:08 am

I think you mean Hotbar. Hotbox is a, um, a site with pictures of ladies in climates where heavy clothing is not required.

To remove Hotbar, and prevent further infections with spyware (which is what this browser add-on really is) download Spybot-Search & Destroy. You can also configure it to block dangerous downloads and other pests.

John P. Phillips · Post by **John P. Phillips** » 23 Aug 2003 7:11 am

I had a problem once with a program called "Hotbar" i think it was. Caused all kinds of problems. Look for it by name in add and remove programs. That's how I got rid of it. Hope this helps.

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JUST 'CAUSE I STEEL, DON'T MAKE ME A THIEF

Mark Ardito · Post by **Mark Ardito** » 23 Aug 2003 9:54 am

Jolynyk,

Hey, try and find HotBar in your Add/remove programs section of the control panel. It should be there. I also edited you above post to take out the URL you thought it was. There were some photo's that some forum members might not like to see...however, thanks for the good link! hehe

Mark

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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com

John P. Phillips · Post by **John P. Phillips** » 23 Aug 2003 1:45 pm

TSK, TSK, TSK. now Mark, is THAT fair ??

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JUST 'CAUSE I STEEL, DON'T MAKE ME A THIEF

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 23 Aug 2003 2:26 pm

OOOPS.... Yikes & Double Yikes... goes to prove that I'm not the smartest turnip to fall off a truck... You can see my mind was a-wanderin'.. but I guess an old man can get away with it once inawhile... OK I'm off to see if I can get rid of that HOT-er what was the name now.. Oh Yeh --BAR..

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 23 Aug 2003 3:53 pm

Well thanks to all... Hotbar is gone, & I hope that fixes my problem, but won't be able to tell till I start using IE.. Mark & John I couldn't find Hotbar anywhere in add/remove programs, so I downloaded Spybot, & WOW, I didn't know that I had so much garbage in here..I just hope I didn't remove something I shouldn't have, but I just went by default & their recommendations.. Anyway that Hotbar is gone, & when the computer restarted, it was much faster than it had been in a long while.. Thanks Jeff.
Oh & if any of you want that other link, write to me & I'll give it to you... HA HA Just kidding, I can't even remember what I put on there, but I'm sure Mark does.. And thanks for editing my post Mark... I will let you know the progress or lack of in a few days..

jolynyk · Post by **jolynyk** » 25 Aug 2003 7:19 am

Just an update,,the computer is working properly, actually hasn't worked this good for a long time, no freezes or hangups SO FAR
thanks to all again...John