Why Does My IE8 Keep Freezing?
Although Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) allows you to browse the Internet to view and download your favorite content, Microsoft's signature browser may freeze or crash occasionally. When IE8 freezes, the screen remains static and the mouse and keyboard fail to respond. A number of problems can cause freezing, but you can solve most quickly and safely.
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Add-ons and Plug-ins
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Add-ons and plug-ins are programs that can make your browser more interactive. These software enhancements perform a variety of functions such as displaying videos and three-dimensional (3-D) images, assisting with file downloads and blocking pop-ups. Occasionally, some of these programs can cause more harm than good. If they are outdated and incompatible with IE8, the browser is likely to freeze and crash frequently. Also, if add-ons are damaged or missing key components, they can cause display errors. Key add-ons -- such as Flash Player and Java -- are often necessary for viewing Flash content, so it's a good idea to keep them updated.
Browser Cache
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When you visit a Web page, view photos and videos and download content, a record of these actions is stored on your computer in the "Temporary Internet Files" folder. This stored data can speed up the display of the Web pages you visit most often, because IE8 can load them directly from your hard disk instead of the Internet. For the most part, browser caching can reduce bandwidth usage and server load; some of the saved files can also cause problems, however. If you haven't cleared IE8's cache in a long time, the browser may experience an overload that can cause freezing problems.
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Viruses, Trojans and Spyware
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Viruses, Trojan horses and spyware are damaging parasites that can cripple your browser and cause a world of problems. Many of these malicious programs install themselves on your computer using a variety of surreptitious methods. Once installed, they can alter system files and processes, hijack your browser, redirect searches and cause IE8 to freeze or crash. Trojan horses, which often disguise themselves as rogue anti-spyware and anti-virus applications, are famous for employing such tactics. This type of program is designed to trick you into buying bogus security software, often redirecting your browser to the purchase site -- if it doesn't crash first.
Solutions
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Always install third-party plug-ins from reputable sites. Some plug-ins are secretly packaged with viruses and spyware, so check the credibility of the site from which you're downloading content before trusting them with your browser. Clearing IE8's cache is often an essential troubleshooting step that can improve its performance. How often you do this can vary, but every week should suffice. To clear the cache, click "Tools" on the IE8 toolbar and select "Internet Options" at the end of the drop-down list. Under "Browsing history" on the "General" tab, click the "Delete" button. Make sure the box next to "Temporary Internet files" is checked, then click "Delete" at the bottom of the window.
If your browser still experiences problems, Microsoft recommends resetting it from the "Advanced" tab in the "Internet Options" window. Keep in mind that performing this troubleshooting step restores the browser to its original, freshly installed state; it does not, however, delete your favorites, feeds and Web slices.
Running an updated anti-virus or anti-malware program on a daily basis can remove malicious programs that are likely to diminish your browser's performance.
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