When using Internet Explorer if I click on any link the computer becomes “locked” and I can do nothing except reboot the machine! The machine was working perfectly until recently. 
Links Cause Computer to Freeze
The fact that the computer was working fine up until now makes me wonder if you recently updated any applications or drivers, installed new software, hardware, or drivers, or downloaded any new add-ons. Any of these factors could be the problem causing your computer to freeze and crash.
Several different causes can result in a computer that freezes and locks up when trying to use Internet Explorer. Sometimes it’s simply a glitch that can be resolved easily and other times, it takes a lot of troubleshooting to resolve the issue. Follow each of the suggested tips to help find a solution to your problem.
Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Spyware
Back in the day before I took spyware and viruses super seriously, I noticed that one or the other of them was always responsible for every Internet Explorer error I had that caused my computer to crash. Therefore, the first step I am going to tell you to take is to scan your computer for both spyware and viruses before doing anything else. If you don’t have a reliable anti-spyware/anti-virus application, then I recommend that you try Anti-VirusPLUS. If you do have one, then make sure that you update it before running it so that it has the latest protection on it.
Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Updates
What version of Internet Explorer do you have? The latest one is currently IE8. If your version is out-of-date, it could be causing your computer to crash when you click on links. Update to the latest version of IE now and see if it resolves the problem. Similarly, if you recently upgraded to IE8, you may have a faulty installation. If so, let us know and we can troubleshoot the faulty installation.
Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Repair IE
Today it is possible for you to try to repair your Internet Explorer using these directions:
1) Select “Tools.”
2) Select “Internet Options.”
3) Select “Advanced.”
4) Select “Reset.”
Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Check Java
Check all of the following issues related to Java:
1) Make sure that Java is enabled for Internet Explorer.
2) Check to see if Java is installed properly.
Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Add-ons
If you have recently added any add-ons to your IE, this could be creating the problem where clicking links causes your computer to freeze. Uninstall whatever add-on you recently included and see if your IE works properly. If this doesn’t do the trick, then try using Internet Explorer without any add-ons at all. You can launch Internet Explorer with No Add-ons by going to Start> Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer (No Add-ons). If Internet Explorer works properly without add-ons, then enable each add-on one at a time until you find the one that causes the problem. To manage add-ons in Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Manage Add-ons.
Troubleshooting Links Cause Computer to Freeze: Clear Temporary Internet Files
Although this strategy probably isn’t going to resolve the problem of your computer crashing on its own, it won’t hurt for you to clear your temporary Internet files. Follow these directions:
1) Open Internet Explorer.
2) Click on “Tools” in the top menu.
3) Select the tab for “Delete Browsing History.”
4) Click on the section that has the label, “Temporary Internet Files.”
5) Click the boxes for each of the following pieces of data: history, cookies, and temporary Internet files. Click on “Delete.”
Susan Keenan | June 10th, 2009
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