Windows XP IE 8 on Win XP briefly opens then immediately closes

[pfw415]

IE 8 on Win XP SP3 briefly opens then immediately closes when starting Windows normally and in Diagnostic Startup. However, IE 8 opens and works fine in Safe Mode With Networking. I tried resetting IE but that didn't help. I also cannot run Windows Update.

I tried Solution 3 from here but it didn't help:

http://cnedelcu.blogspot.com/2012/05/top-3-fixes-for-internet-explorer-wont.html

It appears that you can no longer download IE 8 for Win XP from Microsoft so I haven't been able to try uninstall/reinstall.

MBAM didn't find any malware. I also tried the Microsoft IE FixIt but that didn't help.

Please help. Thank you.

 

[Trouble]

Try downloading and installing this Link Removed
And reboot. Then see if that helps with the problem, it's helped me in the past with similar issues.
Worth a try.

 

[pfw415]

Try downloading and installing this Link Removed
And reboot. Then see if that helps with the problem, it's helped me in the past with similar issues.
Worth a try.

 

[pfw415]

Trouble, thank you but installing that security update and rebooting didn't help.

 

[Trouble]

It appears that you can no longer download IE 8 for Win XP from Microsoft so I haven't been able to try uninstall/reinstall.

Have you attempted to use this link Link Removed
to obtain IE 8 for your computer?
Additionally you've said

and in Diagnostic Startup. However, IE 8 opens and works fine in Safe Mode With Networking

Have you tried the full Clean Boot method, as described here http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
It's a bit of a pain but it might help you determine if there is a plug in or another third party program or service causing your problems.
Have you recently performed an in place upgrade repair of your XP Installation?

 

[pfw415]

I've resolved the issue. Despite doing a Clean Boot, I found that Webroot SecureAnywhere was still starting up. When I shut that down, IE would then open and work fine. WSA was somehow blocking IE. Uninstalling/reinstalling WSA resolved the issue.

 

[Trouble]

Good job and nice effort..... those things are a pain to find.
Thanks for posting back and updating your thread with that information.
Regards
Randy