anyone know why, if IE is opened from another application for example a web design software app to preview a site, it is OK and runs normally BUT if run from a shortcut / start menu item or any other direct method it doesn't... (IE appears to load and then disappears - checking task manager there is no sign of explorer except for the usual desktop one).

Its running on XP with the latest updates, etc. I have resorted to Firefox in the meantime, which is fine and rarely crashes (!) .. lol