Internet Explorer freezing and errors

[Lone]

Ive just started encountering a really annoying problem on my computer when it comes to using Internet Explorer.

Whenever I goto open a new window from a link only internet explorer freezes and then wants to send an error report which I allow and then it takes me to the windows update screen but the link for an update there does not work because the update window then freezes.

I also encounter for no known reason an error in Internet Explorer when going to a website (actual pop-up not a page) saying the page is not functional operation aborted, then i just click refresh and it goes to the website.

I am also encountering and error sometimes when starting Windows explorer giving the fault "Runtime error '13': Type mismatch" from which i press ok and all is fine.

The only thing I can see done different was I accidently ok'd a request in Internet Explorer to run a script etc. which ended up being some 'adultchat' stuff which I instantly removed and also ran spybot for.

I have also ran a virus scan and also installed the latest IE (6) from microsoft with no luck at all..

I guess my last resort will be to reinstall xp but undoubtful as to whether it will fix the problem, just hoping someone here has any ideas?

Heres my computer details..

AMD Athlon 1.2GHz
256meg RAM

Windows XP Professional Version 2002