3 things i can't do. run update, open links, stay on explorer

Hello,, I have 3 problems that keep occuring over and over again.
First: When i try and use the website update link it says it is searching
my computer to see what updates i need and says it may take a few minutes.
But every time i do that it freezes up right there and never goes on to give
me the list of updates i need for my system. I have xp pro with plenty of
memory

Second: Half the time i click on a link to some thing it will not open. So
i have to copy the address and paste in the bar to open the link.

Third: It keeps kicking me off explorer and asks me if i want to send an
error report. This happens all the time...

Please help. I wish i was back using 2000 pro it was a much better.

 

Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, Internet Options, under "Temporary Internet Files", click
the "Delete Files" button, check the box, "Delete all offline content", "OK". After it
finishes, click the "Settings" button and lower the amount of disk space to use to 10 Meg. Click
"OK", "Apply". That will increase your hard drive space by how much was in that folder. I've
seen it well over a gig. Folders that big are prone to crosslinked files. Clear it weekly, or
sooner, especially if IE starts acting funny. You can automate the process by clicking the
"Advanced" tab, scroll down to "Security", and check the box, "Empty Temporary Internet Files
folder when browser is closed", click "Apply", "OK"

How Internet Explorer Cache Settings Affect Web Browsing
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=263070


Another reported cure is to Close IE, then click Start, Run.
In the run box, type, or copy & paste "regsvr32 urlmon.dll" without the quotes and press Enter.
Then open Internet Explorer and go to Tools, Internet Options, "Programs" tab, and click on
"Reset Web Settings...", click "Apply", "OK"