For about a month now, my computer will not open any internet explorer page unless I go via control panel, recycle bin or my docs and put the address in the bar.
When I try to open a shortcut on it's own, computer freezes, so I do control, alt, delete and it says iexplore not responding, so I end task and then the computer freezes and 6/10 times, crashes and I have to reboot.
Any suggestions greatly received, urgently now as I'm getting really annoyed with technology!!

This could be several things, but first of all as I recommend in almost every situation involving non responsive programs and/or computer sluggishness, download Ad-Aware and run it. It will search for any spyware and adware that you may have picked up.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/

Try this first, and if it doesn't work after deleting any spyware/adware discovered by Ad-Aware, follow-up with another reply.

Hi there, Thank-you for taking the time to help out, but it is sorted now... Had to delete hard drive and start again... boo hoo :'(

Ah that's no fun, but glad that it's working. You still ought to work on getting some kind of software to keep your PC clean of spyware/adware as this kind of stuff is very popular now, and it can cause many problems.

I have had 3 people in the past 2 months at work come to me because either (1) their computers were running very sluggishly (2) Programs such as IE not responding.

All 3 cases, I ran ad aware, and deleted the findings. All 3 cases, problem solved.

Hi PC Gamer, Thanks I was having exactly the same problem and after running Adaware all was OK.
Cheers

It could be spyware related but I would go to www.trendmicro.com and run a free online virus scan just to rule it out. Normally, when spyware is involved, a virus is usually somewhere near by.

I would also try the Spyware/Adware Removal Kit. It is available for FREE at the link below for a limited time. I think there is only 5 days left. After that, it goes back to the regular price.

I would also suggest running more than adware as I have several programs and many times one finds things the others do not.

Spysweeper
Microsofts new spyware, formerly known as Giant Anti Spyware
Spyware Eliminator
Spybot

Also Fix it Utilities is an excellent program to have.

I would also suggest Downloading and trying Firefox 1.0 browser, faster and much better than Internet explorer.