If you are having problems with Internet Explorer after installing patches last Tuesday, Microsoft has a workaround that helps but it requires you to edit your registry. On a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 crashes when you try to a visit a Web site. This problem occurs after you install security update 942615. This security update is announced in security bulletin MS07-069.

WORKAROUND
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall the operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To work around this problem, follow these steps: 1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\
3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click Key.
4. Type FEATURE_PROTECT_DECOMPRESSION_FILTER_FROM_ABORT_KB942367, and then press ENTER.
5. Right-click FEATURE_PROTECT_DECOMPRESSION_FILTER_FROM_ABORT_KB942367, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
6. Type an asterisk (*), and then press ENTER.

Note The asterisk (*) represents any process name that uses the Urlmon.dll file. If you want to make this change for an individual application that uses the Urlmon.dll file, use the name of that application instead of the asterisk. For example, use Appname.exe.
7. Right-click the asterisk, and then click Modify.
8. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
9. Exit Registry Editor.

Update:Here's yet another patch for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB946627).