found a solution to 'links won't load' problem

[a bleak vista from VISTA]

This is a solution to the 'links won't load' problem. Earlier I had sent out a message describing the difficulty I had using internet explorer 7 with VISTA. I would click on links, and, more often then not, links would not load.

Here's a solution to the problem: Forget internet explorer 7. Use foxfire. Apparently internet explorer 7 can interact with VISTA in funny ways, so that links do not load properly. VISTA is still after all in its beta test version.

Another thing to look at is your anti-virus software. If you are using Norton or McAffee - especially the fancier, more expensive versions - they may also interact with VISTA, and prevent you from doing certain things. In my case Norton 360 was blocking all pop ups and also preventing me from using the VPN dialer to connect to the LAN at my workplace. You can download AVG for free. It offers reasonably good protection and will not present the problems that the high-end Norton and McAffee virus protection software pose.

It can be pretty stressful for those of us who rely on our computers for our livelihood to have these sorts of problems. Hope this advice will prove helpful to someone out there

a bleak vista from VISTA (And, yes, I hate VISTA)