Consider the following scenario:

• You have a computer that is running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008.
• The computer has the User Account Control (UAC) and Internet Explorer 7 protected mode enabled.

In this scenario, Internet Explorer 7 may stop responding when you try to visit any Web site. When this problem occurs, a blank Internet Explorer window appears, and the pointer circles constantly. To escape this condition, you must end the Internet Explorer process (Iexplore.exe) in Task Manager. Or, you must restart the computer.

Notes

• Typically, this problem occurs the first time that you start Internet Explorer after the computer starts or when the computer resumes from sleep or suspend mode.
• Sometimes, the Internet Explorer does not start when you double-click the Internet Explorer icon.

This problem occurs because of a deadlock when the Ieuser.exe process accesses the RasPhoneBook key.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Important Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 hotfixes are included in the same packages. However, only one of these products may be listed on the “Hotfix Request” page. To request the hotfix package that applies to both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, just select the product that is listed on the page.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, the computer must run one of the following operating systems:

• Windows Vista
• Windows Vista Service Pack 1
• Windows Server 2008

Restart requirement

You have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other previously released hotfixes.

Registry information

To use this hotfix, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, x86-based versions

Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008, x86-based versions

Windows Vista, x64-based versions

Windows Vista SP1 or Windows Server 2008, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: