Question

Script errors when using Internet Explorer

Asked by: chipowski

Hi.
I have a problem with internet explorer when first starting it up (my home page is google) and also when I navigate to my webmail (Tiscali).

The complete error on first opening explorer is:
Internet Explorer Script Error (title of dialog box)
An error has occurred in the script on this page.
Line: 17
Char: 1
Error: Can't move focus to the control because it is invisible, not enabled, or of a type that does not accept the focus.
Code: 0
URL: http://www.google.co.uk
Do you want to continue running scripts on this page?

Answering yes or no doesn't seem to make any difference. If I start up a new IE session, the same error happens. I have tried another computer and as expected there was no problem with the site.

The error when I go to the tiscali site is:
Internet Explorer Script Error (title of dialog box)
An error has occurred in the script on this page.
Line: 410
Char: 66
Error: 'window.external.tiscalibrowser' is null or not an object
Code: 0
URL: http://www.tiscali.co.uk/login/index.php?
        url=/commcentre/email/index.php
Do you want to continue running scripts on this page?

This one is more of a pain and keeps on and on asking the same question 4 or 5 times whether I say yes or no before loading the page. IE actually hangs occasionally too when prompting for a yes or no.

In my internet options settings I have disable script debugging ticked so don't get why I keep getting these messages.
Can anyone help cause this is doing my box in !! Hence the points...

This Question has been solved and asker verified All Experts Exchange premium technology solutions are available to subscription members.

Subscribe now for full access to Experts Exchange and get

Instant Access to this Solution

  • Plus...
  • 30 Day FREE access, no risk, no obligation
  • Collaborate with the world's top tech experts
  • Unlimited access to our exclusive solution database
  • Never be left without tech help again

Subscribe Now

Asked On
2004-05-12 at 05:16:58ID20986582
Tags

error

,

script

,

focus

,

explorer

,

internet

Topic

Miscellaneous Software

Participating Experts
8
Points
500
Comments
19

Trusted by hundreds of thousands everyday for fast, accurate and reliable tech support.

  • "The time we save is the biggest benefit of Experts Exchange to Warner Bros. What could take multiple guys 2 hours or more each to find is accessed in around 15 minutes on Experts Exchange." Mike Kapnisakis, Warner Bros.
  • "Our team likes having a resource that is more secure than just using Google and most experts using this service really know their stuff. It's nice to look here first versus using Google." Dayna Sellner, Lockheed Martin
  • "Anytime that I've been stumped with a problem, 9 out of 10 times Experts Exchange has either the accepted solution or an open discussion of the potential solution to the problem." Kenny Red, eBay Inc.

See what Experts Exchange can do for you.

Got a question?

We've got the answer.

Experts Exchange has been collecting answers to technology questions since 1996…3 million and counting! If you have a question, chances are we already have your answer.

Screenshot of Experts Exchange Knowledgebase

Need individual assistance?

Our experts are ready to help.

If you can't find the exact answer you're looking for, ask our exclusive community of 50,000 experts. You’ll get a personalized answer from a trusted professional.

Screenshot of Experts Exchange Knowledgebase

Want to learn from the best?

Read articles from industry experts.

Thousands of free tech tips, tricks, how-to’s and tutorials are available in our peer reviewed articles section. See for yourself how smart our experts are, no login required.

Screenshot of an Article

Working on a long term project?

Store your work and research.

Save solutions to your questions, answers you’ve discovered through searching plus helpful articles in your personal knowledgebase for easy future access.

Screenshot of Experts Exchange Knowledgebase

Access the answers to your technology questions today.

Subscribe Now

30-day free trial. Register in 60 seconds.

What Makes Experts Exchange Unique?

Members of the expert community talk about why the experience at Experts Exchange is different than what you will find anywhere else.

Trusted by the world's most respected brands.

image of each brand's logo

Faithfully serving IT professionals since 1996.

Experts Exchange Logo

Try it out and discover for yourself.

Subscribe Now

30-day free trial. Register in 60 seconds.

Related Solutions

  1. Webmail
    Where can I get a webmail server for the users in my server! if it is free .. will be better!! thanx
  2. Accessing Webmail directly
    Is there any code which shows how to access Webmail (eg; hotmail) inbox directly. Maybe using fpiette´s internet suite. I want to check my Webmail without opening it using Explorer.
  3. Focus() in Internet Explorer 5.0
    My script works fine in Netscape 4.7, focus() brings the new windows in front but it does not do so in Internet Explorer 5.01. How can I get around the problem or is there some other command or function which will work like focus()??? <script language="JavaScript&qu...
  4. Control Focus
    How do I set the focus of a system.web.ui.webcontrol.dropdownlist and a system.web.ui.webcontrol.textbox respectively?

Free Tech Articles

  1. WARNING: 5 Reasons why you should NEVER fix a computer for free.
    It is in our nature to love the puzzle. We are obsessed. The lot of us. We love puzzles. We love the challenge. We thrive on finding the answer. We hate disarray. It bothers us deep in our soul. W...
  2. SCCM OSD Basic troubleshooting
    SCCM 2007 OSD is a fantastic way to deploy operating systems, however, like most things SCCM issues can sometimes be difficult to resolve due to the sheer volume of logs to sift through and the dispe...
  3. Migrate Small Business Server 2003 to Exchange 2010 and Windows 2008 R2
    This guide is intended to provide step by step instructions on how to migrate from Small Business Server 2003 to Windows 2008 R2 with Exchange 2010. For this migration to work you will need the fo...
  4. Create a Win7 Gadget
    This article shows you how to create a simple "Gadget" -- a sort of mini-application supported by Windows 7 and Vista. Gadgets can be dropped anywhere on the desktop to provide instant information, ...
  5. Outlook continually prompting for username and password
    There have been a lot of questions recently regarding Outlook prompting for a username and password whilst using Exchange 2007. There are a few reasons why this would happen and I will try to cover t...
  6. Backup Exchange 2010 Information Store using Windows Backup
    There seems to be quite a lot of confusion around the ability to backup Exchange 2010 using the built in Windows Backup feature. This stems from the omission of this feature prior to Exchange 2007 s...

Cloud Class Webinars

  1. Avoiding Bugs in Microsoft Access
    Alison Balter takes and in-depth look at avoiding bugs in Access. In this webinar you will learn about using the immediate window to debug your applications, invoking the debugger, using breakpoints to troubleshoot, stepping through code, setting the next statement to execute, ...
  2. Top 10 Best New Features in Visio 2010
    Scott Helmers gives live demonstrations of the top 10 new features in Visio 2010. This webinar will teach you how to create compelling diagrams by adding shapes to the page with a single click, linking the shapes in a diagram to data in Excel (or SQL Server, or SharePoint), ...
  3. IT Consultant Business Secrets Revealed
    Michael Munger, Experts Exchange tech pro and IT consultant, pulls back the curtain on his very successful businesses and answers question on every IT consultant and business owner should know about. He shares secrets on what he did to solve the 5 most common problems in IT, ...
  4. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
    Quest CTO, Mike Billon, gives an overview of the steps involved in building a dunamic disaster recovery plan. Through case studies and an examination of software/hardware tooles for monitoring and testing, you'll gain a better understandin of where you are, where you want ...
  5. Organize Your Visio Diagrams with Containers and Lists
    Scott Helmers uses cross functional flowcharts, wireframe diagrams, data graphic legends and seating charts to teach you: how to ustilize all three new structured diagram components in Visio 2010, the best practices for organizeing shapes in previous version of Visio, how to organize ...
  6. How to Us Objects, Properties, Events and Methods in Microsoft Access
    Alison Dalter gives an in-depbth look at objects, properties, events and methods in Microsoft Access. In this webinar you will learn about using the object browser, referring to objects, working with properties and methods, working with object variables, understanding the ...

Join the Community

Give a Little. Get a Lot.

Join the community of experts here and help other tech pros by answering question in your area of expertise. You can earn FREE access to all Experts Exchange's premium features and resources.

Join the Community

Answers

 

by: eric888Posted on 2004-05-12 at 06:03:07ID: 11049416

what version of IE are you using (Help, About Internet Explorer)?  go to windowsupdate.microsoft.com and see if you need any critical updates.

do you use zone alarm or norton internet security?  disable ad blocking.  sometimes a popup killer will cause the first error.  see this old link:

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win98/t1029984766

not sure about the second one, but since it's script-related, it could have the same resolution.  if the disabling of the ad blocking works and you get more popups, i would check for spyware with:

spybot search and destroy (www.safer-networking.org)
cwshredder (http://www.spychecker.com/program/coolwebshredder.html)
adaware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download)
hijackthis (http://www.spychecker.com/program/hijackthis.html)

just to keep things a little cleaner

 

by: chipowskiPosted on 2004-05-12 at 06:13:11ID: 11049511

It's IE version 6.
I have norton internet security on here. I already had ad blocking disabled. Just tried enabling it and I get the same error.

No need to check for spyware !! I can guarantee that there's some on here.
Everytime I start the computer, I have BPS Spyware-Adware Remover start up and it ALWAYS finds over 100 infected files/registry/cookies and removes them - well it says it's removed them !

There are a couple of updates in the microsoft site. I will try them later on today cause the last time I did an update, it deleted a system file and wouldn't boot up afterwards. I had to get it looked at.

Could spyware be causing these script errors?

 

by: sunray_2003Posted on 2004-05-12 at 06:42:37ID: 11049792

Try doing this

Disable errors

go to tools --> internet options --> advanced and

a) check "disable script debugging"
b) uncheck "Disable a notification about every script error"

Post back

 

by: chipowskiPosted on 2004-05-12 at 07:46:20ID: 11050507

Thanks but I already have them set like that.
That's why I couldn't figure out why I was getting error messages.

I downloaded and ran spybot - top bit of kit that is, much better than the bps one - and got rid of all the spyware but am still getting the same errors with IE. I even rebooted just to make sure.

I'll try the update from microsoft.

 

by: sunray_2003Posted on 2004-05-12 at 07:48:43ID: 11050549

Some of the experts here have helped in compiling all the important spyware tools and they are listed in this thread
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Web/Browser_Issues/Q_20975384.html

My recommendation would be to start with spybot ,ad-ware ,CWshredder and post the log from Hijackthis

After installing them, First Update them and then run


a) Disable firewall and pop-up blocker temporarily

b) Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Internet Options.
Click the Advanced tab.
Under Browsing, clear the Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart) check box.
Restart Internet Explorer.

c) Clear all temp internet files, history and cookies

d) Make IE as your default browser

e) go to tools --> Internet options --> privacy and allow third party cookies .Donot block the cookies

f) Update IE with all the latest SPs and fixes

 

by: zapthedingbatPosted on 2004-05-12 at 09:26:23ID: 11051583

the script exception is being thrown because the script expects to find the 'window.external.tiscalibrowser' string object,  implamented by a Browser Helper Object(BHO) that tiscali distributes with the version of internet explorer on their installation CD.

One fix might be to install IE from a tiscalli CD.

Tiscali's mail page assumes that you are using the browser they distribute (and the BHO), i assume your not using the version of Internet explorer that tiscali gave you.

this is the script thats causing your pain taken from http://www.tiscali.co.uk/scripts/zone.js

// For 10.0
function IeCheck(){
      var agt=navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase();
      var nIE = (agt.indexOf("msie") != -1);
      return nIE;
};
function WinCheck(){
      var agt=navigator.userAgent.toLowerCase();
      var nWin   = ( (agt.indexOf("win")!=-1) || (agt.indexOf("16bit")!=-1) );
      return nWin;
};

var tiscali_browser;
function fnInit(){
      if (IeCheck()&&WinCheck()){
            tiscali_browser = window.external.tiscalibrowser;
            if ( tiscali_browser == "uk" ) {
                  document.write('<style type=text/css>.TisHeader {display : none;}</style>');
            }
      }
}

 

by: MASQUERAIDPosted on 2004-05-12 at 10:23:52ID: 11052086

@ Sunray - Great at last some "stickies" for topics like this - well done!

 

by: chipowskiPosted on 2004-05-12 at 11:12:37ID: 11052518

Thanks zapthedingbat but why might I be able to log in with no problem from any other pc. It is only my own pc that has this script error. I would not expect all other pc's especially work pc's like this one which is using IE 5.5 to have the tiscali version of IE.
Or am I barking up the wrong tree ?

 

by: warturtlePosted on 2004-05-12 at 13:21:36ID: 11053562

Hi,

This looks like a .dll file problem, try reinstalling Internet Explorer from one of the Computer Magazine CD's like - .NET magazine or something.

That should essentially solve the problem. Normally, script errors are usually because of system components not registered with the system, so they can't be used then. Moreover, .dll files are used to preserve the state of the different services, and if they aren't registered with the system, then the system can't save any settings and behaves unexpectedly.

Hope that helps :-)

Regards,

Warturtle

 

by: sunray_2003Posted on 2004-05-12 at 13:24:30ID: 11053588

masqueraid,

>>  Sunray - Great at last some "stickies" for topics like this - well done!

Thanks

 

by: zapthedingbatPosted on 2004-05-13 at 02:26:16ID: 11057406

I have asked Tiscali about this. in the mean time i sugest you upgrade to IE 6.0 and see how this affects the problem
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/critical/ie6sp1/default.asp

 

by: chipowskiPosted on 2004-05-13 at 03:04:27ID: 11057573

A mate of mine suggested that at the weekend so I'm up to date as far as that goes.
I tried it anyway and this is what I got back:

"Setup has detected a newer version of Internet Explorer already installed on this system"
"Setup cannot continue"

I've not tried the other updates from microsoft yet as this is my works laptop so if things go wrong on it, I'm stuck. I'll try them this evening.

 

by: zapthedingbatPosted on 2004-05-14 at 02:01:52ID: 11066424

well im sorry to tet you down chipowski, but it looks like stupidity has provailed over evil yet again. I have recived a response from Tiscali support... and I quote

------- Mail From: techadvice@uk.tiscali.com -------

Thank you for e-mailing us.

Regarding your query, to resolve this error, follow the steps below:

1. First, open Internet Explorer and click on the 'Tools' option.

2. Now, select 'Internet Options' from the menu list--the 'Internet Options' window will open.

3. Here, click on the 'Advanced' tab--the 'settings' pane will open.

4. Next, ensure that the options-'Disable script debugging' is checked and 'Display a notification about every script error' is unchecked.

Finally, click on 'Apply' and 'OK' to close the window.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further queries, by using the following URL:-

http://www.tiscali.co.uk/aboutus/contact/


Regards,
Michael Johnson
A member of the
Customer Care Team @ Tiscali

Enjoy your time online and let us do the rest!

--------------
Somtimes I wonder if its life is really worth living :)

 

by: chipowskiPosted on 2004-05-14 at 03:18:44ID: 11066743

damn their good !! why didn't any of us think of that one !
i still haven't tried all the microsoft updates - definately will today.

but if that doesn't work it looks like a trusty fdisk is on it's way !

 

by: rsdnPosted on 2004-05-14 at 23:34:08ID: 11074209

Hi:

If none of the above solutions solve your problem then I suggest you to download and nstall the latest version of internet explorer.

Besides, before install new version you can try in ernet explorer:

Tools>Internet options>Advanced>Restored Defaults

If still the problem exists then you better install the new version of ie.

rsdn



 

by: turn123Posted on 2004-05-20 at 12:39:34ID: 11120928

chipowski, Please respond to the comments from the Experts.
See:  http://www.experts-exchange.com/help.jsp#hi49 Thank you, turn123 (s)

 

by: chipowskiPosted on 2004-05-25 at 02:16:59ID: 11149962

Apologies for not responding earlier, but I have been on holiday. Just got back yesterday.

rsdn, I have the latest version of IE installed (6). Tools>Internet options>Advanced>Restored Defaults did nothing I'm afraid.

I've tried to remove IE this morning and reinstall it but the same problem exists, though I'm not certain I totally removed it in the first place. I went to add remove windows components and unchecked IE and it did seem to remove it.

Every now and again, and I don't know if this is significant, but I get pop ups from just starting IE (as well as the script error). MY home page is google so I wouldn't expect there to be any pop ups on this page ?? I'm sure there's some spyware on the pc but I've used removal tools, some of the ones mentioned above and they claimed to have removed the offending files and folders.
I have norton on the pc too so am fairly confident it's virus free.

I've just done a windows update - and installed all updates.
Still no luck.

 

by: chipowskiPosted on 2004-05-29 at 04:40:10ID: 11186637

Still no luck.
The laptop is going back to be wiped out and rebuilt so this will have to be an unresoved problem. Thanks to everyone for your help and suggestions.

 

by: schlogoPosted on 2004-06-27 at 05:38:17ID: 11409545

go to tools and internet options in advanced, check disable scipt debogger , should do the trick :)

20120131-EE-VQP-002

3 Ways to Join

30-Day Free Trial

The Experts

98% positive feedback on 31,087 answers since March 2000. angeliii is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional for his work with MS SQL Server & Develoment.

He has also proven his knowledge of Visual Basic Programming, PHP Scripting and Oracle Databases.

The Experts

97% positive feedback on 10,752 answers since July 2000. lrmoore has more than 18 years experience in the networking industry.

The six-time Mircosoft MVPs specialties include firewalls, virtual private networking, and network management.

Testimonials

"...and excellent source for support... Kind of like having your very own IT dept." Electriciansnet

Testimonials

"I was apprehensive at signing up at first. However... it has already made my life as an IT administrator much easier." JaCrews

Testimonials

"WOW! You guys have great, active, and knowledgeable people on here." moore50

Business Clients

Business Clients

In the Press

"If you’ve got a question... Experts Exchange can supply an answer.”

In the Press

"...an invaluable aid for both IT professionals and those who require tech support."

In the Press

"where IT professionals provide quick answers on just about any topic"

Business Account Plans

Loading Advertisement...