Get on a computer where you can download IE8 (you could probably use Firefox on your computer) from here
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=43 and install IE8. I haven't had any problems with it, maybe that's because I have the latest maintenance for it. Once you get it installed, you should download and install all the recommended Windows updates (but not the optional ones).
I guess you know that MS is going to pull the plug on XP at the end of this year, so if you plan to stay with it, you'd better get it up to speed while you can. Since new software isn't likely to support XP starting next year, I'd make plans to upgrade to Windows 7 if you can.
Good luck.
XP Pro SP3, Firefox (up-to-date); Avast (up-to-date); Internet Explorer 6 (not up-to-date)
I have been having trouble for quite some time, at boot, in that I have been getting the blue screen of death - the code is: Driver_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. Also, most days, the computer will not boot. (A number of years ago, I had a severe problem when a paid anti-virus program was updating, a trojan took a ride and wiped out over 7000 parts of the Operating System. Microsoft was very kind and provided a repair disk but, the person who installed all the new info took it upon himself to change the boot priority to disc. I have not been able to find anyone, here or other forums, who is able/willing to tell me how to change the priority. All I got was a tutorial on BIOS - I don't care about that; just give me the facts!)
I have run the CHKDSK program - I have not seen any results so, no new is good news??
There was another program that I had run, but cannot remember its name.
I have contacted the manufacturer for the external hard drive - they have tried to help - but, unless I have .NET Fx 4 (which I don't need because I have a combo pack - I cannot run the program it suggests.)
Question 1: does IE6 have a driver? If so, where do I find a driver update?????
Question 2: Where do I find updates for IE6??? (I cannot access Microsoft, unless and until I have IE7 or IE8, so I cannot ask any question of Microsoft, on any subject.)
Question 3: If I cannot get updates for IE6, which is better/best: IE7 or IE8? (I have seen too many mentions of horrible problems with IE8.)
I am worn out trying to find information, run programs, etc. All I know is what I have learned on my own, by doing.
Is there anyone out there who might be able to help - please do not use computer language. Just laundry-list the specific instructions.
Many thanks.

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic