Internet explorer freezes in conjunction with Windows Live Messenger?

I'm experiencing random stalls when using ineternet explorer. They seem to occur in conjunction with Windows Live Messenger (the new style MSN), although they dont seem to occur just when signed in, but at all times, even when im not signed in.

The only cure i've found (other than waiting several minutes for a single page to load) is to:

Close concerned internet explorer page,

sign in or out of messenger, or start/close the program in the first place,

reopen internet explorer, and the problem appears to have been solved (until it re-occurs every half hour or so)

My question is then: Is this a common problem? and has anyone found a fix for it?

If its any help to answering:

I run Windows XP pro, on a modern packard bell, with a 2meg. NTL broadband connection. It's all virus/malware free. I'm not using the brand new version of messenger due to validation problems with downloading it.

Thanks in advance

Internet explorer freezes in conjunction with Windows Live Messenger?replacement windows

I can't think what the direct problem is.I would recommend trying Firefox browser which is faster, and more customisable than IE and free!

http://freefirefoxsoftware.blogspot.com

Ps,Try going to windows updates to see if there are any updates first to see if that helps.