Delayed Response When Editing Internet Explorer Forms and Outlook Express May Take a Long Time to Start (251787)

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you type information in a form in Internet Explorer, there may be a delay or hesitation before the insertion point appears in a text box and the text that you type is displayed. There may also be a long delay or hesitation when you move the insertion point from one box to another (the delay may be from 5 to 20 seconds).

In addition, Microsoft Outlook Express may take a long time to start.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur for any of the following reasons:

The AutoComplete history may be corrupted.
The Pstores.exe and associated .dll files may be corrupted or their versions may be incorrect.
The ProtectedStorage registry key may have incorrect parameters.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this behavior, use the appropriate method.

Clear Forms and Passwords Information in the AutoComplete History

To clear forms and passwords information in the AutoComplete settings in Internet Explorer:

Start Internet Explorer.
On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
On the Content tab, click AutoComplete.
Click Clear Forms, click Clear Passwords, and then click OK.

Export and Delete the ProtectedStorage Value

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

Export and then delete the ProtectedStorage key from the following:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Click Start, point to Programs, and then click MS-DOS Prompt.
Type the following command:
c:\windows\system\pstores.exe -install
This command replaces the correct ProtectedStorage registry key.
Quit all programs and restart the computer.