IE not functioning properly with favourites

A long short - but a simple test:
Temporarily turn off the Command Bar.
Does IE still crash as shown?


Second test:
Close IE
Delete the desktop.ini file from C:\Users\username\Favorites\Links
Keep it in the Recycle bin for the test.
Open IE and test for the crash.
If IE crashes, restore the INI file or just leave it deleted.


Third test:
Most favorites are just text files with a hidden extension of ".URL". A special character in the file name or inside of the file might cause the crash. Also, any other type of file could go in that Favorites bar (Links) folder. e.g. an exe, or a shortcut to an exe.

Look at C:\Users\username\Favorites\Links using Explorer's Details view.
Scan thru the column named Type.
(If need be, add that column to the view.)
You should see "Internet Shortcut" for most files.
See anything odd?


Forth tests:
If you have a lot of shortcut files, then use half-splitting.
Make IE as narrow as possible.
(this should make all favorites shortcuts go into the hidden menu)
Test for crash. If it crashes, then use these steps:

Close IE
Use explorer to open C:\Users\username\Favorites\Links
Cut half of the shortcut files.
Paste them into a safe place.
Open IE
Make IE as narrow as possible.
Test for crash.

If it does not crash:
Close IE
Cut the other half of the shortcut files.
Paste them into a safe place.
Return the first half of the shortcut files to the Links folder.
Open IE
Make IE as narrow as possible.
Test for crash.

Hopefully, you see where that half splitting is going.

Glad that it worked.

Now you have more favorites showing on the Favorites bar. One of newly unhidden favorites could be the trouble maker. Narrowing IE's window (to mimic the favorites in your screenshot) might bring the crash issue back :-(