Intermittent internet connection problem in IE8

I have a problem where I open up a new tab, or click a link in an existing tab and IE just sits there either saying 'Waiting for *blah*' or does nothing with the spinning blue ring. I've waited forever to see if a connection is made, but it never happens. I can open 6 or so tabs all with Google, but only 2 or 3 will actually bring up the page. I have followed other suggestions eg. disabling addons, virus software etc with no luck. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme nor reason to it.
And, by the way, Google Chrome works perfectly, so is obviously an IE problem.

IE v8.0.7100 64bit AND 32bit do the same.

Any suggestions????

I have been having this issue at random occasions on all builds - it also seems to affect other users on my machine more than me. I have even had to install an alternative browser because it is such a pain at times. I have found that using Safari that the issue does not replicate itself at all.

IE 8.7127 presently.

Yes, I have no similar issues using Google Chrome on Windows 7. On my Vista Ultimate install (x86) with IE v8.0.6001.18783 I have not been able to replicate the problem.

OMG this is happening to me too! Ever since I upgraded from Vista Enterprise x64 to Windows 7 Enterprise x64 I've had this annoying issue with IE8. It even affects links I open from other programs, say Outlook.

I do not have this problem with my work system though and it was an upgrade too. I would bet I have something on my system that is causing it but I have no idea what to look for.

I have since had the same issues in Vista X86 Ultimate with IE8 v8.0.6001.18813
It was annoying me too much, so I just use Google Chrome now.

You wouldn't happen to be using AVG antivirus would you? When I upgraded to Windows 7, I also installed AVG for the first time. I'm wondering if it's AVG, not IE8.

The reason I wonder this is because AVG installs the browser toolbar that scans webpages on the fly. I'm wondering if that's dorking something up. I disabled the AVG add-in in IE8 and so far I haven't had the issue return but it's possible not enough time has passed.

Yes, I am using AVG, but as per the original post, have disabled add-ons and virus software. I might try uninstalling AVG and see if it makes a difference.

Yes I would suggest doing that. When I was in the process of disabling I was prompted for all kinds of "additional actions" that I was unsure of. I would bet AVG is still enabled somewhere so uninstalling may be best bet.. if not for testing only. Let us know your findings.

I have uninstalled AVG on my Vista x86 system and it seems the problem has disappeared. I opened 30 tabs with google and they all connected. Will do a little more testing and uninstall AVG from my Win7 system and see if I get the same results.

FYI.. I still have not had the issue since disabling AVG for IE. Several days now.