Internet Explorer freezes before fully opening

I purchased Norton AntiVirus 2010 twelve days ago.  Since then, when I click on a URL link in an email, Internet Explorer starts to open, and then freezes.  Also, when I double click the Internet Explorer icon, about half the time, Internet Explorer freezes before opening.

 

I was not sure that this problem is related to Norton AntiVirus, so I went into the Control Panel, then Add/Remove Programs, and I repaired Microsoft Office 2000 Professional.  When that didn't solve the problem, I went back in and reinstalled Microsoft Office 2000 Professional.  That didn't solve it either.  So now I am wondering if the problem is related to my recent installation of Norton AntiVirus 2010.  I have rebooted many times, to no avail.

 

How can I fix this problem?