“SYMPTOMS
When you click a shortcut to a Web site, such as the Windows Catalog shortcut, your Web browser may display a blank page instead of connecting to the Web site in question.

Note This issue occurs most frequently with the Windows Catalog shortcut, although it may also occur with other Web-site shortcuts. To locate the Windows Catalog shortcut, click Start, and then point to All Programs.
CAUSE
This issue occurs only if hyper-threading functionality is enabled on your system. Additionally, if Microsoft Internet Explorer is already running, this issue does not occur.
RESOLUTION
A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, Microsoft recommends that you wait for the next Microsoft Windows XP service pack that contains this hotfix.”