IE 7 Has encountered a Problem

Windows XP Home SP2 / Internet Explorer 7
I have been getting this message frequently IE 7 Has encountered a Problem and must shut down. There is also a send or don't send message. I have clicked both on different occasions. When I do that IE7 closes and my desktop icons all disappear and then come back most of the time. This happens when I open up files or something in my documents. Sometimes IE 7 is open and sometimes it is closed.
In talking with various people I understand there might be a corrupt file. I was also told there is a free small program to run in order to fix this but after searching I cannot find anything.
Can you please advise how I can fix this issue.
Thanks in advance.

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