Are you using this forum's pic upload function or are you using a photo-sharing site with links like PhotoBucket??
I use PhotoBucket and keep both windows open, photobucket and this site. Then I just switch back and forth for multiple pics..
A lot of people use this same method or variations of it. I got frustrated with some site's photo upload size limits, so have used PhotoBucket.
PhotoBucket is free. I quit using Internet Explorer when it started to get squirrelly due to XP not being supported and some sites just don't "like" IE. I think Google is into EVERYTHING, so I use FireFox. Haven't had any problems.
I use Avast Free virus protection and have my security settings a little high, think Windows has a firewall going.....plus I am on my own network/router. I use Malwarebytes to scan also, it's good.
You can use GoogleEarth online, too. Don't need it installed but don't see why you won't be able to reinstall it once your problems are sorted out. Good Luck!