more info: IE throws an js error when i wrap a <form></form> around. i assume IE cannot refer to certain elements in this situation, e.g. 'chat_targetusers'. placing everything without form works fine.

since i need to use certain serverside control(s) on the same page, i need to find a workaround for this js issue.

i assume further that i need to fix the object reference within CH_Skin.js.aspx to get it work correctly with IE & my form. i tried replacing for example:
<code>... for(var i=chat_targetusers[OxO710b[0xc7]][OxO710b[0x3]]-0x1;i>0x0 ...</code>
with
<code>... for(var i=document.getElementById("chat_targetusers")[OxO710b[0xc7]][OxO710b[0x3]]-0x1 ... </code>
which does not help though.