IE7 Problems With XP

Fix IE7 issues with Windows XP so you can use it again.

Internet Explorer (IE) problems can occur on some Windows XP machines due to the SP3 Windows update, third party add-ons or corrupt files in the Internet Explorer 7 program.

Udate Issues

Although Windows Service Pack 3 solves many known Windows XP issues, in some cases it causes Internet Explorer 7 to freeze. The solution is to uninstall the service pack update and then uninstall Internet Explorer 7, which will leave you with IE6 again. Once both programs are uninstalled Service Pack 3 should be re-installed, followed by re-installing Internet Explorer 7. This should stop the IE7 freezing issues.

Add-ons

Some third party programs are meant to enhance the IE7 experience but are incompatible with Windows XP and can cause the IE7 to crash. Resolve the problem by going to "Tools" and then choose "Manage Add-ons." Select "Enable or Disable Add-ons" from the list of options and disable add-ons causing you problems.

Corrupt Files

Fix IE7 corrupt files automatically by opening the Internet Explorer window and selecting the "Tools" option. Click "Internet Options" from the list of options that appears and select "Advanced Options." Click "Reset" to have Internet Explorer reset its files; this should replace or reset any corrupt files causing you problems.

References

• MSDN Internet Explorer Blog: IE and Windows XP SP3
• Microsoft: Microsoft IE may exit when add-ons are included
• Microsoft: How to Reinstall or Repair IE7