How to Restore Internet Explorer Default Settings

The Internet Explorer Web browser lets you customize you settings and install add-ons to personalize your copy of Internet Explorer. Personalizing is a good thing in most cases, but it may also lead to problems. If Internet Explorer slows down while browsing, takes a long time to launch or displays error messages, then it may be necessary to restore it to the default settings. This is referred to as resetting, and provides a clean copy of Internet Explorer to browse and customize.

Instructions

1. Open the Start menu and type "inetcpl.cpl" in the search field and press "Enter." In Windows XP click the "Run" option of the Start menu, type "inetcpl.cpl" and press "Enter."

2. Click on the "Advanced" tab of the window that appears. Click the "Reset" button in the "Reset Internet Explorer settings" section. Click "Reset" again to confirm your choice.

3. Wait for the process to finish. Click "Close." Internet Explorer has been reset to its default settings.

Tips & Warnings

• The menu bar may be in a different location on the internet explorer page.

• You can also go to Internet options in the control panel.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Reset Internet Explorer Settings