How to Manage Internet Explorer Add Ons

Add-ons for web browsers are meant to provide an easier web browsing interface. Search engine tool bars and pop-up blockers are two of the most common types of add-ons. Occasionally, add-ons are installed on your computer without your knowledge. Manage add-ons in Internet Explorer to adjust add-on settings or to remove unwanted add-ons.

Instructions

1. Open the Manage Add-ons dialog box. Select "Manage Add-ons" from the Tools menu in Internet Explorer.

2. Select "Add-ons that have been used by Internet Explorer" in the Show box to view disabled add-ons. The other option is "Add-ons currently loaded in Internet Explorer" which lists enabled add-ons.

3. Click on the name of the add-on you want to manage to activate the available options for the add-on. Available options include the Enable and Disable settings and the Update Add-on tool.

4. Change the settings for the selected add-on and press "OK."

5. Close all open Internet Explorer windows for the changes to take effect. Restart Internet Explorer to verify that your settings have changed.

Tips & Warnings

• Internet Explorer version 7 does not display the menu bar by default. Click on the Tools button and select "Menu Bar" to display the menu bar and have access to the Tools menu.

• Use the update tool for an add-on to search online for updated or more stable versions of the installed add-on.

• Disable all add-ons listed with which you are unfamiliar. Some add-ons increase the amount of pop-ups you receive, track your online browsing and even install viruses on your computer.