Reinstalling Internet Explorer in Windows Vista

Windows Vista has a reputation for difficult user encounters since it is not what most people are familiar using. Uninstalling and re-installing Internet Explorer 8 seems to be a special point of contention. It really isn't as difficult to do as it might seem at first glance, thanks to a few easy steps.

Instructions

1. Uninstall and then re-install the browser after downloading an alternative browser like Firefox. Firefox will allow the downloading of the new installation Internet Explorer after the original uninstallation of Internet Explorer. Uninstall the old Internet Explorer by selecting the "Start Menu," then "Control Panel." Choose the icon that says "Programs and Features." In the left column, which is blue and green by default, click on "View installed updates." Click to highlight the version of Windows Internet Explorer 8. Click on "Uninstall a program" found at the top left corner just below "Tasks." Restart the computer.

2. Open the Firefox (or other) browser. Go to the Internet Explorer homepage (see "Additional Resources," below) using the alternative browser. Click on "Download Now."

3. Select the country and the operating system being used. For Vista, there will be two options: Windows Vista 64-bit and plain Windows Vista, which is normally 32-bit. To find out which one you should select, click on "Start," "Control Panel," then "System." If the system displays a 32-bit operating system, then select the plain Windows Vista option. If using a 64-bit system is indicated, select the 64-bit option. To save time, in the "Additional Resources" section at the end of this article, direct links are provided where you can click on either "32-bit Internet Explorer 8 Download" or "64-bit Internet Explorer 8 Download."

4. Select the connection type for the estimated download time of the new Internet Explorer Browser. Choose the language preference based on the user(s). Click "Download."

5. Restart the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If Internet Explorer 8 is not on the computer, upgrade. This tutorial applies to the Vista computer with Internet Explorer 8 on it. The process is a bit different for removing Internet Explorer 7. According to Microsoft's tech support, remove it by clicking "Start," and then in the "Start Search" box type "appwiz.cpl" and hit "Enter." Look for "Windows Internet Explorer 7" and click it. "Uninstall/Change" should appear on the bar next to "Views." Click it. Restart your computer. If this does not uninstall Internet Explorer, some users are successful removing internet explorer 7 by installing Internet Explorer 8 over it and then uninstalling the new upgraded version.

• Make sure to have an alternative browser to use at all times in case one browser becomes unstable.

Resources

• 32-bit Internet Explorer 8 Download
• 64-bit Internet Explorer 8 Download
• Internet Explorer 8 Homepage
• Internet Explorer 7 Removal