How to Fix Microsoft Internet Explorer Not Responding

Microsoft Internet Explorer is the default web browser included in all copies of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Internet Explorer is one of the most widely used Internet browsers and is capable of displaying all standards-compliant websites and web applications. Sometimes, the Internet Explorer software locks up or freezes and does not respond to the user's commands. Learn how to fix Microsoft Internet Explorer when it is not responding to return to surfing the web.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" menu button in the lower-right corner of your computer screen. Click "Run" and type "msconfig" in the search field. A dialog box will appear that lists all software programs enabled to run when you turn on your computer. Disable all of the programs except for essential services such as your anti-virus software and firewall. Restart your PC.

2. Hold down "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" on your keyboard simultaneously. This will activate the Windows Task Manager. Select "iexplorer.exe" in the list of running programs and click "End Task." Continue to Step 3 if that does not close the Internet Explorer browser.

3. Click the "Start" menu button. Select "Settings," then click "Control Panel."

4. Click "Add/Remove Programs." Double-click the Microsoft Internet Explorer icon and select "Internet Tools." Click "Repair Internet Explorer" and press "OK." Microsoft Windows will scan your copy of Internet Explorer for errors or bugs and fix them.

5. Open "My Computer," accessible on your PC desktop or in the "Start" menu. Right-click on your "C: Drive" and select "Defragment." Occasionally, your hard drive might misplace program data, which results in software freezing or not responding. Repeat the defragment process with the "D: Drive" and any other hard drive partitions.

6. Click the "Start" menu button and select "Restart" to reboot your computer and apply the changes made in Step 4.

7. Return to browsing the web with Internet Explorer.

Tips & Warnings

• Constant problems with software not responding may point to a bigger problem, such as a computer virus.