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Step 1
Disable Internet Explorer add-ons. You might think you have never added anything on to IE, but if you have ever clicked a button or bar allowing "ActiveX Controls," an add-on may have been installed. These programs are not typically harmful, but could be damaged and cause Internet Explorer to be problematic. Right-click the Internet Explorer desktop icon. Click "Start Without Add-ons."
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Step 2
Use the "Add-on Manager" to enable add-ons only as needed if the first step seems to repair the issue. This will help determine which add-on is damaged. Open Internet Explorer and go to the "Tools" menu. Point to "Manage Add-ons" and then select "Enable or Disable Add-ons." Disable all add-ons and only enable them if prompted.
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Step 3
Reset default settings in Internet Explorer. Start Internet Explorer and select "Internet Options" from the "Tools" menu. Go to the "Advanced" tab and click the "Reset" button. Click "Reset" again. Close Internet Explorer completely. Start it again to see if it is working properly.
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Step 4
Check for Internet Explorer updates, which may contain patches or fixes for known issues. Click "Start" and type in "Windows Update." Press "Enter." The Windows Update box will open, notifying you of any available updates. If there are updates available, install them and restart the computer.
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Step 5
Restore the computer to an earlier day or time when Internet Explorer was working properly. Click the "Start" button and type in "System Restore." Press "Enter." The System Restore application will open. Click "Choose a Different Restore Point" and then click "Next." Select a time when you know it was functioning well and click "Next." After the application is complete and the computer restarts, it will be restored to the earlier settings.
