How to Solve Internet Explorer Problems
Internet Explorer is one of several popular Web browsing programs you can use to search for and view Internet content. As with any software program, users may experience problems while attempting to use Internet Explorer. These problems may prevent Internet Explorer from working properly---or even from opening at all. While you can always download and use another Web browser, you may be a fan of Internet Explorer and want or need to keep using the program. There are several things you can attempt to solve Internet Explorer problems.
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Instructions
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Delete the browsing history. Open Internet Explorer and then click on the "Safety" option located at the top of the browser. Choose "Delete Browsing History." When you do, a window will open and you will notice numerous options in that window. Select the bottom six options, and the top if you would like Internet Explorer to retain cookies and other data for your Favorites (bookmarked sites). Click "Delete."
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Disable Add-ons. Open Internet Explorer. Click "Tools." Choose "Manage Add-ons." A window will appear. Highlight the "Toolbars and Extensions" option on the left side of that window. Then, scroll through each of the add-ons that are listed in the center of the window. Highlight any add-ons that have a status of "Enabled." Then, click "Disable" at the very bottom of the window. Do this for every add-on that is enabled. Once Internet Explorer is working properly again, you may selectively re-enable the add-ons, one at a time, making sure that the program still works before enabling another.
If Internet Explorer won't even start, try invoking "Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)." You'll find a shortcut by clicking "Start," then "All Programs," "Accessories," System Tools." Clicking "Internet Explorer (No Add-ons) will start Internet Explorer with all add-ons and ActiveX controls disabled.
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Restore Internet Explorer settings to their defaults. Open Internet Explorer and click "Tools" again. This time, select "Internet Options." A window will open. Choose the "Advanced" tab in the top right portion of that window. Click the "Reset" button located near the bottom of the window. A smaller window will open, asking you to confirm the Reset. Click "Reset" in this window.
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Run scans for viruses and other malware infections. Malware can cause several problems in Internet Explorer, such as slow page loads or application crashes. There are numerous programs you can use to scan your computer for these infections and you can find a link to download some of these programs in the Resources section.
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Tips & Warnings
These steps are specifically for Internet Explorer 8 and may not work on any other version.
