How to Revert Back to Internet Explorer 7

Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) allows you to browse the Internet. Internet Explorer 8 is IE7's successor. Occasionally, you may run into compatibility errors between your updated browser and add-ons such as toolbars or download managers. If you are experiencing frequent Internet Explorer 8 problems that you cannot solve, you can uninstall the browser quickly and safely using the Windows uninstaller. This automatically reverts your browser to IE7.

Instructions

Windows 7

1. Click the Windows "Start" menu and click the "Control Panel." Click the "Uninstall a Program" option under the "Programs" link.

2. Click the "Turn Windows features on or off" option in the tasks pane. Clear the checkbox next to Internet Explorer 8. When prompted, click "Yes" to uninstall Internet Explorer 8. When the process completes, Internet Explorer automatically reverts to Internet Explorer 7. When prompted, restart your computer.

3. Launch Internet Explorer and click the "Help" menu on the top of your browser window. Click "About Internet Explorer." A new window opens. You should see "Internet Explorer 7."

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

1. Close all open programs. Click the Windows "Start" menu and click the "Control Panel."

2. Click the "Uninstall a Program" option under the "Programs" category and click the "View installed updates" checkbox. Double-click "Internet Explorer 8" and click "Yes" in the "Uninstall an update" dialog box. If prompted, type your administrator password and click "OK." Follow the guided prompts to complete the uninstallation. When prompted, restart your computer.

3. Launch Internet Explorer and click the "Help" menu on the top of your browser window. Click "About Internet Explorer." A new window opens. You should see "Internet Explorer 7."

Windows XP

1. Close all open programs. Click the Windows "Start" menu and click the "Control Panel."

2. Double-click "Add or Remove Programs." A new window opens. Click the "Show updates" checkbox on the top. Scroll down the window and click "Internet Explorer 8." Click "Change/Remove." When prompted, confirm and complete the uninstallation. When prompted, restart your computer.

3. Launch Internet Explorer and click the "Help" menu on the top of your browser window. Click "About Internet Explorer." A new window opens. You should see "Internet Explorer 7."

References

• Microsoft Support: How do I uninstall or remove Internet Explorer 8?