How to Clear Addresses Stuck in the Address Bar

You can clear addresses that become stuck using Internet Explorer and RegEdit.

The Internet Explorer browser that comes pre-loaded with Windows operating systems includes a feature that preserves a list of all the websites the user visits. This list is designed to make it easier for users to access familiar websites, and the list pops up the next time the user begins typing the website's URL into the address bar. The browser itself contains tools to help clear addresses, and any other addresses that appear to be stuck can be removed using the Registry Editor tool.

Instructions

Clearing Addresses from Internet Explorer

1. Open Internet Explorer and click the small arrow icon at the far right end of the browser's address bar. Use the mouse to highlight an entry, then click on the "X" icon next to the entry.

2. Click "Tools" at the top menu bar, and then select "Internet Options" from the menu. Under the "Browsing History" section, click the "Delete" button.

3. Click to select "History" and anything else you wish to delete. Click the "Delete" button to delete the items selected.

Clearing Addresses from the Registry

1. Click the "Start" button, type "regedit" into the Start Search box and then press the "Enter" key.

2. Double-click the "HKEY_CURRENT_USER" folder, then double-click the "Software" folder that appears underneath. Double-click the "Microsoft" folder that appears underneath the "Software" folder. Double-click the "Internet Explorer" folder that appears underneath the "Microsoft" folder.

3. Click to select the "Typed URLs" folder that appears underneath the "Internet Explorer folder. Click on any of the registry keys inside the "Typed URLs" folder to view more information about the key. Right-click on any registry keys that contain the URLs of the addresses stuck in the address bar and delete them.

References

• WorldStart: Clear Internet Explorer Drop-Down Address Bar
• Software Tips and Tricks: Remove History in Internet Explorer Address Bar