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Tips for solving problems with Internet Explorer

If you can open Internet Explorer but can't get to sites on the Internet, or you find that web browsing is very slow, you should first make sure that you have a good connection to the Internet. If your Internet connection is good but Internet Explorer is still having problems, try the following:

 Disable all add-ons

Web browser add-ons add features (for example, extra toolbars, animated mouse pointers, stock tickers, and pop-up ad blockers) to your web browser. While browser add-ons can enhance your online experience, they can occasionally interfere or conflict with other software on your computer. Try starting Internet Explorer without add-ons to see if the problem goes away. Here's how:

• Click the Start button , click All Programs, click Accessories, click System Tools, and then click Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).

If disabling all add-ons solves the problem, you might want to use Manage Add-ons to disable all add-ons and then turn on add-ons only as you need them. This will allow you to figure out which add-on is causing the problem.

To open Manage Add-ons

1. Click to open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Tools button, and then click Manage Add-ons.

 Reset Internet Explorer settings

If disabling add-ons doesn't solve the problem, try resetting Internet Explorer back to its default settings. This removes all changes that have been made to Internet Explorer since it was installed, but it doesn't delete your favorites or feeds.

1. Close all Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer windows.
2. Click to open Internet Explorer.
3. Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
4. Click the Advanced tab, and then click Reset.
5. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box, click Reset.
6. When you are done, click Close, and then click OK.
7. Close Internet Explorer and reopen it for the changes to take effect.

 Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool

Malicious software and viruses can often cause Internet Explorer to slow down or stop working.

If you are able to access the Internet, go to the Microsoft website to download the Malicious Software Removal Tool, which you can use to check your computer for viruses and malicious software.

 Update Internet Explorer

Running Windows Update can often correct problems by replacing out-of-date files and fixing vulnerabilities.

1. Click to open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the Safety button, and then click Windows Update.
3. Follow the instructions on the Windows Update page.

Note

• If you can't open Internet Explorer or if it opens briefly and then closes, the problem might be caused by low memory, or corrupted or missing system files. Restart your computer to clear the memory and then open Internet Explorer by itself.

 If you still can't get Internet Explorer working

Sometimes the problem can't be solved without a little additional help. Here are some resources you can check out if you've tried everything else without success.

• Internet Explorer FAQ and Support page
• Internet Explorer Solution Center
• Internet Explorer discussion groups