Tips for solving problems with Internet Explorer

Disable all add-ons

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 Add-on Manager 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.

In Internet Explorer 8, you can disable toolbars by clicking the X on the side of the toolbar. If there are any add-ons associated with the toolbar, a dialog box will be displayed where you can keep or disable the additional add-ons. For more information about add-ons, see Internet Explorer add-ons: frequently asked questions.

To open Add-on Manager

1. Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking 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 does not delete your favorites or feeds.)

1.	Close all Internet Explorer or Windows Explorer windows.
2.	Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Internet Explorer.
3.	Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
4.	Click the Advanced tab, and then click Reset.
5.	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.

For more information on what resetting Internet Explorer settings does:

For Internet Explorer 8, see Reset Internet Explorer 8 settings.

For Internet Explorer 7, see Reset Internet Explorer settings.

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Running Windows Update can often correct problems by replacing out-of-date files and fixing vulnerabilities.

Open Internet Explorer by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Internet Explorer.

Do one of the following: • In Internet Explorer 8, click the Safety button, and then click Windows Update. • In Internet Explorer 7, click the Tools button and then click Windows Update

Follow the instructions on the Windows Update page.

NoteIf you cannot 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.