How can I fix internet explorer has stopped working?
Internet Explorer is one of the oldest and most widely used web browsers, but like any software, it can encounter issues from time to time. One of the most common problems users face is the “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error message. This error can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task. But don’t worry; there are several ways to fix this issue. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective solutions to help you get Internet Explorer up and running again.
1. Run the Internet Explorer Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides a built-in troubleshooter that can help diagnose and fix common issues with Internet Explorer. To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Select “Internet options.”
4. Go to the “Advanced” tab.
5. Click on the “Reset” button under the Reset Internet Explorer settings section.
6. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm your choice. Click “Reset.”
7. The troubleshooter will automatically reset your Internet Explorer settings to their default values. Once the process is complete, restart your browser and check if the issue persists.
2. Update Internet Explorer
Sometimes, the problem may be caused by outdated software. Make sure you have the latest version of Internet Explorer installed. To update Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Select “About Internet Explorer.”
4. The browser will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
5. Restart your browser and see if the issue is resolved.
3. Disable Add-ons
Add-ons, such as toolbars and extensions, can sometimes interfere with the proper functioning of Internet Explorer. To disable add-ons, follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Select “Manage add-ons.”
4. In the “Manage add-ons” window, click on “Toolbars and Extensions” in the left pane.
5. Disable any suspicious or recently installed add-ons.
6. Restart your browser and check if the issue is resolved.
4. Clean Boot
A clean boot is a process that starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the issue. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab.
4. Check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
5. Click on “Disable all.”
6. Go to the “Startup” tab.
7. Click on “Open Task Manager.”
8. In the Task Manager window, disable all startup items.
9. Close Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
10. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Internet Explorer
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Internet Explorer. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter.
3. In the Programs and Features window, find Internet Explorer in the list of installed programs.
4. Right-click on Internet Explorer and select “Uninstall.”
5. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation process.
6. Restart your computer.
7. Download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the official Microsoft website.
8. Install the browser and restart your computer.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error and get your browser up and running again. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or a professional technician.
