When internet explorer has stopped working, it can be a frustrating experience for users who rely on this web browser for their daily online activities. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as outdated software, conflicting applications, or even hardware problems. In this article, we will explore the common causes of this problem and provide you with practical solutions to fix it.
One of the primary reasons for internet explorer to stop working is outdated software. As technology advances, new updates and security patches are released to address vulnerabilities and improve performance. If you haven’t updated your internet explorer, it may encounter compatibility issues with modern websites and applications. To resolve this, you can visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest version of internet explorer. Simply follow the instructions provided to install the update and restart your browser.
Another common cause of internet explorer crashing is conflicting applications. Some third-party software or extensions may interfere with the browser’s operation, leading to frequent crashes or unexpected errors. To identify and resolve this issue, you can try the following steps:
- Temporarily disable or uninstall any recently installed applications or extensions that you suspect may be causing the problem.
- Open internet explorer in safe mode by pressing the “Windows” key + “R”, typing “iexplore.exe -nohome”, and pressing “Enter”. This will launch internet explorer with minimal extensions and add-ons, helping you determine if a specific extension is causing the issue.
- If the browser works fine in safe mode, enable one extension at a time and test if the problem persists. This will help you identify the problematic extension and remove it.
In some cases, internet explorer may stop working due to hardware problems, such as faulty memory modules or a corrupted hard drive. To rule out hardware issues, you can try the following steps:
- Check your computer’s hardware components for any signs of damage or malfunction.
- Perform a memory diagnostic test to identify any issues with your computer’s RAM. You can do this by accessing the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool from the Control Panel or by searching for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in the Start menu.
- Run a disk check to scan your hard drive for errors. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “chkdsk /f” (without quotes) to fix any found errors.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of internet explorer stopping working. However, if the problem persists, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance from a computer technician.
