Why Does My Internet Explorer Stop Working?
Internet Explorer, once the dominant web browser, has faced its fair share of issues over the years. One common problem that many users encounter is when their Internet Explorer suddenly stops working. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the browser for daily tasks. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this issue and provide solutions to help you get your Internet Explorer up and running again.
1. Outdated Software
One of the most common reasons for Internet Explorer to stop working is outdated software. Microsoft has been phasing out Internet Explorer, and newer versions of Windows no longer include it as the default browser. If you are using an older version of Internet Explorer, it may no longer be compatible with your operating system or other software on your computer. To resolve this, consider updating to a newer web browser like Microsoft Edge or Chrome.
2. Browser Cache and Cookies
Over time, your browser cache and cookies can accumulate and cause Internet Explorer to malfunction. Clearing these temporary files can help resolve the issue. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer and click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to access the settings menu.
2. Select “Internet Options” from the menu.
3. Go to the “General” tab and click on “Delete” under the “Browsing history” section.
4. Check the boxes for “Cookies and website data” and “Temporary Internet files and website files.”
5. Click “Delete” and then “OK” to confirm the action.
3. Conflicting Software
Sometimes, other software installed on your computer can interfere with Internet Explorer, causing it to stop working. This can include antivirus programs, firewall software, or even other web browsers. To identify the conflicting software, you can try the following steps:
1. Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall software to see if it resolves the issue.
2. Uninstall any recently installed web browsers or browser extensions to rule out compatibility issues.
3. Perform a clean boot to start your computer with only essential services and programs. This can help identify if a third-party application is causing the problem.
4. Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can also lead to Internet Explorer crashing or not working. To fix this, you can run the System File Checker tool, which scans and repairs corrupted system files. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the “Windows” key and type “cmd” in the search bar.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
3. In the command prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions provided by the tool.
5. Reinstall Internet Explorer
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to reinstall Internet Explorer. Before doing so, ensure that you have the installation files or a recovery disk. Here’s how to reinstall Internet Explorer:
1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Programs” > “Programs and Features.”
2. Select “Internet Explorer” from the list of installed programs.
3. Click “Uninstall” and follow the prompts to remove the browser.
4. Restart your computer and download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website.
5. Follow the installation instructions to reinstall the browser.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of your Internet Explorer stopping working. If the problem persists, it may be worth seeking professional assistance to diagnose and fix the underlying cause.
