How to Repair “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working”
If you’re encountering the frustrating message “Internet Explorer has stopped working” on your Windows computer, you’re not alone. This common issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including outdated software, incompatible add-ons, or corrupted system files. In this article, we’ll guide you through several effective methods to repair the problem and get your Internet Explorer up and running smoothly again.
Method 1: Run the Internet Explorer Troubleshooter
The first step in repairing “Internet Explorer has stopped working” is to use the built-in troubleshooter. This tool can help identify and fix common issues with Internet Explorer.
1. Click the Start button and type “Troubleshooting” in the search box.
2. Select “Troubleshooting” from the search results.
3. In the Control Panel window, scroll down and click “Internet Explorer” under System and Security.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter and resolve any detected issues.
Method 2: Reset Internet Explorer Settings
Resetting Internet Explorer settings can help resolve issues caused by incompatible add-ons or corrupted settings.
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open the menu.
3. Select “Internet Options” from the menu.
4. Go to the “Advanced” tab.
5. Click the “Reset” button.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset Internet Explorer settings. Note that this will delete your personal settings, including your home page, search providers, and browsing history.
Method 3: Update Internet Explorer
Ensuring that you’re using the latest version of Internet Explorer can help prevent issues caused by outdated software.
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click the gear icon in the upper-right corner and select “About Internet Explorer.”
3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
4. Restart your computer to complete the update process.
Method 4: Uninstall and Reinstall Internet Explorer
If the above methods do not resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Internet Explorer.
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “appwiz.cpl” and press Enter to open the Programs and Features window.
3. Scroll down and select “Internet Explorer.”
4. Click “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen instructions to remove Internet Explorer.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the official Microsoft website.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Internet Explorer.
Method 5: Perform a System Restore
If none of the above methods work, you can try performing a system restore to revert your computer to a previous state when Internet Explorer was functioning correctly.
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point before the issue occurred.
4. Click “Next” and then “Finish” to begin the restore process.
5. Restart your computer after the restore is complete.
By following these methods, you should be able to repair “Internet Explorer has stopped working” and get back to browsing the web without interruptions.
