What do I do when Internet Explorer stops working?
Internet Explorer is one of the most popular web browsers, but like any software, it can sometimes encounter issues and stop working. If you find yourself in a situation where Internet Explorer is not functioning properly, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. In this article, we will discuss some common causes of Internet Explorer crashes and provide solutions to help you get back online.
1. Check for updates
One of the first things you should do when Internet Explorer stops working is to check for updates. Microsoft regularly releases updates for Internet Explorer to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance security. To check for updates, follow these steps:
– Open Internet Explorer and click on the “Tools” menu.
– Select “Windows Update.”
– Click on “Check for updates” and follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.
2. Reset Internet Explorer settings
If updating doesn’t solve the problem, you can try resetting Internet Explorer settings to their default values. This can help resolve issues caused by corrupted settings or add-ons. To reset Internet Explorer settings, follow these steps:
– Open Internet Explorer and click on the “Tools” menu.
– Select “Internet Options.”
– Go to the “Advanced” tab and click on “Reset.”
– Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
3. Disable add-ons
Add-ons can sometimes cause Internet Explorer to crash or behave unexpectedly. To determine if an add-on is causing the issue, you can disable them one by one. Here’s how to do it:
– Open Internet Explorer and click on the “Tools” menu.
– Select “Manage add-ons.”
– In the “Manage add-ons” window, click on “Toolbars and Extensions” on the left side.
– Go through the list of add-ons and disable each one, restarting Internet Explorer after each disable to check if the issue persists.
4. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:
– Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “cmd” in the Start menu, right-clicking on “Command Prompt,” and selecting “Run as administrator.”
– In the Command Prompt, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
– Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the System File Checker will attempt to repair them.
5. Reinstall Internet Explorer
If none of the above steps work, you may need to reinstall Internet Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:
– Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Programs and Features.”
– Find “Internet Explorer” in the list of installed programs and click on it.
– Select “Uninstall” and follow the on-screen instructions to remove Internet Explorer.
– After the uninstallation is complete, you can download and install the latest version of Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve most issues that cause Internet Explorer to stop working. If the problem persists, it may be worth seeking assistance from a professional or considering alternative web browsers.
