Internet Explorer does not start: 8 ways to "revive" the browser

If Internet Explorer does not start, you will learn about it right away. It is based on all browsers, whether it be Opera, Mozilla, Chrome or any other. Moreover, problems in the standard Windows program can disable the entire operating system.

Let's get down to business. What is the cause of the failures and how to fix it?

Problem with start page

Perhaps the most innocuous option. Sometimes Internet Explorer does not start because of a conflict that occurs when you access the home page. In this case, the issue is solved by opening an empty tab. Open the Run application (Win + R) and enter in the line iexplore about: blank. If the program is open, go directly to the settings and change the start page.

Conflicting add-ons and toolbars

Additional applications and toolbars that you installed can not only significantly slow down the browser, but also cause errors and crashes in the program. To verify this, you must re-open the Run window and enter the following command:

Click OK. Now the browser will start without add-ons. If everything is in order, it remains only to find out which components caused the problems. To do this, go to the "Tools" menu (icon in the form of a gear), select "Configure add-ons" and start to turn off all add-ons in turn until IE starts working correctly.

Invalid browser settings

Another possible reason why Internet Explorer does not start is incorrect configuration of the browser. In this case, the solution will be a full reset and return to the default settings. How to do it?

1. Open the "Control Panel".
2. Go to "Setting up computer settings".
3. Find the item "Browser properties".
4. Click the Advanced tab.
5. Click the "Reset" button and confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Next, you need to wait until the restore process is completed, close the window and try again to start the browser.

Viruses

If none of the above does not help, check your computer for malware. To do this, you can use any antivirus scanner, for example:

• Spybot Search & Destroy;
• Lavasoft Adaware;
• Adwcleaner;
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

It's best to scan in safe Windows mode. To enter it, restart the computer and press F8 at the very beginning. In the menu that appears, select "Safe mode with network support". When the scan is complete, you must restart your computer again.

Damage to system libraries

If Internet Explorer does not start after using utilities for cleaning the PC, it is likely that along with the corrupted and obsolete files, those that are necessary for the browser to work are also deleted. In this case, you can restore the work of IE only after re-registering and restoring the system libraries. For this, there are also special applications, for example, Fix IE Utility.

What should I do if nothing helps?

Sometimes it is not possible to restore the operation of the system browser in standard ways, and it is necessary to resort to more radical methods. It all depends on what operating system you are using.

Option 1. Reinstall IE (for Windows 7 and XP)

Unfortunately, this method is only suitable for earlier versions of Window. Internet Explorer 7 can be downloaded and installed again in the same way as any other program. The installer can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website. Note that different versions of the browser are suitable for different operating systems:

Since the browser does not work, the most logical way is to download the installer file on another computer and rewrite it on the USB flash drive.

Option 2: Disable IE (for Windows 8)

An alternative solution for those who do not have Internet Explorer running. Windows 8 uses this browser as built-in, so you can not reinstall it. The only option is to completely disable it. How to do it?

1. Go to "Control Panel"> "Turn Windows Components On and Off".
2. Find the item Internet Explorer, uncheck it and click OK.
3. Restart your PC.

After that, IE will be unavailable, and you will need to use a different browser to log on to the Internet.

Option 3: Reinstall Windows

If nothing has helped, you will most likely need to reinstall the operating system. Internet Explorer will be reinstalled along with other standard Windows applications.