Troubleshoot an issue with Microsoft's Internet Explorer

If Microsoft Internet Explorer repeatedly stops working properly or has instability issues, it is possible one or more Internet Explorer add-ons may be the cause. Unfortunately, if this is the case, we may be unable to determine which add-on is causing the problem. However, you may follow troubleshooting steps, as recommended by Microsoft, to try to fix this problem.

What are Internet Explorer add-ons?

Add-ons are software components that add features and functionality to Microsoft Internet Explorer. When you visit a website, an add-on might be downloaded without your knowledge, or you might be prompted to download an add-on. Some add-ons are required to login at WarpPortal.com and may cause problems while visiting Gravity Interactive web sites such as WarpPortal.com, and should not be disabled unless the add-on is causing problems.


Examples of add-ons

Some examples of add-ons for web browsers include:

• Extra toolbars
• Animated mouse pointers
• Stock tickers
• Pop-up ad blockers

Get Updates for Internet Explorer

1. Update Windows software
2. Follow the steps below to view updates that are available for your computer.
3. Go on-line to the Windows Update website.
4. In the right pane, click Check on-line for updates from Microsoft Update.
5. Click View available updates, and then select the updates you want.

• Microsoft recommends that you select and install all Important and Recommended updates. These updates improve your computer's security and stability.
• If automatic updating is turned on, you might not see any available updates. In that case the updates have already been installed.

6. Click Install. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

How do I disable an add-on?

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Depending on your version of Internet Explorer, do one of the following:

• In Internet Explorer 6, click the Tools menu, and then click Manage Add-ons.
• In Internet Explorer 7, click the Tools menu, point to Manage Add-ons, and then click Enable or Disable Add-ons.
• In Internet Explorer 8, click the Tools menu, and then click Manage Add-ons.

Which version of Internet Explorer am I using?

Follow these steps to determine the version of Internet Explorer you're using:

• Open Internet Explorer.
• Press ALT+H, and then click About Internet Explorer.

How can I find which version of Internet Explorer I'm using if it won't launch?

If you're unable to launch Internet Explorer you can use the following steps to determine the version you're using:

• Click the Start button , and then, in the search box, type iexplore.
• Under Programs, right-click iexplore, click Properties, and then click the Details tab.

Note: If the file version number begins with 6, you have Internet Explorer 6, with 7, you have Internet Explorer 7, with 8, you have Internet Explorer 8. If you aren't using the latest version of Internet Explorer, consider updating.

How can I update Internet Explorer without launching my web browser?

• Go on-line to the Windows Update website.
• Click Custom to check for available updates.
• In the left pane, under Select by Type, click Software, Optional.
• Select the Internet Explorer update, and then click Review and install updates.
• Click the name of the add-on.
• Click Disable. You might have to restart Internet Explorer for the changes to take effect.

How do I disable an add-on if I can't access Internet Explorer?

• Click the Start button , and then click Control Panel.
• Click Network and Internet, and then click Internet Options.
• Click the Programs tab, and then click Manage add-ons.
• Click the name of the add-on you want to disable, select Disable, and then click OK.

Additional troubleshooting

If you continue to receive this problem report after following the standard troubleshooting steps, Microsoft recommends attempting to disable all IE add-ons one at a time until the problem is resolved. To do this:

• Close all Internet Explorer windows.
• Click the Start button , and then type Internet Options. From the list of results, click Internet Options.
• Click the Programs tab, and then click Manage Add-ons.
• Click the name of the add-on you want to turn off, and then, under Settings, click Disable.
• Click OK.
• Restart Internet Explorer. Continue using Internet Explorer the same way you did when you received a crash report.
• Repeat steps for each add-on listed. When you can no longer reproduce the problem, the most recently disabled add-on is the cause of the problem.
• Turn off all third-party browser extensions (also known as add-ons)
• Close all Internet Explorer windows.
• Click the Start button , and then type Internet Explorer in the Search box. From the list of results, click Internet Explorer (No Add-ons).
• Internet Explorer will open a new window with all add-ons turned off.
• Reset Internet Explorer settings
• Close and re-open Internet Explorer (or may require rebooting the system before taking effect).