How to Fix Internet Explorer Stopped Working
Internet Explorer, once the dominant web browser, has faced its fair share of issues over the years. One common problem that users encounter is when Internet Explorer stops working. This can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the browser for your daily tasks. In this article, we will discuss various methods to fix the “Internet Explorer stopped working” error and get your browser up and running again.
1. Update Internet Explorer
The first step in resolving the “Internet Explorer stopped working” error is to ensure that you are using the latest version of the browser. Microsoft regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. To update Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Select “About Internet Explorer.”
4. If an update is available, click “Update” and follow the on-screen instructions to install it.
2. 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:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the list.
2. In the command prompt or PowerShell window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
3. Reset Internet Explorer
Resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings can help resolve various issues, including the “Internet Explorer stopped working” error. To reset Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner to open the Settings menu.
3. Select “Internet options.”
4. Go to the “Advanced” tab.
5. Click the “Reset” button.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
4. Uninstall and Reinstall Internet Explorer
If the above methods do not resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Internet Explorer. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Programs and Features” from the list.
2. Find Internet Explorer in the list of installed programs.
3. Right-click on Internet Explorer and select “Uninstall.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Internet Explorer.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website and install it.
5. Check for Antivirus Software Conflicts
Sometimes, antivirus software can interfere with the proper functioning of Internet Explorer. To check for conflicts, follow these steps:
1. Temporarily disable your antivirus software.
2. Restart your computer and try opening Internet Explorer.
3. If Internet Explorer works without issues, you may need to adjust your antivirus settings or contact the software provider for assistance.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the “Internet Explorer stopped working” error and restore your browser to its normal functioning state. If the problem persists, consider seeking professional help or contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.
