If you’re reading this, chances are you’re frustrated with the constant pop-up message “Internet Explorer has stopped working” on your Windows 7 system. This error can be infuriating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important task or browsing session. Fear not, dear reader, for we’re about to embark on a journey to diagnose and fix this issue once and for all.
Understanding The Problem
Before we dive into the fixes, it’s essential to understand what might be causing this error. “Internet Explorer has stopped working” can be triggered by a variety of factors, including:
- Corrupt or outdated browser files
- Incompatible add-ons or plugins
- Malware or virus infections
- Conflicting system files or registry entries
- Outdated Windows updates or service packs
Don’t worry; we’ll explore each of these potential causes and provide you with step-by-step solutions to resolve the issue.
Method 1: Disable Add-ons And Reset Internet Explorer
Let’s start with the simplest and most common solution: disabling add-ons and resetting Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Disable Add-ons
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the Tools menu (or press Alt + X).
- Select Manage Add-ons from the drop-down menu.
- In the Manage Add-ons window, click on the Toolbars and Extensions category on the left.
- Look for any add-ons that you suspect might be causing the issue and click on the Disable button next to it.
- Repeat the process for all add-ons until you’ve disabled all of them.
Step 2: Reset Internet Explorer
- Click on the Tools menu (or press Alt + X).
- Select Internet Options from the drop-down menu.
- In the Internet Options window, click on the Advanced tab.
- Click on the Reset button at the bottom of the window.
- In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings window, select the Delete personal settings checkbox.
- Click on the Reset button to confirm.
Restart Internet Explorer and see if the issue persists. If you still encounter the “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error, move on to the next method.
Method 2: Update Internet Explorer And Install Latest Windows Updates
Outdated browser versions or missing Windows updates can cause compatibility issues, leading to the “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error.
Step 1: Update Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer and click on the Help menu (or press F1).
- Select About Internet Explorer from the drop-down menu.
- In the About Internet Explorer window, check if you’re running the latest version (Internet Explorer 11 for Windows 7).
- If you’re not running the latest version, download and install the update from the Microsoft website.
Step 2: Install Latest Windows Updates
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel, click on System and Security.
- Click on Windows Update on the left side of the window.
- Click on the Check for updates button.
- If updates are available, click on the Install updates button to download and install them.
Restart your system and Internet Explorer to see if the issue is resolved.
Method 3: Run The Internet Explorer Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix common issues with Internet Explorer.
Step 1: Access The Internet Explorer Troubleshooter
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel, click on System and Security.
- Click on Fix problems with Internet Explorer on the left side of the window.
Step 2: Run The Troubleshooter
- In the Internet Explorer Troubleshooter window, click on the Next button.
- The troubleshooter will scan for issues and provide potential solutions.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to apply the fixes.
Method 4: Re-register DLL Files And System Files
Corrupt or missing DLL files and system files can cause the “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error.
Step 1: Re-register DLL Files
- Click on the Start button and type cmd in the search bar.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt result and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
regsvr32 urlmon.dll - Repeat the process for the following DLL files:
regsvr32 mshtml.dll
regsvr32 actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 shdocvw.dll
regsvr32 browseui.dll
Step 2: Re-register System Files
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - This command will scan and repair any corrupted system files.
Restart Internet Explorer and see if the issue is resolved.
Method 5: Perform A System Restore Or Refresh
If all else fails, you can try performing a System Restore or Refresh to revert your system to a previous point when Internet Explorer was working correctly.
Step 1: Perform A System Restore
- Click on the Start button and select Control Panel.
- In the Control Panel, click on System and Security.
- Click on System on the left side of the window.
- Click on System Protection on the left side of the window.
- Click on the System Restore button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and complete the process.
Step 2: Perform A System Refresh
- Click on the Start button and select Settings.
- In the Settings window, click on Update & security.
- Click on Recovery on the left side of the window.
- Click on the Get started button under Reset this PC.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Remember to back up your important files and data before performing a System Restore or Refresh.
Conclusion
The “Internet Explorer has stopped working” error can be frustrating, but with these five methods, you should be able to fix the issue and enjoy a smooth browsing experience on your Windows 7 system. Remember to try each method in sequence, as the simplest solution might be the most effective.
If you’re still experiencing issues, it might be worth considering upgrading to a newer version of Windows or exploring alternative browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.
Happy browsing!
What Causes The “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” Error?
The “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error can occur due to a variety of reasons, including corrupted system files, incompatible add-ons, and malware infections. Additionally, outdated or missing updates, conflicts with other software, and issues with the Windows registry can also trigger this error.
In some cases, the error can be caused by a specific website or webpage that is not compatible with Internet Explorer. Other possible causes include problems with the browser’s cache, cookies, or history. Identifying the root cause of the error is crucial in resolving the issue and restoring a smooth browsing experience.
How Do I Troubleshoot The “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” Error?
To troubleshoot the “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error, start by restarting Internet Explorer and checking if the issue persists. If the error continues, try running Internet Explorer in Safe Mode or without add-ons to isolate the problem. You can also try resetting Internet Explorer settings to their default values or uninstalling and reinstalling the browser.
If the issue still persists, try updating Internet Explorer to the latest version or running the Windows System File Checker tool to scan and repair corrupted system files. You can also try disabling any recently installed add-ons or software that may be causing conflicts with Internet Explorer.
Will Reinstalling Internet Explorer Fix The Error?
Reinstalling Internet Explorer may fix the “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error, especially if the issue is caused by a corrupted installation or a specific add-on. However, reinstalling Internet Explorer will also remove all of your browsing history, bookmarks, and saved passwords.
Before reinstalling Internet Explorer, make sure to back up your browsing data and consider creating a system restore point. Additionally, reinstalling Internet Explorer may not completely resolve the issue, as the underlying cause of the error may still be present.
Can I Use A Third-party Registry Cleaner To Fix The Error?
Yes, you can use a third-party registry cleaner to fix the “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error, especially if you suspect that the issue is related to registry corruption. However, be cautious when using registry cleaners, as they can potentially cause more harm than good.
Make sure to choose a reputable and trustworthy registry cleaner, and create a system restore point before running the cleaner. Additionally, be careful not to delete any critical system files or registry entries, as this can cause further problems with your Windows installation.
Will Upgrading To A Newer Version Of Windows Fix The Error?
Upgrading to a newer version of Windows may fix the “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error, especially if the issue is specific to Windows 7. Newer versions of Windows, such as Windows 10, come with improved security features and updated versions of Internet Explorer.
However, upgrading to a newer version of Windows can be a significant undertaking, and may require purchasing a new license or upgrading your hardware. Additionally, upgrading to a newer version of Windows will not necessarily fix the underlying cause of the error, and you may still need to troubleshoot the issue.
Can I Use A Different Web Browser Instead Of Internet Explorer?
Yes, you can use a different web browser instead of Internet Explorer, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. These browsers offer improved security, faster performance, and better compatibility with modern websites.
Using a different web browser can be a good solution if you are experiencing frequent errors with Internet Explorer. Additionally, many websites are optimized for modern browsers, and you may experience a better browsing experience. However, if you need to use Internet Explorer for specific tasks or applications, you may still need to troubleshoot the issue.
How Can I Prevent The “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” Error From Occurring Again?
To prevent the “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error from occurring again, make sure to regularly update Internet Explorer and Windows with the latest security patches and updates. Additionally, avoid installing unnecessary add-ons, and regularly clean out your browser cache and cookies.
You can also consider using a reputable antivirus software to scan for malware and viruses, and avoid visiting suspicious or malicious websites. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the likelihood of the error occurring again and maintain a smooth browsing experience.