Internet explorer no longer works

[Guest]

I am running Windows XP, SP2 with a cable connection. Internet Explorer has
decided to stop working and whenever I try to connect to the Internet, gives
me a "page can not be displayed error". I have no problem with other programs
such as Firefox and
Outlook.

I have tried downloading IE 6 again and reinstalling it but get a message
that the installed version is newer and thus I can not reinstall.

One obvious fix would be to uninstall IE and then reinstall it but I am
unable to uninstall it. It is not listed in the "Add or remove programs" box
nor can I remove it with "Add/remove Windows components".

I tried installing the version 7 beta but it still didn't work.

Any suggestions?

 

[Don Varnau]

Hi,
Some possibiities:
From IE> Tools> Manage add-ons. Disable non-microsoft add-ons to see if one
of them is the culprit.

Disable (for diagnostic purposes) programs such as pop-up blockers,
security, toolbars and other add-ons for IE, anti-virus, etc. Take a look at
any program that might be interfering with IE. You may have to reinstall, or
not reinstall, a program. The culprit is probably not your firewall, but
turn on the Windows Firewall (from Control Panel or Security Center) before
disabling a third-party firewall.

If not caused by a legitimate program, you should download, update and run
Ad-aware, Spybot and MS Anti-Spyware (Beta.)
See these sites for help:
Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
The Parasite Fight http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
Malware Removal and Prevention Overview - CastleCopsWiki:
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_Removal_and_Prevention:_Overview
Bugs, Glitches & Stuffups: http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.html
Removing Malware:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware
What you can do about spyware and other unwanted software:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/spywarewhat.mspx

Many of the steps in this article are worth trying:
870700 - How to troubleshoot problems accessing secure Web pages with IE 6
[XP] SP2: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;870700

Other possibilities at http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/answers/16.html

Repairing or reinstalling IE6:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFAQ.htm tip #12
318378 - How to Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in
Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=318378

Hope this helps,
Don
[MS MVP- IE]