How to reinstall or repair Internet Explorer in Windows XP

This article describes how to reinstall or to repair Internet Explorer in Windows XP. You may have to do this if you have problems with Internet Explorer because of damaged files or missing registration information.

You may have to reinstall or to repair Internet Explorer in Windows XP if you have problems with Internet Explorer because of damaged files or missing registration information. You may also decide to reinstall or to repair Internet Explorer 6 to resolve problems with Outlook Express in Windows XP.

Methods to follow if you have Internet Explorer 6

Any of the methods in this article may resolve your problem. Feel free to select the one that you are most comfortable with.

Method 1: Install Internet Explorer 7

You may be able to resolve problems with Internet Explorer 6 if you install Internet Explorer 7. Installing Internet Explorer 7 probably will not resolve problems with Outlook Express.

After you install Internet Explorer 7, you can repair damaged files or missing registration information in Internet Explorer 7.

Follow these steps:

• Start Internet Explorer 7.
• On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
• On the Advanced tab, click Reset.
• In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box, click Reset to confirm.

Install Windows XP Service Pack 2

If you do not want to install Internet Explorer 7, or for some reason cannot do so, you may be able to resolve problems with Internet Explorer 6 by installing Windows XP Service Pack 2. Additionally, installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 may help resolve issues with Outlook Express because Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes both Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 2 and Outlook Express Service Pack 2.

Method 1 To install Windows XP Service Pack 2, follow these steps:

1. Click on Update
2. Click Express Install
3. If your computer qualifies, Windows XP Service Pack 2 will be one of the updates that is automatically selected. Click Install.
4. Review the Microsoft Software License Terms. Then, if you agree with it, accept it.

Method 3: Repair Internet Explorer 6 and Outlook Express 6 by using the System File Checker in Windows XP

If you already have Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed, and you do not want to install Internet Explorer 7, you may be able to resolve problems with Internet Explorer 6 by running the System File Checker. Additionally, running the System File Checker may help resolve issues with Outlook Express 6.

To run the System File Checker, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run type sfc /scannow, and then press ENTER.
2. Follow the prompts throughout the System File Checker process.
3. Restart the computer when System File Checker process is complete.

Method 4: Reinstall Internet Explorer 6 by using the Ie.inf file

If you already have Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed, and you do not want to install Internet Explorer 7, you may be able to resolve problems with Internet Explorer 6 by using the Ie.inf file to reinstall Internet Explorer 6. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type %systemroot%\inf, and then press Enter.
2. Find the Ie.inf file that is located in Windows\Inf folder.
3. Right-click the Ie.inf file, and then click Install.
4. Restart the computer when the file copy process is complete.

Method to follow if you have Internet Explorer 7

If you have Internet Explorer 7, you can repair damaged files or missing registration information in Internet Explorer 7. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start Internet Explorer 7.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. On the Advanced tab, click Reset.
4. In the Reset Internet Explorer Settings dialog box, click Reset to confirm.