Windows 7 - Internet Explorer - Reset

Brink

How to Reset Internet Explorer

Information

This will show you how to reset Internet Explorer settings to return it back to the default state it was in when it was first installed on your computer. This is useful for troubleshooting problems that might be caused by settings that were changed after installation.

Warning

When you delete personal settings, some webpages that rely on previously stored cookies, form data, passwords, or previously installed browser add-ons might not work correctly.

Resetting Internet Explorer's settings is not reversible. After a reset, all previous settings are lost and cannot be recovered.

Note

Resetting Internet Explorer to its default settings does not delete your favorites, feeds, Web Slices, and a few other personalized settings. See the table below for a complete list of all settings and information about whether they are reset or maintained. All add-ons installed by you will be disabled though.

Here's How:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
A) Click on Tools (gear icon in IE9) and Internet Options.

B) Go to step 3.

OR

2. Open the Control Panel (All items View).
NOTE: This option can be handy if you cannot open Internet Explorer, or Internet Explorer keeps crashing.
A) Click on the Internet Options icon.

B) Close all open Internet Explorer windows.

3. Click on the Advanced tab, and then the Reset button. (See screenshot below)

4. To Completely Reset Internet Explorer
A) If you also wanted to delete your personal settings, then check the box as well, otherwise leave the box unchecked. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: See the table at the top of the tutorial for what will be affected by this. You should check this for a complete reset though.

5. Click on the Reset button. (See screenshot above)

6. Click on the Close button. (See screenshot below)

7. Click on OK. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: You will not see this if you opened Internet Options from the Control Panel (step 2).

8. Close Internet Explorer.
NOTE: You will not need to do this if you opened Internet Options from the Control Panel (step 2) since it should alread be closed.

9. The reset will take effect the next time you open Internet Explorer.

That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

thunder2008 · 02-06-2009

Yes, my goodness that is the rather simple way to do it. I suppose the fact that I had been doing all this oc'ing that caused the problem to begin with was in the wee hours of the night likely make for my not resetting it from the advanced options.

As well as that in my frustration I put the 32bit IE in the recycle bin and deleted it...ohhh nooo~!

Suppose resetting at this point would availe nothing, I will have to do the restore point going back previous to the happening...

It's o.k. as I have use the resore in Windows 7 before already for something else. Might add that the restore is reminisant of xps restore points, can't say I remember vista ever having restore points or perhaps I just did not have a need for it within vista.

At any rate it comes in handy for events such as this yeaaaa

Brink · 02-06-2009

Hello Thunder,

Since IE is considered a system file, you could also run a sfc /scannow command to restore the 32-bit Internet Explorer file.

Another option, would be to use Previous Versions to restore it in the original folder.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

thunder2008 · 02-07-2009

Well I did the sfc, for whatever reason it said all files were alright but still no 32bit os. Since I have out grown my 80gb back-up drive as I now have 170+gb usage, I am not likely to do any fresh os installs or restore points as I would lose data(programs) with restore point.

So, now the moment I am using alternate browsers for flash related media usage...such as Max which btw while 32bit is faster than MSN 64bit browser~!!!

Brink · 02-07-2009

Thunder,

Here is a copy of the Internet Explorer folder from my 64-bit Windows 7 C:\Program Files (x86) folder with all of it's default filee. I hope it can help.

thunder2008 · 02-07-2009

Hmm, that was the direct folder that I put into the recycle bin. I did not check that location after doing the sfc which must have replaced it ahh. Just goes to show you that sleep is something that prevents missteps and keeps one thorough.

Brink · 02-08-2009

LOL, I hear that Thunder. I'm happy to hear that you have the file back.

thunder2008 · 02-08-2009

Yes...again thank you

P

Windows 7 - Internet Explorer - Reset

Internet Explorer - Reset

Internet Explorer - Reset problems?