Can't remove IE10 traces and install IE9

The main key is in HKEY_LocalMachine_Microsoft as far as the registry is concerned. But I would agree with torre in looking under Installed Updates in the CP>Programs & Features since that is where you would find IE 9. The main key in the registry would be a last resort along with manually removing the program folder for it in "C:\Program Files(x86)" most likely being the 32bit version.

Once a newer version is installed it typically overwrites or replaces the previous version's folder meaning total reinstall of IE itself. Fortunately a browser is far easier to remove since it doesn't place other folders under your user account and log files in rather hidden locations. Since 9 was after 7 coming with IE 8 a 7 download or even a Vista download of 9 will go right on afterwards to see 9 back on.

When I downloaded & tried to install it from the Microsoft site it would not install saying its only for Windows 8.
Check Windows update you might be able to remove it from there.
Be careful with the Registry Editor , type regedit into the Start search field
Backup the registry by exporting from the File Menu.
Search the registry for IE10 by right clicking the main folders >find.
A system restore might be an easier option.
If you do manage to get rid of it you should have IE8 back.

Almost forgot the easiest option would be to use a different browser instead take your pick from Opera,Chrome or Firefox they are all good.

He wouldn't see IE 8 back automatically after uninstalling 10 from the Installed Updates section but have to have downloaded a copy of IE 8, 9 ahead of time since IE is easily removed.

As far as the main reg key you shouldn't worried about that since the uninstall from the updates will take care of that. The only time you would need to go in the reg for it would be if the previous version of IE had installation problems. Be sure to run the uninstall first however if you plan to delete it just to insure results.

torre said:

Night Hawk said:

He wouldn't see IE 8 back automatically after uninstalling 10 from the Installed Updates section but have to have downloaded a copy of IE 8, 9 ahead of time since IE is easily removed.

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Not to derail the thread, but I was not aware that IE could be removed ? Please explain. Thanks !

You are right IE cannot be removed from Windows 7 all you can do is hide it, when you remove any later version of IE Windows 7 defaults back to IE8.
Since IE10 cannot be installed on Windows 7 unless its been modified in some way I doubt it would show up in Windows update or Windows Features either.
Release Notes

That would be seen once the IE 10 Preview is removed. It's even in beta form but now only seen in Preview form without any means of navigation and was intended like the W8 Preview for review by developers not home users in general.

As far as the uninstall option for IE once any newer version is on like IE 9 upgrade over IE 8 where do you go?



If the uninstall doesn't roll you back the next step if you want IE 8 not IE 9 would be downloading the Vista download for IE 8 which will go right on 7. Basically IE is still going to be IE. At one time many moons ago you had to put the Windows "CD" not dvd in in order to install or remove Windows components looking back at the Legacy versions. IE could be removed totally then too.

It simply comes included with Windows as the default browser but can be removed while it might take a little work. That's an area best left to the advanced user however.(or someone with a full system image onhand to restore that is! )