A Guide to Repairing and Reinstalling Windows Internet Explorer

The following guide will show you how to repair or reinstall your Internet Explorer or Outlook Express application on PCs running Microsoft Windows XP. Make sure first of all that you are logged on as an administrator.

Repair Instructions

Use the tool ‘System File Checker’ and allow it to scan all the protected files stored on your PC:

1. Click on Start and then on Run.
   
2. In the message box which opens up type in sfc /scannow
   
3. Click OK
   

You may be asked to insert your copy of Windows XP or Windows XP Service Pack 1 installation disk.

Reboot your PC and check if the issue has been resolved. If not then try a repair for Internet Explorer using the guide below.

If That Method Failed…

This should be tried if the steps outline above have been tried and failed.

1. Open up Windows Explorer and click on the Search icon.
   
2. Select ‘All Files and Folders’ option and place a check in the box entitled Hidden Files under the advanced options.
   
3. Type in ‘IE.inf’ and search for it on the C Drive.
   
4. Once the search has located ‘IE.inf’, you should right click the file and then select install.
   
5. Reboot and check to see if Internet Explorer has been repaired.

Fastest Fix: Third Party Repair Tool

If the steps listed above have not managed to resolve the problems you’re having with Internet Explorer, you might need to use a third party repair tool. You can download these tools for free on the internet and they will detect and repair any errors that might be present in the registry and will repair applications such as Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.