How to Fix an Internet Explorer That Keeps Stopping

By Erin McManaway

Updated September 28, 2017

Over time, Internet Explorer can stop functioning and become unresponsive for a variety of reasons. Sometimes browser files or add-ons can become corrupted and cause issues. If you have not cleaned out the browser cache, Internet Explorer may be carrying around a lot of unneeded data that would cause it to become sluggish and slow. By resetting the browser’s settings, you can restore Internet Explorer to its original default installation.

Close down any instance of Internet Explorer that is running on your computer.

Click the "Start" button to bring up the "Start" menu.

Click the “Run” button if you are using Windows XP to bring up a command field. Windows 7 and Vista users can use the field in the "Start" menu.

Type inetcpl.cpl into the field and press “Enter” key on your keyboard. This will bring up the Internet Explorer properties box.

Navigate to the “Advanced” tab.

Click the “Reset” button under the "Reset Internet Explorer settings" header.

Click the “Reset” button again when the confirmation prompt pops up.

Allow Internet Explorer to reset all of the settings to default, then click the “Close” button.

Launch Internet Explorer with your newly reset settings.

Tips

Always scan your computer for viruses and malware regularly. These can also be the cause of Internet Explorer crashes.

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