How to Reinstall Your Browser
By Ruri Ranbe
Browser files can sometimes become corrupted, preventing the browser from running or functioning properly. When this happens, it is usually a good idea to uninstall the program and reload the most recent version of the software.
Internet Explorer 7
Step 1
Download Internet Explorer version 7 from the official Microsoft website.
Step 2
Right-click \"Start,\" then click \"Explore.\" Click \"Tools,\" and from the drop-down, select \"Folder Options.\"
Step 3
Click the \"View\" tab. Under \"Advanced Settings,\" click \"Show hidden files and folders,\" which is located just beneath \"Hidden files and folders.\" Click \"OK.\"
Step 4
Click \"Start > All Programs > Accessories > Run.\"
Step 5
Type \"%windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe\" in the dialogue box, then hit \"Enter.\" Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Internet Explorer 7.
Step 6
Install and run the browser file you downloaded from Microsoft. Follow the installation wizard to properly reinstall the browser.
Internet Explorer 8
Step 1
Download Internet Explorer 8 from the official the Microsoft website. Then, click \"Start > Control Panel.\"
Step 2
If you have Windows XP, double-click \"Add/Remove Programs.\" Click Internet Explorer 8, then click \"Remove.\"
Step 3
If you are using Windows Vista, double-click \"Programs and Features.\" Click \"View Installed Updates,\" located on the left-hand side of the window. Double-click Windows Internet Explorer 8. Click \"Yes\" when the \"Uninstall an Update\" dialogue box appears. Click \"Continue\" when the \"User Account Control\" dialogue box appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall IE8.
Step 4
If you are using Windows 7, double-click \"Programs and Features.\" Click \"Turn Windows Features on or off,\" located on the left-hand side of the window. Uncheck the box next to IE8. Click \"OK.\" Click \"Yes\" if a warning message appears.
Mozilla Firefox
Step 1
Go to the official Mozilla website to download the most recent version of Firefox to your computer.
Step 2
Click \"Start > Control Panel,\" and then click \"Add/Remove Programs\" if you have Windows XP or \"Programs and Features\" if you have Windows Vista or 7.
Step 3
Scroll through the program list until you find \"Mozilla Firefox\" or some derivative thereof. Right-click the program, then click \"Uninstall.\"
Step 4
Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the browser from your computer.
Step 5
Install and run the browser file you downloaded from Mozilla. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the Mozilla Firefox browser.
References
Tips
- If you have IE6, go to \"C:\\Program files\\Internet Explorer\\Setup.\" Double-click \"setup.exe\" to run the file. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program.
- If you have Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) installed, you must uninstall the service pack before you can uninstall IE7 or 8.
Writer Bio
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.