Internet Explorer FAQ

1. I get debug messages, how do I turn them off?

Open Internet Options (via Tools menu or control panel), click on Advanced and tick Disable Script Debugging. A debug message appears when there is an error in client side scripts (e.g. Javascript) written on the web page and hasn`t been fixed since. be curteous and inform the author about them.

2. I do not wish to have Internet Explorer on my desktop, how do I remove it?

Open Display control panel, click Desktop, then Customise Desktop and un-tick Internet Explorer under Desktop Icons. You can also remove it from the quick launch bar by dragging the icon off the bar onto the desktop and then into the Recycle Bin.

3. How do I shutdown my dial up when I finish with Internet Explorer?

Open Internet Options (via Tools menu or control panel), click on Connections, then Settings, then Advanced and finally tick
Disconnect when connection may no longer be used.

4. I cannot change my home page, it reverts to another page again?

You probably have some advertising or spyware installed. Look in Add/Remove Programs to remove it or download Adaware or Microsoft Antispyware program to search and remove spy sofware.

5. How can I reduce the number of Cookies saved on my PC?

You need to increase the Security level for cookies under Privacy in Internet Options. You may add sites manually that require a lower setting. Click Edit and then enter web address and click Allow or click Block to block specific sites.

6. Where can I update my version of Internet Explorer?

Most Windows come with a version of Internet Explorer, but you can update it either via windows update site or Internet Explorer home page. You can only have one version of IE installed at any time. But you can install other third party browsers. IE7 supports tabs, improved prinitng, RSS news feeds, phishing detection, instant search facilities and more.
If you install IE7 you can revert to IE6 later if you wish using Add/Remove Programs.

7. Where can I download other web browsers?

If you do not like IE, try other browsers such as Mozilla, Netscape , Avant or Opera.

8. I am unable to view web pages, they are not found or blocked?

Check settings in Tools, Internet Options. Make sure that Security settings are not too high (Medium is preferred). If you have a firewall program installed, then check that your browser is allowed access to the internet, and re-check other settings. You need ports 80 (HTTP), 443 (HTTPS) and possibly 21 (FTP) enabled. Also, make sure your connection is active (use ping to check a web site address or gateway address) and use ipconfig /all to check that you have the correct IP and DNS addresses set up. Sometimes re-dialling your ISP or rebooting your ADSL Modem may help.

9. What ís the difference between JavaScript and Java?

These are two entirely different scripting languages. Javascript is a client-side programming language to provide dynamic web content such as login scripts, check to see what browser you have, picture changes and so on. Internet Explorer has Javascript built in (see JScript and ECMAScript). If you look at the html source, you may find code that start with <SCRIPT language="JavaScript">.
Java, is a platform independant programming language by Sun Microsystems, and runs programs called applets which runs a Java program called a .class file within a web page, if you look at html source, you may find an entry that looks like: <APPLET CODE="program.class">. Java programs are written using a JDK (Java Development Kit), some are free and some are commercial e.g. Borland's J Builder. Windows XP does not include Java by default.

10. How do I clear out the list of web sites I have visited?

Open Tools, Internet Tools and on the General tab, select Clear History.

11. How do I enable or disable the auto-storage of username, passwords and other user information?

Open Tools, Internet Tools and on the Content tab, click on the AutoComplete button and enable or disable what features you want to save.

12. How I disconnect from the Internet when I close down Internet Explorer?

Open Tools Internet Options, then on the Connections tab, click Settings next to Dial up and Virtual Private Network settings and click on Advanced then tick the Disconnect when connection may no longer be needed.

13. What is a Proxy and where do I change the settings to point to my proxy server?

A Proxy server is a server used to cache web content from web sites visited by users, this improves performance for users as it cuts down traffic to or from the internet when common web sites are accessed. You need to specify the Hostname or address and Port of the proxy server in Internet Options under Connections, LAN Settings. Unix servers tend to use a proxy server called Squid or for Windows Servers, called ISA (Internet Security and Acceleration) server. Even Netscape has a Proxy Server.

14. I am unable to browse the internet after an upgrade or an uninstall?

Some programs can interfere with IE and browsing. If uninstalled ZoneAlarm and cannot browse, follow instructions at Zone Labs to completely remove it from your system. A configuration error in your dial up settings can also stop browsing, fix is here, see Network Connections to change network settings. Having up to date modem drivers will also help, assuming Windows XP supports your modem.

15. How do I reinstall Internet Explorer?

Internet Explorer is built into Windows XP. You need to make some registry changes to allow you to reinstall IE. See here for instructions.

16. How do I know what plugins or ActiveX addons are installed?

With XP SP2, there is a Manage Add-ons option on the IE Tools menu which lists installed plugins. On older versions, you can view them in Explorer in C:\Windows\Downloaded Program Files and C:\Windows\System32\Macromed for common Flash, Shockwave type pugins.

17. How do I turn off pop up windows in IE?

In XP SP2, there is a Pop-up Blocker option on the IE Tools menu. Alternatively, you can download extra toolbars from Google, Yahoo or MSN websites.

18. How do I prevent access to certain undesirable web pages?

There are plenty of web sites with undesirable content such as those concerned with sex, violence and bad language. You can block these using the Restricted Sites feature in the Security tab of Internet Options and add the web site name there. You can also enable the Content Advisor on the Content tab. Click Enable and set the level you require. This is recommended if you have Children to access the internet and need to block sites automatically.

19. How do I transfer or view usernames and passwords in IE?

Usernames and passwords are stored in Protected Storage on the PC. Although it is not very secure as there are utilities that can view the Protected Storage. For example, try the freeware tool called Protected Storage PassView from NirSoft.

20. How do I change the default download directory?

Open Regedit and change the following entry, for example, change it to your desktop:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
Download Directory="C:\Documents and Settings\username\Desktop"