When Internet Explorer stops working, users may be unable to access the Internet if there are no other browsers installed on their computer. If the Internet Explorer icon is missing, users can load Internet Explorer by opening the Start Menu, opening the “Run” application, entering “iexplorer.exe,” and clicking OK. If Internet Explorer is not running at all, however, there are still several techniques that users can try.

 

Ensure that an Internet Connection is Established

If Internet Explorer is displaying an error message such as “Internet Explorer cannot be displayed,” the Internet connection has probably been disconnected. In order to reconnect it, check any Ethernet cables that are connected to the computer, router, or modem and ensure that they are all connected properly. If the user has a wireless network, he/she should restart his/her router and/or modem in order to restore his/her Internet access. If necessary, the user may also need to reset his/her router or contact his/her Internet Service Provider (ISP).

 

Restart the Computer

If the user’s Internet is working on other computers within the same network or other applications are able to connect to the Internet, the user should restart his/her computer to reset his/her IP and MAC addresses. Restarting the computer will also reset any other settings the user may have accidentally turned on or off or changed due to actions that plug-ins, add-ons, or other third party applications took.

 

Use System Restore

If restarting the computer did not work, try to restore the computer to a time when Internet Explorer was working properly by using System Restore. System Restore can be found by opening the Start Menu, clicking All Programs, Accessories, and System Tools, then selecting System Restore. Select a date when the Internet was accessible, usually 2-3 days prior, and restore the computer to that time.

 

Re-install Internet Explorer

If the above options did not work, simply re-install a copy of Internet Explorer by visiting the Internet Explorer homepage and selecting the appropriate version for the computer. The user will not need to uninstall his/her old copy of Internet Explorer because the new copy will replace any existing Internet Explorer version that is already on the computer.