Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Internet Explorer 6

  1. Unable to save images in proper format
  2. Restrictions error while opening Internet Options
  3. Missing tabs in Internet Options Control Panel
  4. How to change Internet Explorer default Download Directory?
  5. Internet Explorer opens as a small window
  6. How to set Internet Explorer as my default browser?
  7. Cannot open Internet Explorer [flashes and quits]
  8. How to download the complete installation package of IE?
  9. How to Reinstall or Repair IE / OE in Windows XP?
  10. How to reset the Internet Explorer Search engine to default settings?
  11. How to remove the ISP branding in Internet Explorer?
  12. Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly
  13. Internet Explorer Toolbar settings are not saved
  14. Configure Internet Explorer to Have More Than Two Download Sessions
  15. Options in the "Advanced" Tab are missing. [Blank tab]
  16. How to remove toolbars, toolbar icons and Browser Helper Objects?
  17. Toolbar / Menu bar / Address bars missing or misplaced
  18. New Window is blank
  19. Not prompted to specify the download directory
  20. How to eliminate Browser Helper Objects selectively
  21. Error "not passed Windows Logo testing" while reinstalling Internet Explorer
  22. View Source command not working - Notepad as the View Source editor
  23. Save Target As and Print Target Commands Are Unavailable
  24. How do I remove the right-click context menu entries in Internet Explorer
  25. "Invalid syntax error" if username & password are part of a URL
  26. Toolbars are locked - Unable to customize toolbar and tool band
  27. Sorting the Favorites automatically [on-the-fly] - Windows XP [by Keith Miller]
  28. Internet Explorer Favorites are missing/empty
  29. Export Trusted Zone & Restricted Zone domains list to  separate REG files
  30. Cannot open Internet Explorer from a limited user account in Windows XP
  31. Adding a custom toolbar icon to IE standard toolbar
  32. Unable to open local files in new Internet Explorer window? IE6 SP1 and later
  33. Default browser still points to MyIE2 while you have uninstalled it
  34. Setting Internet Explorer as the default browser - Windows 9x/2000/XP
  35. "Web Document" tab is missing when you check the properties of a URL file
  36. Disabling the hovering Image toolbar in Internet Explorer
  37. Remove the Address bar completely from Internet Explorer
  38. Multiple browser windows open when you click on a mailto: link
  39. Open in New Window  - Command does nothing
  40. Sort order is not preserved when you transfer favorites to another PC
  41. How to disable third-party download managers?
  42. File menu - Send - Page by E-Mail / Link by E-Mail are grayed out
  43. "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser" - does not work
  44. Set the default browser on a per-user basis in Windows XP
  45. Share your Internet Favorites with other systems in a Workgroup / SOHO
  46. Establish a common Links Folder by redirecting the Links folder path
  47. History pane in Internet Explorer is blank; View and Search buttons are missing
  48. Favorites display the trailing .URL for Internet shortcuts
  49. Error "This version of QuickBooks requires Internet Explorer 6.0"
  50. Change the default favorites export location of Internet Explorer Import-Export Wizard
  51. Allow active content to run in files on My Computer - Windows XP Service Pack 2
  52. Information bar appears while downloading a file - Windows XP SP2
  53. Internet Options dialog opens when you click the Start Menu Internet link
  54. Reset the Add-on usage statistics in Internet Explorer - XP SP2
  55. Information bar appears when you open PDF files locally in Internet Explorer - XP SP2?
  56. Unable to resize IE window by using javascript: code in the Homepage section in - XP SP2 ?
  57. How do I change what CTRL+ENTER does in IE?
  58. Security Warning appears when you try to navigate to a Trusted site from a webpage - SP2
  59. Turn off Information bar sounds for blocked pop-ups and ActiveX
  60. Prevent a Browser Helper Object (BHO) from loading with Explorer.exe instances
  61. How to block Flash animation in web sites?
  62. Internet Explorer "About" box is completely blank; Unable to type in text boxes in websites
  63. Pop-up Blocker option is missing under the Tools menu in Internet Explorer
  64. Restrict users from enabling or disabling Internet Explorer add-ons
  65. Always allow Pop-ups for secure sites (HTTPS) in Windows XP SP2
  66. "This add-on is managed by your Administrator" message while managing an add-on in XP SP2
  67. Information bar appears while downloading a file - Windows XP SP2
  68. Internet Explorer runs in Compatibility Mode or Side-by-Side Mode ?
  69. Organize Favorites dialog in Internet Explorer displays a "Red X" mark
  70. Internet Explorer Address bar search opens the file present in Desktop?
  71. "Sites" button and "Custom Level" slider are grayed out in Internet Options - Security tab?
  72. Convert Favorites to Txt file; View Internet Explorer Favorites information in a readable form
  73. Pressing the CTRL + ENTER keys do not add prefix http://www. and .com at the end?
  74. Internet Explorer "Manage Add-ons" dialog does not retain your column preferences?
  75. Add a HTML Editor entry to the registry and set as the default
  76. "Internet Explorer 6 has been removed from this computer" message at every startup?
  77. "Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed" option is missing?
  78. Hyperlinks in Microsoft Office applications always launches Internet Explorer?
  79. Clear the Temporary Internet Files using the Windows XP Disk Cleanup utility
  80. Configure Internet Explorer to open Office docs in the appropriate Office program
  81. Not prompted to save .csv file after download
  82. The option "Empty Temporary Internet Files folders when browser is closed" does not work ?
  83. Not prompted to save .pdf file after download ( tested with Acrobat Reader v7.x )
  84. Internet Explorer Title bar information is "corrupt" or the text is truncated ?
  85. Pop-up Blocker Settings requires you to add the URL Prefix everytime ?
  86. How to add a "Open in new Window" option for Internet Shortcuts (.URLs) ?
  87. Missing Favorites when upgrading to Windows XP from Windows 98 ?
  88. All the web pages suddenly display text in Italics style?
  89. Notepad folder opens when you attempt to view the source of a web page?
  90. {Deleted}
  91. Transfering the Bookmarks from Mozilla FireFox to Internet Explorer
  92. Restore the missing Internet Explorer icon to the Desktop in Windows XP (link to a .REG file)

Unable to save images in proper format

This problem occurs if the Temporary Internet Files are full.

1. Start Internet Explorer 
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options. 
3. Click the General tab. 
4. Under Temporary Internet files, click Delete Files. 
5. When you are prompted to delete all temporary Internet files, click OK.

Delete the Internet Explorer Temporary Internet Files:

Internet Explorer Does Not Save Graphics Files in the Proper Format
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=260650

Internet Explorer Saves Images As Bitmaps (.bmp Files)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=810978

Why can't I save .jpg, .gif or .png images in their original format in Microsoft Internet Explorer? Expertzone News group FAQ

Why IE will only let you save as BMP:
jeffdav's blog

More on why ie will only let you save as bmp:
jeffdav's blog

If none of the above help, it may be a Content Type problem. For Windows XP, execute this command from Start/Run : Regsvr32 /i mshtml.dll


"Restrictions" error while opening Internet Options

Workaround:
Open the "Internet Options" applet from Control Panel, or from RUN box "CONTROL INETCPL.CPL"

If you want to eliminate this error while opening the dialog from Internet Explorer, read below:

This is due to the presence of "NoBrowserOptions" registry key present here:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Restrictions
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Restrictions

Setting the value for NoBrowserOptions to "0" solves the problem.


Missing tabs in Internet Options Control Panel

First priority: Download CWShredder and run it.
[Removes all CoolWebSearch hijacker variants and it should restore all the missing tabs]

More Information: To restore missing tabs, open Registry Editor and goto these locations:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Control Panel
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Control Panel

Disable the restrictions by typing the values to "0" for the relevant keys. By trying the manual procedure, you are just making the tabs visible and not removing the parasites. CWShredder is the way to go. 

Or, "Remove IE Restrictions & Restore Missing tabs". Download the REG fix and double-click it:


Change Internet Explorer default Download Directory

Click [Start] [Run] [Regedit] and navigate to the following Key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer

In the right-pane, change the data for [Download Directory] to your existing download folder 
[Enter full path, say E:\Internet\Downloads]

If the entry is not found, create a new String Value [called as REG_SZ] named Download Directory and set the data accordingly. Quit Registry Editor and Restart Windows


Internet Explorer opens as a small window

1. Open a link.
2. Don't use the maximize button. 
3. Stretch the corners so that the window fills the screen. 
4. Close all other IE windows. 
5. Close the stretched window last.

However, the above procedure is not equivalent to SHOWMAXIMIZED API call.
To reset the Internet Explorer Windows position to defaults, run this REGfile.


Set Internet Explorer as my default browser

Open Internet Explorer > Tools > Options > Programs and enable the option:
"Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser"
Close IE and open again. Click YES if you are prompted to set it as default browser.

NOTE: For Windows 2000/XP Login as Administrator and try the above steps.

(or)

For WinXP only:  Download the .reg fix.
Sets Internet Explorer as default browser:
IE_Default_Browser.reg


Cannot open Internet Explorer [flashes and quits]

When you click the Internet Explorer icon, window may flash a second and quits. Or, it may show an Error-Reporting dialog. This may be due to a malware Browser Helper Object which causes Internet Explorer process to terminate. If you see the Error-Reporting dialog, click "to see what data this report contains" and identify the Module Name causing this error. In most cases, it may be the malware DLL; in which case, reinstalling Internet Explorer may not help. To test with: Disable third-party browser extensions in Internet Explorer using this REG or following these steps:

1.   Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2.   Double-click Internet Options.
3.   Click the Advanced tab.
4.   Under Browsing, clear the Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart) check box.
5.   Restart Internet Explorer.

NOTE:
Try to open Internet Explorer again. If you are able to open Internet Explorer, then, the problem was caused by a malware BHO. Disabling third-party browser extensions is just a workaround and does not eliminate the root of the problem. Use Toolbarcop and spot the malware BHO causing the problem. 

Sample Error Reporting dialogs: 1 and 2

Download Ad-Aware and follow this:
    1. Start Ad-Aware. 
    2. Click "Check for Updates", "Connect" and download the latest pattern file if available. and click Finish 
    3. Click "Start", "Next"
    4. After the scan is finished, click "Next"
    5. Select all the items (checkboxes)
        Right click on any object in the "Scan result" list and choose [Select all objects]
    6. Click Next and click OK to confirm removal.

Still does not help..?   Download Hijackthis and post the LOG to Lavasoft, Spywareinfo or AumHa forums. They offer excellent support on the HijackThis log.

If you do not get an error-reporting dialog, but just a flash screen, the problem may also be due to missing registry entries related to Internet Explorer. Run IEFix: https://www.winhelponline.com/xp/IEFIX.htm


Download the complete installation package of IE

Downloading Internet Explorer for a Different Operating System
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=174680

Download-Only Setup of Internet Explorer on Windows 2000 and XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=257249


Reinstall or Repair IE / OE in Windows XP

Try IEFix: https://www.winhelponline.com/xp/IEFIX.htm

Or, try the manual procedure below:

First, try reinstalling from the INF files.
Click Start/Run/Type the following command:

rundll32.exe setupapi,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 %windir%\inf\ie.inf

This fixes most problems. If not, see below:

Reinstall or Repair Internet Explorer and Outlook Express in Windows XP

Unable to Install Internet Explorer 6 on Windows XP

Restart Windows and start Internet Explorer setup again.


Reset IE Search engine to defaults

Sudden change in the Search engine settings in Internet Explorer indicates your browser is hijacked. Before attempting to repair the Search to defaults, first scan the system for parasites and remove them.


Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly

Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly, or You Cannot Change your Home Page Setting:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320159


Toolbar / Menu bar / Address bars missing or misplaced

Use this REG:
https://www.winhelponline.com/xp/reg/IEToolbar.reg
[Close all browser windows and apply the REG script]


New Window is blank & Script Errors

When you click a hyperlink in a webpage or email link, nothing happens. Or, a blank browser Window opens.

First, disable all  pop-up killers if you have installed any. If this does not help, see:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=281679

Abstract of that article follows:
For Windows 2000/XP: Login as Administrator or an account with Admin Privileges

1. Click [Start] [Run] type: (Press Enter after each command)

regsvr32 /i urlmon
regsvr32 /i shdocvw
regsvr32 /i mshtml
regsvr32 /i Shell32 [For Windows XP]
regsvr32 oleaut32
regsvr32 actxprxy
regsvr32 jscript
regsvr32 vbscript

2. Restart Windows
3. Open Internet Explorer, Tools, Internet Options, Programs. Choose Reset Web Settings

NOTE: Many users have reported that extracting a new copy of Oleaut32.dll file [98/ME] solves this problem. If this does not solve the problem, try IEFix


Not prompted to specify the download directory

To get the download dialog box, enable the "confirm open after download" option for that file type:

1.  Open Windows Explorer
2.  Then click [Tools] [Folder Options] [File Types]
3.  Scroll down to locate the file type.
4.  Highlight the file type (example :"PPT Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation")
5.  Click the "Advanced" button.
6.  Enable the option "confirm open after download"


How to eliminate Browser Helper Objects selectively

How to remove a BHO, third-party Toolbars and Toolbar icons?
https://www.winhelponline.com/xp/toolbarcop.htm

ToolbarCop can be used to remove third-party Toolbars, Toolbar buttons, unwanted menu-extensions and Browser Helper Objects [BHO] from Internet Explorer. You can eliminate or delete BHOs selectively.


Error "not passed Windows Logo testing" while reinstalling Internet Explorer - Windows XP

To work around this problem, remove the 823559 security patch, restart your computer, install Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1, and then reinstall the 823559 security patch. More Information available at:

"The Software You Are Installing Has Not Passed Windows Logo Testing" Error while installing IE 6 SP1
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=828031

If this does not help, rename the Catroot2 folder. See:
You Cannot Install Some Updates or Programs
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=822798


"View Source" command not working - Notepad is set as the View Source editor

First, clear the Temporary Internet cache:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=260897

If this does not help,
* Delete any shortcuts to notepad in the desktop [Important step, this helped most users]
* Check for the file notepad.exe in the following paths and delete them:
   C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Desktop\
   C:\Documents and Settings\<Your user profile>\Desktop\
* Make sure if notepad.exe exists in the system

Source Code Is Not Displayed When You Click Source on the View Menu in Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306907


Save Target As and Print Target Commands Are Unavailable

This behavior can occur if Content Advisor is enabled. Please see the following Microsoft Knowledgebase article:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=176316


Remove the unwanted [right-click] context menu entries in Internet Explorer

You can remove the unwanted context-menu entries using Toolbarcop. This is the easiest method I can think of. If you want to remove the entries manually, open Registry Editor [Regedit.exe] and go to this key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MenuExt]

Each subkey of this key represents one menu item. Many will include an ampersand (&) to define the underlined key associated with the command. Highlight the key you want to delete.
(Say, HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MenuExt\Zoom &In). Choose Export from the Registry menu and export that keys to a REG file. Now delete the key.

In addition, run Ad-Aware scan. See "How to scan using Ad-Aware" section 


"Invalid syntax error" if username & password are part of a URL

This is a result of an important security update (832894). This update removes support for handling user names and passwords in HTTP and HTTP with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or HTTPS URLs in Microsoft Internet Explorer. The following URL syntax is no longer supported in Internet Explorer or in Windows Explorer after you install the MS04-004 Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (832894): http(s)://username:password@server/resource.ext

A security update is available that modifies the default behavior of Internet Explorer for handling user information in HTTP and in HTTPS URLs

See "Workarounds for user" section.

Or, if you want to disable this new behavior, see section "How to disable the new default behavior for handling user information in HTTP or HTTPS URLs" in the above article. (You can add iexplore.exe and set it's DWORD to 0 if you want to disable this behavior for Internet Explorer)

CAUTION: Use this registry edit method only as a last resort, as this defeats the whole purpose of this update.

Steps that you can take to help identify and to help protect yourself from deceptive (spoofed) Web sites and malicious hyperlinks


Sorting the Favorites automatically "on-the-fly" - Windows XP

Thanks to Keith Miller for this tip [in the Windows XP Newsgroups]

If you want the Favorites to automatically alpha-sort even as new entries are added, you need a registry edit. Navigate to:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Explorer\Menu Order\Favorites

Delete the value named 'Order'. Also delete this value for any subfolders. Then, with the favorite key highlighted, click on Edit > 'Permissions...' -> 'Advanced' -> 'Add' -> type your username in the 'Select User or Group Box' and then deny 'Set Value' permissions to yourself. This will prevent IE from recreating the 'order' value and it will default to alpha sort. This will prevent the key from being automatically recreated.

The same technique works for Windows XP Start Menu Programs as well. But the registry key is different in that case.

For XP Start menu:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Explorer\MenuOrder\Start Menu2\Programs]

For Classic Start Menu:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
Explorer\MenuOrder\Start Menu\Programs]


Internet Explorer Favorites are missing/empty

When you click the Favorites menu in Internet Explorer, all of your favorite URLs may be missing. This might happen if the Favorites Shell Folder is set incorrectly.

[Use the Fix-It Tool] Microsoft has a Fix-It solution that fixes most of the shell folder paths (both per-user and per-machine shell folders) automatically. You can download the fix from KB886549 (Thanks to MVP Robear Dyer for the URL.)

To fix the shell folder path manually, open Registry Editor and navigate to:

For Windows 9x Systems

HKEY CURRENT USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

In the right-pane, set the Favorites path to C:\Windows\Favorites

For Windows XP

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

Set the Favorites path to %USERPROFILE%\Favorites

The above should be a REG_EXPAND_SZ value, not REG_SZ
 

The Favorites Shell Folders path reverts back ?

Sometimes, the Shell Folders path for Favorites may revert to the previous setting. To prevent that, read below:

Checkpoints:

  • If you've only altered the "Shell Folders" value, it usually reverts back (in accordance to the User Shell Folders value). You need to alter the Favorites path in User Shell Folders key.
  • If you're using an environmental variable such as "%Userprofile%", you need to create a REG_EXPAND_SZ value type, rather than REG_SZ. Also, note that REG_EXPAND_SZ type can accept either formats.
  • Disable any browser / favorites management software provided by your ISP and reset the Shell Folders as above. If it does not help, see if the *.URL files exists in the hard drive by doing a file search. They may be present in a different folder. Example.. Earthlink's software...Courtesy of MS-MVP Alan Edwards.

[Related Information]

How to redirect Special Folders in Windows XP

User Shell Folders default locations in Windows XP

Using FolderRedirector to redirect special folders in Windows XP


Export Trusted Zone & Restricted Zone domains list to separate REG files

The Domains key contains domains and protocols that have been added to change their behavior from the default behavior. When a domain is added, a key is added to the Domains key. Subdomains appear as keys under the domain where they belong. Each key that lists a domain contains a DWORD with a value name of the affected protocol. The value of the DWORD is the same as the numeric value of the security zone where the domain is added. The registry keys are:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

-and-

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

Exporting the key means you're exporting both and all other Zones together. To selectively export "Restricted", "Trusted Zones", you may use ExportZone utility. [works on per-user basis] Tested in Windows XP, but may work in Windows 9x systems.


Cannot open Internet Explorer from a limited user account (Windows XP)

This problem occurs due to malware browser helper objects (BHO) installed in the computer. The BHO tries to modify certain system files and Windows Registry entries that require administrative credentials to access. From a limited user account, the BHO may not be able to access these files and registry entries, Internet Explorer stops abruptly. The troubleshooting steps mentioned in Tip 4 (Cannot open Internet Explorer) still applies to this scenario.

Related Information: See Microsoft Knowledge article Q831432


Adding a custom toolbar icon to IE standard toolbar

You can add your own button to Internet Explorer standard toolbar. The button can be mapped to an application or a COM Object or a script. To automate this procedure, you can use the CustomizeIE tool from Nirsofer.

Automate:
CustomizeIE v1.00 - add/edit toolbar buttons in Internet Explorer

To manually add a toolbar button to IE toolbar, follow these steps:

This procedure involves editing the registry. Though not a straight forward task, but implementation is pretty simple once you generate your GUID.

First, generate a GUID for your custom toolbar button. Use GUIDGen utility from Microsoft, for this purpose. (The GUID Generator component lets you generate globally unique identifiers, or GUIDs, that you can use to identify your ActiveX classes, objects, and interfaces)

Next, you may need to implement the button in the following registry key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Extensions
-or-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Extensions

See here for more information: 
Adding Toolbar Buttons (Internet Explorer - Browser Extensions)

Sample REG key (ToolbarCop button in Internet Explorer)

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Extensions\{A349A035-E26F-454b-ABB4-5208E50E1BE7}]
"ButtonText"="ToolbarCop"
"CLSID"="{1FBA04EE-3024-11D2-8F1F-0000F87ABD16}" "Default Visible"="Yes"
"Exec"="C:\\ToolbarCop.exe" "HotIcon"="C:\\ToolbarCop.exe,1" "Icon"="C:\\ToolbarCop.exe,1" "MenuText"="ToolbarCop"

Setting Internet Explorer as the default browser - Windows 9x/2000/XP

Open Internet Explorer. Click Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Programs tab. Make sure that the Internet Explorer should check to see if it is the default check box is selected, click Apply, and then click OK. Close Internet Explorer, start Internet Explorer, and then click Yes when you receive the following prompt:

Internet Explorer is not currently your default browser. Do you wish to make it the default?

-or-

For all builds of Windows XP, run this fix: IE_Default_Browser.reg 
(assumes Windows is installed in C:\ ).

-or-

For Windows XP SP1 and later: Type the command shmgrate.exe OCInstallReinstallIE in the RUN box.

This command beautifully sets Internet Explorer as the default browser, equivalent to 'Set Program access and defaults' method, which is available in XP SP1 and later systems.

See also: Set Internet Explorer as the default browser in Windows XP SP1 and above

Related MS-KB article - Q177054 - Internet shortcuts in Outlook Express do not start Web browser


Disabling the hovering Image toolbar in Internet Explorer

When the user visits a web site and mouses over an image that meets particular requirements, the My Pictures hovering toolbar will appear after one half second, and will disappear immediately after the user moves the cursor off the image. The hovering toolbar has three to four buttons depending upon the browser client and user operating system. They are Save this image, Print this image, Send this image in an e-mail, and Open My Pictures folder. To disable the toolbar, follow these steps:

From the user side:

Open Internet Explorer, click Tools, Internet Options and switch to Advanced tab. Uncheck the "Enable Image Toolbar" check box and click the OK button.


For the web developer/webmaster:

A web developer is able to turn this feature off on a page-by-page basis, using the HTTP-EQUIV and CONTENT attributes of the meta element.


Remove the Address bar completely from Internet Explorer

Question:  I'm using the Google taskbar, so don't need the IE Address Bar. How do I remove it?

Method 1:

To disable the Address Bar from being shown, set the NoAddressBar value to 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Toolbars\Restrictions

To prevent the user from enabling the Address bar, set NoBandCustomize value to 1

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\
Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer


Method 2:

NOTE: The following method is unsupported and it's your duty to backup the appropriate registry key in case you want to undo the setting back.

Open Registry Editor and navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\
{01E04581-4EEE-11d0-BFE9-00AA005B4383}\InProcServer32

(Backup the registry key by exporting it to a REG file)

In the right-pane, double-click (default) and delete the value given there (%SystemRoot%\System32\browseui.dll)


Open in New Window  - Command does nothing

When you right-click an URL and choose "Open in New Window", nothing happens. (The title bar may flash once or nothing happens). Same result when you press SHIFT and click on a hyperlink. This happens if the Oleaut32.dll file is damaged or it's not registered correctly.

First, re-register this DLL using the command REGSVR32 OLEAUT32 (from RUN box). If you receive a module not found error, you will need to extract a new copy of this file (the steps varies depending upon the Operating System). After extracting a new copy of this file, re-register it using the above command.

May be caused by a malware BHO

Few users in the Newsgroups and a user at experts-exchange.com have reported that the malware file REQ.DAT caused this problem. This malware hooks into the system as a BHO, and adds itself to the Winlogon registry key, so that it loads every time you login.


Sort order is not preserved when you transfer favorites to another PC

If you use the Import/Export Wizard or manually copy the URL favorites to another system, the sort order will not be copied to the target system. This is because Windows stores the sort order in the registry. Neither the Import/Export Wizard or manual copy operation will reference the sort order registry key.

In order to have the sort order applied to the other PC, export the following registry from the source PC:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\Favorites

For more information, see Preserve the order of Internet Explorer Favorites when transferring to another PC


File menu - Send - Page by E-Mail / Link by E-Mail are grayed out

This problem can be resolved by setting the default mail client from Internet Options, Programs tab. IE basically looks for the (default) here:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Clients\Mail]


Internet Explorer Title bar information is "corrupt" or the text is truncated ?

Internet Explorer Title bar text may show junk characters, or sometimes the Title bar text may be truncated. This may also be seen in the Taskbar button (minimized Internet Explorer window). We determined that Google Desktop Search causes this in some systems, and uninstallation / reinstallation routine fixes the problem.

More Information

One of the user quotes "It actually turned out to be Google Desktop Search. Toolbarcop did ultimately lead to this discovery. Thanks! "


Suddenly all the web pages display text in Italics?

Thanks to MVP Vincenzo Di Russo [Internet Explorer] for this tip:

This happens if a particular font (used by the web page) is missing from the system. There are four Verdana in Windows\Fonts folder (Verdana Bold, Verdana Bold Italic, Verdana and Verdana Italic). If those font files are missing in your system, try copying the four Verdana fonts from another computer with XP and installing them on your PC. Then start IE.

Note that this problem can also happen if one or more of your other mainstream fonts (Arial, Tahoma and others) are missing. Missing fonts can be restored from the Windows CD.

Last Updated on August 01, 2006 - Ramesh Srinivasan