How to Reset Internet Explorer to Default Settings

Does Internet Explorer tend to crash or freeze up during your browsing sessions? Do you have problems visiting certain websites? With a few simple clicks of your mouse, you can reset Internet Explorer to its default settings and fix most common Internet Explorer issues.

Resetting Internet Explorer means removing all custom settings and deleting add-ins. Your homepage will also be reset to the Internet Explorer default. In addition, you will lose form data, browsing history and search scopes.

Preparation

Before you reset Internet Explorer to default settings, make a list of any add-ins you may need to reinstall. To view add-ins, open Internet Explorer and open the "Tools" menu. Select "Manage Add-ons" to view a list of all installed add-ins.

Also, backup your Favorites list. Open Internet Explorer and select the "File" menu. Select "Import/Export." Choose to "Export to a file" and press "Next." Select "Favorites" and press "Next" twice. Choose where to save your favorites list and press "Export."

To restore your Favorites list, go back to the Import/Export menu and choose "Import." Select your saved file and allow Internet Explorer to import your list of favorites.

By doing a little preliminary work, you can easily restore your favorites and add-ins after resetting Internet Explorer.

Resetting

Select "Start" or the start globe, depending on your version of Windows. If you're using Windows XP, select "Run." If you're using Windows Vista or later, use the "Start Search" box for the next step. Type "inetcpl.cpl" and press "Enter."

Alternately, open an Internet Explorer browsing window and select the "Tools" menu. Open "Internet Options."

Select the "Advanced" tab from the Internet Options window. At the bottom of the window, press the "Reset" button. Press "Reset" a second time. Wait for Internet Explorer to reset itself to its default settings. Press "Close" to close the Internet Options window after the process is complete.

Close and reopen Internet Explorer to refresh it. You have now effectively reset Internet Explorer to factory defaults. If you needed to reset Internet Explorer due to a problem with an add-in, install one add-in at a time until you discover which add-in is causing the problem. You can reset Internet Explorer as often as necessary to fix problems.

Microsoft's Fix It

Though most users can manually reset Internet Explorer settings, Microsoft has created a Fix It solution that will automatically do the process for you. Visit Microsoft's site and select the "Fix it for me" option. Press the "Microsoft Fix It" button to run the above process automatically.