How to Fix “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” Error

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By Victor Ashiedu

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Introduction

If you receive “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error, it may result in some of these symptoms:

  • Your browser (Internet Explorer, IE) may freeze
  • You may not be able to open Internet Explorer
  • Some other times, IE may open briefly and then closes
  • Your screen may flicker just before or after the error message is displayed

Why Has Internet Explorer Stopped Working?

“Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error may be caused by the following:

  • Your computer may be low on memory
  • Internet Explorer may need to be reset to the default settings
  • Some Windows system files may be corrupt or missing

How to Fix Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working

Based on the reasons identified as potential causes of “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error, below my recommended fixes.

I am offering two options to fix this error. Try the first method first. Then check before you try the second method.

If the first method fixes the error message, you may not need to proceed to the second method.

Method 1 Fix for “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working”

If this error message is caused by low memory, it may be fixed by the following steps:

  • Open Internet Explorer.
internet explorer has stopped working - Internet explorer settings
  • Next, click the gear (Settings) on the top right (highlighted in the image above).
  • Then click Internet Options.
Method 1 Fix for "Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working" - Internet Options
  • When Internet Options opens, click the Advanced tab.
Method 1 Fix for "Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working" - Internet Options, General tab
  • Finally, click Reset button.
  • On the Reset Internet Explorer Settings page, check the box beside Delete personal settings. Then click Reset.
  • Wait for the reset to complete and return the results below. Then click Close.
Method 1 Fix for "Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working" - Internet Explorer reset
  • Reboot your computer

Before you try method 2 below, check if “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working” error is resolved. If you still receive this error, it may be that some system files on your PC are corrupt. Try method 2 below.

Method 2 Fix for “Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working”

This method involves replacing potential corrupt or missing system files.

You may need the Windows installation DVD to complete this task

Here are the steps:

  • On the search box, type cmd. Then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator. On the User Account Control dialogue, click Yes. Command prompt will open (see the second image below).
Method 2 Fix for "Internet Explorer Has Stopped Working"
  • At the command prompt, type the command below. Then press ENTER.
Sfc /scannow  
  • Wait for the command to complete. Here is what the progress will look like.
  • When the process completes, you will receive a message similar to the one below.
If SFC found and/or replaced corrupt system files, it will be reported in the result.
  • Reboot your computer. Then check whether the error message is gone.
If SFC found problems with system files on your computer, it will attempt to replace them with the correct version.

Conclusion

I hope one of the two suggested fixes above resolved your problem.

If you found this article helpful, kindly spare 2 minutes to share your experience at [discourse_topic_url].

Alternatively, you could share the fix that worked for you at [discourse_topic_url]. Besides, you can also ask questions regarding this guide at [discourse_topic_url].

Finally, to read more Windows 10 guides visit our Windows 10 Fixes page.

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About the Author

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Victor Ashiedu

Victor is the founder of InfoPress Media, publishers of Ilifeguides and Itechguides. With 20+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, his expertise spans Windows, Linux, and DevOps. Explore his contributions on Itechguides.com for insightful how-to guides and product reviews.

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