Error message when you start Internet Explorer in Windows XP: "Microsoft Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience"

SUMMARY

Here explains some causes and answers for an error message that happen in Internet Explorer.

SYMPTOMS

If you run Internet Explorer, you get the following error message:
Microsoft Internet Explorer has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.

CAUSE

This happens for several reasons. These reasons include, but are not restricted to, the issues given below.

Issue 1: Problems with third-party software

• Troubleshooting Safe mode
• clashes with third-party browser extensions
• Malicious software has been installed
• Third-party software is installed on your PC, and it is avoiding Internet Explorer from working properly
Issue 2: Internet Explorer settings and optimization
• Internet Explorer is not optimized
• Internet Explorer has clashing or not proper settings
Issue 3: Problems with core Windows files
• Problems with .dll files or use of unregistered .dll files
• There are injured or missing core Windows files
Issue 4: Corrupted or damaged user account
• Damaged or corruption user account

RESOLUTION

Where to start
Use the Windows Error Reporting tool

When you are prompted to send the error report tick Send Error Report.

• If a workaround is available, tick More Information after you send the error report. This helps you get the fix or information about how to work around the problem.

• If Error Reporting tool does not give information about a workaround, follow the steps given below:

1. Tick Click here in the Internet Explorer Error Reporting dialog box to view the error details. Error signature information is just like displayed below:

AppName: Iexplore.exe
Modname: module_name.dll
AppVer: 6.0.2600.0
ModVer: 5.0.1.10 1.

2. Keep note of module name that is scheduled in the modname entry, and then find this file on the hard disk.

3. Right-click the file, click Properties, and click the Version tab.

4. Click Company in the Item Name, The related company name is shown in Value list.

Issue 1: Problems with third-party software

Part 1: Test by using "Safe Mode with Networking" startup option

Any Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) connections that need a user name and password will not work in safe mode. Most DSL and dial-up connections are PPPoE. Thus, they will not work unless they use a persistent connection to Internet like a cable connection.

To start PC in safe mode and check your Internet connection, follow the steps given below:

1. Restart the PC. Press F8 key repetitively when screen go blank.

2. Click Safe Mode with Networking, and press ENTER.

3. If you are having option to choose a version of Windows, choose the proper version, and press ENTER.

4. After PC has started in safe mode, check your Internet connection.

o If you can open Internet Explorer without any errors in safe mode, there is generally a third-party tool or program clash. A clean restart helps you solve the clash. Restart PC in normal mode, and then go to next Issue.

o If you are not able to open Internet Explorer when PC is in safe mode, there may be a problem with some core Internet Explorer files. Go to second Issue, and then go to third Issue.

o If you have already tried the methods in second and third Issue, carry on with following methods.

Part 2: Disable third-party browser extensions

Some Web sites use browser extensions to give extra content like Flash movies. One of these extensions may be harmed or conflict with Internet Explorer. To stop all third-party browser extensions, follow the steps given below:

1. Click Start, right-click Internet Explorer, and then click Internet Properties.

2. Click the Advanced tab.

3. Click to clear the Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart) check box.

4. Click Apply, and then click OK.

5. Start Internet Explorer.

Part 3: Run antivirus software and spyware-fighting software

If antivirus or spyware-fighting software installed on your PC, then update it and execute on your PC.

Part 4: Remove a third-party program
• Use Add or Remove Programs to remove a third-party program

1. Click Start, click Run, type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.

2. Click the proper program from the list of installed programs, and then click Change/Remove.
If problem continues to happen, go to Issue 2.
• Manually remove a third-party program

If you require help to eliminate a third-party program contact the third-party program company.

Issue 2: Internet Explorer settings and optimization
Optimize Internet Explorer

You can clean old files and settings that may cause clashes by optimizing Internet Explorer. These files can also avoid from connecting to the Internet. To optimize Internet Explorer, follow the steps given below:

1. Start Internet Explorer, and click Internet Options on the Tools menu.

2. Click the General tab, and then click Delete Files under Temporary Internet Files.

3. Click to choose the Delete all offline content check box, and then click OK.

4. Click Delete Cookies, and then click OK to verify the deletion.

5. Under Temporary Internet Files, click Settings, and then click View Objects.

6. Delete all the objects.

7. Close the Downloaded Program Files window, and click OK in the Internet Options dialog box.

8. Start Internet Explorer.

Issue 3: Problems with core Windows files

Reregister a Windows file

If the modname entry shows that a Windows file is causing problem, try reregistering the file. To reregister a file, follow the steps given below:

1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.

2. At the command prompt, type regsvr32 <module_name>, and then press ENTER. Ensure that you substitute <module_name> with the name of the .dll file found in the error.

3. A dialog box view the following message:
DllRegisterServer in <module_name> succeeded.

4. Attempt to start Internet Explorer.

Issue 4: Corrupted or damaged user account

The user account that you are now using may be corrupted if you get similar error message again and again. If there are many user accounts on your PC, check by logging in as a other user. If this solves the issue, then you make another account, and move your settings and files to that new account.