If you are using Internet Explorer on operating systems other than Windows XP, you can very often resolve many problems by carrying out a "Repair" from "Add/Remove Programs". This option is unavailable in Windows XP.
Furthermore, if you attempt to download Internet Explorer again it will be reported as already being installed and fail.
It is possible to make Windows "Forget" that Internet Explorer is installed, allowing you to download or reinstall it again - effectively repairing the installation.

This technique requires a registry edit. Please ensure that you have read the disclaimer at the bottom of this page.

1. Log on to the machine as a user with administrator rights.
2. Click Start, choose Run, and type "regedit" and press enter..
3. In the registry, find the following key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}
   BE CAREFUL - there is a similar key which is different for the last two digits.
4. Verify that you have the correct key by looking at the "(default)" entry which should say "Internet Explorer 6".
5. Double click on the value "IsInstalled".
6. Change the value from 1 to 0 and press enter.
7. Close the registry editor.

You can now download Internet Explorer 6 from the Microsoft web site. Alternatively if you have already carried out a download for offline use as here, then you can use that installation instead.

A similar technique can be used for Outlook Express by modifying the key {44BBA840-CC51-11CF-AAFA-00AA00B6015C} instead.
It should also work for other operating systems and applications by search the main "Installed Components" section for the required text.

Registry Disclaimer: We cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your machine by using registry files or following any of the advice given on this site. Modification of your registry is done at your own risk. You should always have a back up of your registry before making any changes. Click here for more information on backing up your registry.

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