Uninstalling Internet Explorer: Difference between revisions

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Internet Explorer is tightly integrated with your OS (Windows 2000/Windows XP). Any attempts to remove it using only tools built into Windows will not actually be an uninstallation. Instead, it will only remove access to the program.  This means that any shortcuts that you may have to [[Internet Explorer]] will be removed. However, the [http://en.wikipedia.org/executable executable] itself will not go away.  As you can delete the shortcuts yourself, the "uninstallation" serves little purpose.  One could wonder why it is so difficult to remove Internet Explorer.  The United States Department of Justice actually initiated a [http://www.microsoftusernetwork.com/bgfn/antitrust/antitrust_evidences.htm lawsuit] because of this question.  However, that failed, so at the moment, you have no way to remove [[IE]] from within.  Also, it is not recommended that you remove Internet Explorer from your computer using third-party programs.  
==Impacts of removing Internet Explorer from Windows==
It
'''1. Many web sites are programmed to work only with Internet Explorer'''. For example, webmasters authoring a site may have not tested with other web browsers. Some webmasters may not be familiar with WC3 standards or taken the time to program their site so it is universally acceptable by all browsers. Probably 95% of all websites on the Internet should work with Mozilla browsers, but there it a site is not compatible it may appear distorted or inaccessible unless IE is used as a browser.


There are sites that will only work with Internet Explorer so you might still need it and Windows Update will only work with Internet Explorer. Therefore, by uninstalling Internet Explorer you are losing a necessary tool for maintaining your Windows OS and downloading bug and security fixes. This is unacceptable due to the absolute need to perform updates on Windows. If you are not using Internet Explorer, you can delete the icon on the desktop and only use it when necessary.
'''2. Windows Update (WU) requires Internet Explorer.''' As an alternative, you may be able to manually download security updates, but it will require more monitoring and work than letting WU handle this for you.
 
'''3. Some Anti-Virus Products require IE for updates.''' Live updates or automatic DAT updates used by both Norton and McAfee are built on Internet Explorer's foundation. You may be able to manually update your virus signature files but it could require more work.
 
'''4. Both removing and restoring IE is risky and difficult.''' IE is complex with extensive hooks built into Windows, for efficiency and functionality. Thus unplugging it from your system may impact Internet connectivity, Windows functionality, and break functionality in Microsoft Office and non-MS products.
 
'''5. IE is more than a browser, it is the foundation for Internet functionality in Windows.''' If you compare the install base for IE 6 SP1 (43.5MB) to FF (4.5MB), it provides an indication IE is more than just a browser.
 
 
==Hide the Internet Explorer icon from the desktop==
 
Right-click on the Desktop -> click Properties -> Desktop -> Customize Desktop -> Desktop Icons -> Internet Explorer <uncheck  this
 
==Uninstall Internet Explorer completely==


If, despite this advice, you would still like to uninstall IE, then [http://litepc.com/ LitePC] is a good place to start. LitePC or any other third-party program that removes IE is most definitely not recommended for novice users.
If, despite this advice, you would still like to uninstall IE, then [http://litepc.com/ LitePC] is a good place to start. LitePC or any other third-party program that removes IE is most definitely not recommended for novice users.
==How to repair or reinstall Internet Explorer==
This link discusses how to repair or reinstall IE if needed:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378

Revision as of 01:59, 29 April 2005

Impacts of removing Internet Explorer from Windows

It

1. Many web sites are programmed to work only with Internet Explorer. For example, webmasters authoring a site may have not tested with other web browsers. Some webmasters may not be familiar with WC3 standards or taken the time to program their site so it is universally acceptable by all browsers. Probably 95% of all websites on the Internet should work with Mozilla browsers, but there it a site is not compatible it may appear distorted or inaccessible unless IE is used as a browser.

2. Windows Update (WU) requires Internet Explorer. As an alternative, you may be able to manually download security updates, but it will require more monitoring and work than letting WU handle this for you.

3. Some Anti-Virus Products require IE for updates. Live updates or automatic DAT updates used by both Norton and McAfee are built on Internet Explorer's foundation. You may be able to manually update your virus signature files but it could require more work.

4. Both removing and restoring IE is risky and difficult. IE is complex with extensive hooks built into Windows, for efficiency and functionality. Thus unplugging it from your system may impact Internet connectivity, Windows functionality, and break functionality in Microsoft Office and non-MS products.

5. IE is more than a browser, it is the foundation for Internet functionality in Windows. If you compare the install base for IE 6 SP1 (43.5MB) to FF (4.5MB), it provides an indication IE is more than just a browser.


Hide the Internet Explorer icon from the desktop

Right-click on the Desktop -> click Properties -> Desktop -> Customize Desktop -> Desktop Icons -> Internet Explorer <uncheck this


Uninstall Internet Explorer completely

If, despite this advice, you would still like to uninstall IE, then LitePC is a good place to start. LitePC or any other third-party program that removes IE is most definitely not recommended for novice users.


How to repair or reinstall Internet Explorer

This link discusses how to repair or reinstall IE if needed: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378

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