Uninstalling Internet Explorer: Difference between revisions

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You are advised not to uninstall Internet Explorer, because:
You are advised not to uninstall Internet Explorer, because:
   
   
'''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.
# '''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. The majority of websites on the Internet should work with Mozilla browsers, but there are some sites that appear distorted or inaccessible unless IE is used as a browser.
 
# '''[[Windows Update]] 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 Windows Update handle this for you.
'''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.
# '''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.
 
# '''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.
'''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.
# '''IE is more than a browser, it is the foundation for Internet functionality in Windows.'''
 
'''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 (4.5 MB), it provides an indication IE is more than just a browser.


==Hide the Internet Explorer icon from the desktop==
==Hide the Internet Explorer icon from the desktop==
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Right-click on the Desktop -> click Properties -> Desktop -> Customize Desktop -> Desktop Icons -> Internet Explorer <uncheck  this
Right-click on the Desktop -> click Properties -> Desktop -> Customize Desktop -> Desktop Icons -> Internet Explorer <uncheck  this


Another way (in windows xp, possibly different for other versions of windows) Start -> Set Program Access and Defaults -> Add/Remove Windows Components -> Uncheck Internet Explorer -> Click Next -> and Now Internet Explorer has been partially uninstalled.
Another way (in Windows XP, possibly different for other versions of windows) Start -> Set Program Access and Defaults -> Add/Remove Windows Components -> Uncheck Internet Explorer -> Click Next -> and Now Internet Explorer has been partially uninstalled.
 
(To get internet explorer to come back repeat the following steps) -yakster


==Uninstall Internet Explorer completely==
==Uninstall Internet Explorer completely==
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This link discusses how to repair or reinstall IE if needed:
This link discusses how to repair or reinstall IE if needed:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318378
[[Category:Firefox]]
[[Category:Mozilla Suite]]

Revision as of 22:52, 22 October 2005

Impacts of removing Internet Explorer from Windows

You are advised not to uninstall Internet Explorer, because:

  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. The majority of websites on the Internet should work with Mozilla browsers, but there are some sites that appear distorted or inaccessible unless IE is used as a browser.
  2. Windows Update 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 Windows Update 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.

Hide the Internet Explorer icon from the desktop

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

Another way (in Windows XP, possibly different for other versions of windows) Start -> Set Program Access and Defaults -> Add/Remove Windows Components -> Uncheck Internet Explorer -> Click Next -> and Now Internet Explorer has been partially uninstalled.

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