Can I Permanently Remove Internet Explorer in Windows XP?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ahrkron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Internet
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of permanently removing Internet Explorer (IE) from Windows XP, particularly in the context of dealing with unwanted pop-up ads. Participants explore various methods, including registry edits and software alternatives, while also considering the implications of such actions on system functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with IE's persistent pop-up ads and seeks a way to remove it entirely from Windows XP.
  • Another participant suggests that it may be possible to remove IE, referencing a personal experience with a different application, but does not provide specific methods.
  • Some participants assert that IE cannot be removed due to its dependency in the file manager of Windows XP.
  • There are discussions about alternative solutions to inhibit ads, including reinstalling Windows or using spyware removal tools like Spybot.
  • Participants share personal experiences with spyware detection and removal, noting the presence of numerous threats on their systems.
  • One participant offers tips on avoiding spyware, emphasizing caution with pop-ups and software installations.
  • A participant mentions a specific malware issue they are facing, indicating difficulty in removal.
  • Another participant advises keeping IE installed for compatibility with certain web pages.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of completely removing Internet Explorer from Windows XP. While some believe it is impossible due to system dependencies, others suggest potential methods or alternatives. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to handle the pop-up ads and the role of IE.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the effectiveness of various methods and the implications of reinstalling the operating system. There are also mentions of unresolved issues with specific malware that complicate the discussion.

ahrkron
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
755
Reaction score
2
Does anyone know if there is a way to get rid of IE in Windows XP? I'm just all fed up with the pop up ads.

I installed Mozilla and it rarely pops up any ad windows. I'm very happy with it. However, Microsoft IE still gets activated somehow (even whithout it being used to display any website) and brings up ads anyway. I tried simply deleting a file from "Program Files", but XP notices and brings it back! (am I cursed or something? :smile:)

Or, if anyone knows how to edit the registry to get rid of whatever is bringing up this ads, that'd be as good.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
I think it can be done. I had a similar problem with Media Player 9 (hate it), and I ended up having to execute some kind of command line .dll in order to get rid of it.

Your best bet is probably to google for something like that. I'd do a little looking myself, but I'm already busy trying to fix my brother's computer. It used to have two operating systems, and now it somehow has zero!

Edit: Make that from two hard drives and two operating systems to one hard drive and zero operating systems.

cookiemonster
 
Last edited:
You can't remove internet explorer. Your file manager is dependent on it.
 
Is it? That's too bad.

cookiemonster
 
Originally posted by dduardo
You can't remove internet explorer. Your file manager is dependent on it.

As cookiemonster said, too bad!

Is there other way to inhibit the ads? I'm thinking of reinstalling windows, so that there is no remnant of any program that activates them. I'm even considering formatting the hard drive. Is there an easier way? Is this even worth the try? I've heard people saying that it is "healthy" to reinstall windows once in a while.
 
Originally posted by ahrkron
As cookiemonster said, too bad!

Is there other way to inhibit the ads? I'm thinking of reinstalling windows, so that there is no remnant of any program that activates them. I'm even considering formatting the hard drive. Is there an easier way? Is this even worth the try? I've heard people saying that it is "healthy" to reinstall windows once in a while.

I reinstall a clean ghost image I have of XP almost monthly. ahrkron I thought you used linux? mozilla firefox is an awesome browser, I don't see why IE opens, sure you have firefox as the default browser? What kind of ads are you talking about? Maybe you have some spyware and need to download spybot.
 
Originally posted by Greg Bernhardt
I reinstall a clean ghost image I have of XP almost monthly. ahrkron I thought you used linux? mozilla firefox is an awesome browser, I don't see why IE opens, sure you have firefox as the default browser? What kind of ads are you talking about? Maybe you have some spyware and need to download spybot.

I have linux in my "main" machine, but XP at home. How did you prepare the ghost image of XP? What does it overwrite when you reinstall it?

I have Mozilla as my default browser in XP. I'll take a look at spybot.
 
Originally posted by ahrkron
I have linux in my "main" machine, but XP at home. How did you prepare the ghost image of XP? What does it overwrite when you reinstall it?

I have Mozilla as my default browser in XP. I'll take a look at spybot.
Be prepared for some, shall we say, 'interesting' results from the first time you run spybot; best that you're sitting down :wink:
 
Wow! 505 $%&$ "bad guys" were detected. And there are over 12 thousand known ones. Ptuaj!

Is that what you meant, Nereid?

Thanks for the tip, Greg! I should have installed something like this long ago.
 
  • #10
Originally posted by ahrkron
Wow! 505 $%&$ "bad guys" were detected. And there are over 12 thousand known ones. Ptuaj!

Is that what you meant, Nereid?

Thanks for the tip, Greg! I should have installed something like this long ago.
That's way more than what Spybot found on my PC ahrkron. However, two things I was shocked by were a) where did all these come from?? and b) four instances of a security hole in IE (or was it XP?) - and here's me diligently installing every Windows patch as soon as they're announced!
 
  • #11
Not to be condescending, but I rarely get spyware: you must learn how to avoid it. Some tips:

-Never hit "yes," "no," "cancel," etc. in a popup: its a trick. Close every popup with the "X" in the upper right corner or right click it in your taskbar and click "close."

-Never allow software to be installed on your computer by a website unless you are absolutely certain of what it is.

-Be very careful installing shareware/freeware software. Much of it today is ad-supported. READ THE FINE PRINT.

-(spam) Never give your real email address to a website unless you want them to contact you. For example, when downloading many shareware programs, the sites will ask for your email address: give a fake.
 
  • #12
where do you get spybot? this machine I am on I know is infected go one called sysupd.exe that is, so far, unremovable, even re-installs itself into the run line, in the registry, seconds after I delete it...Oye! they go after this computer...
 
  • #13
Originally posted by Mr. Robin Parsons
where do you get spybot? this machine I am on I know is infected go one called sysupd.exe that is, so far, unremovable, even re-installs itself into the run line, in the registry, seconds after I delete it...Oye! they go after this computer...

http://download.com.com/3000-2144-10194058.html?tag=lst-0-1

oh and great tips russ, I basically live by them
 
  • #14
Hey Spybot! Coool

Thanks! if I can get the time I'll put the "download permission key" back in place, and try it out...
 
  • #15
Keep IE around. Yeah, it sucks. But there will be the occassional Web page that only works with IE.
 

Similar threads

Windows XP: If I have the disc?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
How Can I Format an HP Laptop with Windows XP if It Has a Virus?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
.exe file not a valid Win32 app
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
How Can I Delete a Partition and Restore Free Space Back to Windows XP?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
[Internet Explorer] Critical Warning
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
Trojan Removal Help: Get Rid of Vundo, Metajuan & More on XP
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
6K
How to Fix Internet Access Control and AOL Issues on Windows XP
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Improve Your Slow Computer with CCleaner: Get a Faster PC Today!
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
7K
How Can I Disable the Boot Manager and Directly Load into Windows 7?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
Is Trend Micro Internet Security Really Protecting My Computer?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K