Removing IE Win XP SP2 [windows components] [sp2]
Q: IE is very bizarre to me after finding / removing some spyware in my system. I tried to remove it using Add / Remove Components Windows “in the control panel, and it looks like it removed, but when I go to reinstall all my settings / homepage / etc were exactly the same, of course, won t uninstall completely. How can I get rid of everything * * IE link and reinstall? Thanks for any help!
Re:Originally posted by: guy
It would make sense that IE is an integrated part of XP since you can browse the web through Windows Explorer, and browse local with IE. Aren't both just front ends? One thing I've noticed about all these "how to remove IE threads I've seen is the lack of mentioning "why"?
IE facilitates updating Windows. It offers an alternate browser in the event of a problem with your primary (Which I've run into with Firefox). It can handle non-compliant web pages better for those times when you need access that alternates can't give you.
I'd suggest disabling over removal.
I only wanted to remove it to reinstall it
Re:Meh I ended up formatting and reinstalling windows. It actually wasn't so bad this time since I now have an external HD so it's been really easy to back up what I need. I didn't feel like chasing down a virus/piece of spyware. I had run a couple of different virus scans and a few different spyware programs, and all seemed fine. However when I left my computer alone for a little, the HD would start accessing like crazy until I moved the mouse/got it out of screen saver mode… seemed a little odd. However, that Winsock fix did get IE up and running again for me, thanks guy! However, my install of WinXP was still funked up somewhat, so I'd be happier with a clean start instead of chasing such a small thing down that causes such a big problem. Thanks for the help!
Re:It would make sense that IE is an integrated part of XP since you can browse the web through Windows Explorer, and browse local with IE. Aren't both just front ends? One thing I've noticed about all these "how to remove IE threads I've seen is the lack of mentioning "why"?
IE facilitates updating Windows. It offers an alternate browser in the event of a problem with your primary (Which I've run into with Firefox). It can handle non-compliant web pages better for those times when you need access that alternates can't give you.
I'd suggest disabling over removal.
Re:Reinstallation of XP should be a last resort. This should be fixable without resorting to that.
Ok, here's what you should try first.
Put your XP CD in your CDROM Drive. When the install screen comes up, exit out of it.
Now, click the Start Button. Click Run. Type in the box (without quotes) "sfc /scannow"
Note there is a space between sfc and /scannow
This will fix any corrupted system files on your XP install. It also knows to use the most updated versions of the files, meaning if you have hotfixes or service packs installed, it will use those versions vs. from the CD.
The System File Checker will disappear from your screen when it's done, without telling you anything. Reboot at that point.
Try IE.
Also, download/install "Hijackthis.exe". Post the results here.
http://www.merijn.org/files/hijackthis.zip
Re:guy
They even did a removal demo at the MS anti-trust trial.
Re:IE is an integral part of windows…….you will never get rid of it…….just ignore its presence and get firefox or opera or other browser
Re:A free trial version of this software is available, and it should remove IE for you.
XPLite (http://www.litepc.com/xplite.html)
Re:How can I get rid of *everything* IE related and reinstall it?Reinstall Windows.
You might try Microsoft Antispyware's Advanced Tools > Brower Restore feature, it won't take long. Also try WinSockFix from here (http://www.schadentech.com/Malware/removal.htm).
Out of curiosity, what spyware was it, and how did it get in, if you know?
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Tags: sp2, windows components