How to perform a Windows XP Repair Install if Internet Explorer 7 or 8 Installed

In this blog post I will describe how to perform a Repair Install for Windows XP if Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is installed.

Uninstall Internet Explorer before performing a Repair Install

One should try to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 before attempting a repair installation of Windows XP. There are two methods you can use, one is using the Add / Remove Programs applet and the other is using the Recovery Console if you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer by using the Add / Remove Programs applet.

Method One – Add / Remove Programs

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is listed then click the Remove button.

Method Two – Recovery Console

1. Start the computer in the Recovery Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog post for instructions.
   • Windows Internet Explorer 8
     1. Type CD ie8\spuninst.
     2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
     3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
     4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
   • Windows Internet Explorer 7
     1. Type CD ie7\spuninst.
     2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
     3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
     4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
2. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.

Uninstalling Internet Explorer if a Repair Install of Windows XP has been Performed

If you have performed a Repair Install for Windows XP and Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is installed then Internet Explorer may not function or function correctly. You will need to uninstall Internet Explorer using one of the described scenarios.

Check What Service Pack is Installed after a Repair Install

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type winver in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   In the About Box, the Service Pack level for Windows XP will be listed. If there is no Service Pack listed then Windows XP has no Service Pack installed.

If Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 is Installed

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is listed then click the Remove button.

   If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is not listed in the Add / Remove Programs applet then follow the appropriate directions.

   1. Start the computer in the Recovery Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog post for instructions.
      • Windows Internet Explorer 8
        1. Type CD ie8\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
      • Windows Internet Explorer 7
        1. Type CD ie7\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
   2. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.

If Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 is not Installed

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard
   

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is listed then click the Remove button.

   If Windows Internet Explorer 7 or Windows Internet Explorer 8 is not listed in the Add / Remove Programs applet then follow the appropriate directions.

   1. Start the computer in the Recovery Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog post for instructions.
      • Windows Internet Explorer 8
        1. Type CD \Windows\ie8\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard
      • Windows Internet Explorer 7
        1. Type CD \Windows\ie7\spuninst.
        2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
        3. Type batch spuninst.txt.
        4. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
   2. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions

Related Articles

• How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 from Windows XP
• How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console
• Internet Explorer 8 released today for Windows XP – March 19, 2009

Version 1.1
Edited: May 17, 2012

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 from Windows XP

You may need to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8 from Windows XP for various reasons. In this blog post I will describe how to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8 in a few different scenarios.

Add / Remove Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. Locate and select Windows Internet Explorer 8.
5. Click Remove to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8.

   

6. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
7. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

Command Prompt Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type %systemroot%\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
5. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

System Restore Method

1. Open System Restore, refer to “How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore” blog article for directions.
2. Select Install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in the System Restore windows. Refer to Image below.

   

3. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
4. Click Next to confirm the System Restore point being used and continue the System Restore process.
5. If the System Restore is successful then a message will indicate System Restore was successful when the computer has restarted.

Safe Mode Method

Add / Remove Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. Locate and select Windows Internet Explorer 8.
5. Click Remove to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8.

    

6. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
7. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

Command Prompt Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type %systemroot%\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
5. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

System Restore Method

1. Start the computer in Safe Mode, refer to “How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode” blog article for instructions.
2. Open System Restore, refer to “How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore” blog article for directions.
3. Select Install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in the System Restore windows. Refer to Image below.

   

4. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
5. Click Next to confirm the System Restore point being used and continue the System Restore process.
6. If the System Restore is successful then a message will indicate System Restore was successful when the computer has restarted.

Recovery Console Method

1. Boot to the Windows XP Console, refer to “How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console” blog article for instructions.
2. At the Recovery Console prompt, type CD ie8\spuninst.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Type batch spuninst.txt.
5. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
6. Type EXIT on your keyboard to restart the computer.
7. If you are able to login then proceed with one of the following steps:

Add / Remove Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type appwiz.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.

   NOTE

   The Add / Remove Programs applet should open.

4. Locate and select Windows Internet Explorer 8
5. Click Remove to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 8.

   

6. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
7. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process

Command Prompt Method

1. Type %systemroot%\ie8\spuninst\spuninst.exe on your keyboard.
2. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
3. Click Next in the Windows Internet Explorer 8 Removal Wizard window.
4. Click Finish to restart your computer and complete the uninstall process.

System Restore Method

1. Open System Restore, refer to “How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore” blog article for directions.
2. Select Install Windows Internet Explorer 8 in the System Restore windows. Refer to Image below.

   

3. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
4. Click Next to confirm the System Restore point being used and continue the System Restore process.
5. If the System Restore is successful then a message will indicate System Restore was successful when the computer has restarted.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions

Related Articles

• How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore
• How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode
• How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console
• How to perform a Windows XP Repair Install if Internet Explorer 7 or 8 Installed
• Internet Explorer 8 released today for Windows XP – March 19, 2009

Version 1.2
Edited: May 16, 2012

How to Start the Windows XP Recovery Console

Windows XP Recovery Console is a very useful tool that helps you to fix your computer when you cannot boot the computer or log into your user account. The Recovery Console can uninstall Windows Updates such as Hotfixes and Service Packs, check specific drives, change or list Service’s start up configurations, expand files, rebuild boot entries, simple management of partitions, repair the boot sector on the system partition and repair the master boot record of the boot partition. In this blog post I will describe how to start the Windows XP Recovery Console from the bootable retail Windows XP Installation media.

NOTE

Booting from the Windows XP Installation media provided by OEMs may not provide the Windows XP Recovery Console.

Requirements

• Administrator Password
• Bootable Windows XP Installation media
• Floppy Drive and Floppy Media with SATA drivers if SATA drivers are required

Starting the Windows XP Recovery Console

1. Ensure the BIOS is set to boot from the CD / DVD drive. Refer to the Manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Insert Windows XP Installation CD and start the computer.
3. Press ANY Key to boot from the Windows XP Installation CD when the following screen appears. Refer to Image below.

    

4. Press F6and insert the floppy media if SATA drivers are required. Refer to Image below.

   

5. Press R to enter the Windows XP Recovery Control. Refer to Image below.

    

6. Select the Windows Installation for the Recovery Console to use when the following screen appears. Refer to Image below. Most users will typically see one installation, therefore, press 1on your keyboard.

    

7. Enter the Administrator’s password. Refer to Image below. If you do not remember setting the password for the built-in Administrator password then try no password (blank) and press ENTER.

   

8. When completing your Recovery Console tasks then type EXIT to reboot the computer.

   

Available Commands

To see a list of available commands for the Recovery Console, type HELP at the Recovery Console prompt. If you need more help for an available command, type HELP CommandName at the Recovery Console prompt.

Version 1.1
Edited: May 16, 2012

How to Restore Windows XP to an Earlier Time with Windows XP System Restore

Windows XP System Restore can restore Windows XP to an earlier time such as a few days ago. Restoring Window XP to an earlier state can be very useful if something goes wrong such as an update or driver causing your computer not to boot properly. In this blog post I will describe how to restore Windows XP to an earlier state using a System Restore point in a few different ways.

System Restore Method

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

   NOTE

   The System Restore window should open.

2. Select Restore my computer to an earlier time. Refer to Image below.

    

3. Click Next to choose the System Restore point.
4. Select the System Restore Point to restore Windows XP to an earlier time. Refer to Image below.

    

5. Click Next to start the System Restore process.
6. Confirm the System Restore point and click Next to start the System Restore process. Refer to Image below.

    

7. Windows XP will automatically reboot and show the progress of System Restore. Refer to Image below.

    

8. If Windows XP System Restore was successful then a successful message will appear when logging onto Windows XP. Refer to Image below.

   

Command Prompt Method

1. Click Start then Run.
2. Type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe on your keyboard.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Follow System Restore Method above starting from Step 2 to continue with the System Restore process.

Safe Mode Method

1. Boot Windows XP into Safe Mode, refer to “How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode” blog for directions.
2. When logged on then select No to launch System Restore. Refer to Image below.

    

3. Follow System Restore Method above starting from Step 2 to continue with the System Restore process.

Safe Mode with Command Prompt Method

1. Boot Windows XP into Safe Mode, refer to “How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode” blog for directions using the Safe Mode with Command Prompt Method.
2. Type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe in the Command Prompt window.
3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Follow System Restore Method above starting from Step 2 to continue with the System Restore process.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions

Related Articles

• How to Start Windows XP in Safe Mode

Version 1.1
Edited: May 16, 2012

Internet Explorer 8 released today for Windows XP – March 19, 2009

On Thursday, March 19, 2009, Microsoft released Internet Explorer 8 on the Download Center Microsoft for Windows XP.

NOTE

This articles does not show Windows XP Security Updates. Please review MSFT Security Updates blog category for Windows XP Security Updates.

How Do I Get Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP

Download Center

• Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP SP2 – Download Now
• Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP SP3 – Download Now
• Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP, 64-bit versions – Download Now
• Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP SP2, 64-bit versions – Download Now

Internet Explorer 8 Overview, Release Notes, FAQs and System Requirements

Overview

• Read the Official Announcement and Overview for Internet Explorer 8 from the Internet Explorer Blog
• More Internet Explorer 8 Overview from Microsoft Internet Explorer Site.

Release Notes

• Release notes for Internet Explorer 8 from MSDN

Frequently Asked Questions

• Read the Frequently Asked Questions for Internet Explorer 8

System Requirements

• System Requirements for Internet Explorer 8

Updating your Windows XP System

Please keep your computer up to date with Critical and Important updates by using the Windows Update feature in Windows XP or by visiting Microsoft Update. If you experience any problems with Microsoft Security updates then please call Microsoft support for help. There will be no charge for support on Security Updates.

Microsoft has set up newsgroups for self-support. If you need help for Security updates or any other updates that is issued by Microsoft then please visit the Windows Update newsgroup at using your newsreader news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsupdate.

Related Articles

• How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 from Windows XP
• How to perform a Windows XP Repair Install if Internet Explorer 7 or 8 Installed

Version 1.3
Edited: May 16, 2012