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

Internet Explorer and Windows XP Service Pack 3

Before you install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP, you should read the Internet Explorer blog article "IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3". The blog article describes the different scenarios if you have Internet Explorer 6 or Internet Explorer 7 installed when you install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.

My Recommendations

Internet Explorer 6 Installed

If you have Internet Explorer 6 installed then I would recommend Service Pack 3 for Windows XP to be installed first then Internet Explorer 7.

Internet Explorer 7 Installed

If you have Internet Explorer 7 installed then I would recommend uninstalling Internet Explorer 7 first, install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP second and then install Internet Explorer 7. With this scenario, you will be able to uninstall Internet Explorer 7 after you have installed Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. If you have installed Service Pack 3 for Windows XP before uninstalling Internet Explorer 7 then you will not be able to uninstall Internet Explorer 7. Microsoft recommends and supports uninstalling Internet Explorer 7 before any repair installation of Windows XP.

Download Links

• Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP
• Service Pack 3 for Windows XP

Related Articles

• Microsoft Released Windows XP Service Pack 3 – May 6, 2008
• Slipstreaming Windows XP Service Pack 3 into a Bootable Windows XP Install CD

Version 1.1
Edited: May 13, 2012

Internet Explorer 7 Slow to Respond after Applying Security Update in Windows Vista

Many people are reporting Internet Explorer 7 is slow to respond after applying a Security Update (Hotfix) for Windows Vista. I have seen this behaviour on many systems in the last couple of weeks. All the systems I have encountered with this problem had literally 10s of thousands URLs (websites) listed in the Restricted Zone for Internet Explorer which is located in the Internet Properties Security page. When there is literally 10s of thousands URLs listed in the Restricted Zone, Internet Explorer will scan through all of the Restricted sites every time you navigate from one web page to another which will cause the slow response of Internet Explorer.

How did all these sites get listed in the Restricted Zone?

Anti-malware products such as Spybot – Search and Destroy, Webroot Spy Sweeper, and Javacool SpywareBlaster are some anti-malware products that use the Restricted Zone to help protect you from malicious web sites.

Will Microsoft fix this problem?

I highly doubt Microsoft will fix this issue of having 10s of thousands URLs (websites) listed in the Restricted Zone because the Restricted Zone was not designed for the purpose of anti-malware products adding thousands of web sites to the Restricted Zone. The Restricted Zone was designed for you to put in web sites in the Restricted Zone not anti-malware products bogging down the Restricted Zone.

Method 1 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using Internet Properties (RIES)

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

1. Click on the Start Orb(commonly known as the Start button).
2. Type inetcpl.cpl in the Start Search field on the Start Menu. Refer to Step 1 on the Image below.
3. The Programs in the Start Menu in the left pane will populate. "inetcpl.cpl" should appear. Click inetcpl.cpl (Step2) to launch the Internet Properties control panel. Refer to Image below.

    

4. The Internet Properties applet should open, click the Advance tab. Refer to Image below.

    

5. Click the Reset… button under Reset Internet Explorer settings. Refer to Image below.

    

6. Click OK to close the Internet Properties window.

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

Method 2 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using Windows Vista Registry Editor

CAUTION

Before making any changes to the Windows Vista Registry, please backup your Windows Vista Registry using Windows Vista System Protection and the directions from "Create a System Restore Point".

1. Open the Windows Vista Registry Editor, refer to "Opening the Registry Editor without Elevated Privileges" blog article for instructions.
2. Navigate to:

   HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

3. Delete all sub-keys in the Domain key.
4. Exit the non-elevated Windows Vista Registry Editor.
5. Open the Windows Vista Registry Editor with Elevated Privileges, refer to "Opening the Registry Editor with Elevated Privileges" blog article for instructions.
6. Navigate to:

   HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

7. Delete all sub-keys in the Domain key.
8. Navigate to:

   HKU\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

9. Delete all sub-keys in the Domain key.
10. Exit the elevated Windows Vista Registry Editor.

Method 3 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using REG DELETE

CAUTION

Before making any changes to the Windows Vista Registry, please backup your Windows Vista Registry using Windows Vista System Protection and the directions from "Create a System Restore Point".

1. Open a Command Prompt, refer to "Opening a Command Prompt without Elevation" blog article for instructions.
2. Type:

   REG DELETE "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains"
   

3. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
4. Type:

   REG ADD "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve

5. Type EXIT and press ENTER on your keyboard to close the non-elevated Command Prompt.
6. Open a command prompt with Elevated Privileges, refer to "Opening an Elevated Command Prompt" blog article for instructions.
7. Type:

   REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains"

8. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
9. Type:

   REG ADD "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve
   

10. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
11. Type:

    REG ADD "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve

12. Type:

    REG DELETE "HKU\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains"

13. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
14. Type:

    REG ADD "HKU\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve

15. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
16. Type EXIT and press ENTER on your keyboard to close the elevated Command Prompt.

Method 4 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using an Registration File

CAUTION

Before making any changes to the Windows Vista Registry, please backup your Windows Vista Registry using Windows Vista System Protection and the directions from "Create a System Restore Point". NOTE: To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

1. Download Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.CU.reg and Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.LM.reg to a folder on your hard drive.
2. Right-click Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.CU.reg to select Merge.
3. A confirmation window will appear asking if you want to merge the Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.CU.reg registration file into the Windows Vista Registry. Click Yes to continue with the merge of the registration file. Refer to Image below.

    

4. If you are successful with merge of the Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.CU.reg registration file then the following window should appear. Refer to Image below.

    

5. If you have added "Run as Administrator" context menu for registration file using this article, "Adding "Run as Administrator" to a Registration File Context Menu" then right-click Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.LM.reg to select Run as administrator.
6. A UAC Prompt should appear to allow access to the elevated Registration merge. Click on Continue to allow the elevated Registration merge to continue. Refer to the Image below.

    

7. A confirmation window will appear asking if you want to merge the Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.LM.reg registration file into the Windows Vista Registry. Click Yes to continue with the merge of the registration file. Refer to Image below.

    

8. If you are successful with merge of the Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.LM.reg registration file then the following window should appear. Refer to Image below.

    

9. The URLs for the Restricted Zone should now be removed.

NOTES

The Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.CU.reg and Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.LM.reg registration files is from my web server (http://lprf.homeserver.com). You also can view the contents of the Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.CU.reg and Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.LM.reg registration files by right-clicking the file and selecting Edit. You may need to log off then log on to your user account or restart your computer for the changes to take affect. NOTE: To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit (x86) Editions

Related Articles

• Create a System Restore Point
• Opening the Registry Editor without Elevated Privileges
• Opening the Registry Editor with Elevated Privileges
• Opening a Command Prompt without Elevation
• Opening an Elevated Command Prompt
• Adding "Run as Administrator" to a Registration File Context Menu

Version 1.1
Edited: May 6, 2012

“navcancl” error when opening Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista

After you have applied MS07-027: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer KB931768 security update for Internet Explorer 7 on Windows Vista, a Download File dialog box may appear and you may receive a "navcancl" error when trying to open Internet Explorer 7. You may be receiving this error because you moved the the Temporary Internet Files (TIF) location from the default location and your user account is not allowed to write to the Temporary Internet Folder.

You can fix this problem using Method 1, if Method 1 is not successful then try Method 2 as an alternative. Please do not uninstall MS07-027: Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer KB931768 security update to fix the problem.

Method 1 – Granting Full Control for Users Experiencing this Issue

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

1. Log into the user account that is experiencing the "navcancl" issuse when opening Internet Explorer 7.
2. Click on the Start Orb(commonly known as the Start button).
3. Type inetcpl.cpl in the Start Search field on the Start Menu. Refer to Step 1 on the Image below.
4. The Programs in the Start Menu in the left pane will populate. "inetcpl.cpl" should appear. Click inetcpl.cpl (Step2) to launch the Internet Properties control panel. Refer to Image below.

    

5. The Internet Properties applet should open, under the General tab click Settings for Browsing history. Refer to Image below.

    

6. Click View files in the Temporary Internet and History Settings page. Refer to Image below.

    

7. Windows Explorer will open displaying the contents of the Temporary Internet Files folder. In this example, I have the Temporary Internet Files located at "C:\Billjr\Temp\Temporary Internet Files". In this example, right-click the Temp folder to select Properties. The Temp folder properties sheet will open, click on the Security tab. Refer to Image below.

    

8. Ensure your User Account has Full Control selected in the Allow column. If your User Account is not listed then you will need to add your User Account with Full Control privileges for the Temp folder.
9. Click Apply then OK.

Method 2 – Moving Temporary Internet Files back to the Default location

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

1. Show hidden files folders using instructions from "Showing Hidden Files and Folders in Windows Vista" blog entry.
2. Click on the Start Orb(commonly known as the Start button).
3. Type inetcpl.cpl in the Start Search field on the Start Menu. Refer to Step 1 on the Image below.
4. The Programs in the Start Menu in the left pane will populate. "inetcpl.cpl" should appear. Click inetcpl.cpl (Step2) to to launch the Internet Properties control panel. Refer to Image below.

    

5. The Internet Properties applet should open, under the General tab click Settings for Browsing history. Refer to Image below.

    

6. Click Move folder…. Refer to Image below.

    

7. Point to:

   C:\Users\UserAccountName\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows

    

8. Click OK.
9. Click Yes to logoff your account and have Windows Vista make the necessary changes to your user account. Refer to Image below.

   

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

Related Articles

• Showing Hidden Files and Folders in Windows Vista

Version 1.1
Edited: May 6, 2012

Internet Explorer 7 Slow to Respond after Applying Security Update in Windows XP

Many people are reporting Internet Explorer 7 is slow to respond after applying a Security Update (Hotfix). I have seen this behaviour on many systems in the last couple of weeks. All the systems I have encountered with this problem had literally 10s of thousands URLs (websites) listed in the Restricted Zone for Internet Explorer which is located in the Internet Options Security page. When there is literally 10s of thousands URLs listed in the Restricted Zone, Internet Explorer will scan through all of the Restricted sites every time you navigate from one web page to another which will cause the slow response of Internet Explorer.

How did all these sites get listed in the Restricted Zone?

Anti-malware products such as Spybot – Search and Destroy, Webroot Spy Sweeper, and Javacool SpywareBlaster are some anti-malware products that use the Restricted Zone to help protect you from malicious web sites.

Will Microsoft fix this problem?

I highly doubt Microsoft will fix this issue of having 10s of thousands URLs (websites) listed in the Restricted Zone because the Restricted Zone was not designed for the purpose of anti-malware products adding thousands of web sites to the Restricted Zone. The Restricted Zone was designed for you to put in web sites in the Restricted Zone not anti-malware products bogging down the Restricted Zone.

Method 1 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using Internet Options (RIES)

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

1. Click Start then click Run….
2. Type inetcpl.cpl in the Run dialog box.
3. Click OK.
4. The Internet Options applet should open, Click the Advance tab. Refer to Image below.

    

5. Click the Reset… button under Reset Internet Explorer settings. Refer to Image below.

    

Method 2 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using Windows XP Registry Editor

CAUTION

Before making any changes to the Windows XP Registry, please backup your Windows XP Registry using the direction from "Using ERUNT to back up the Windows XP Registry".

1. Click Start and then Run….
2. Type regedit.exe in the Run dialog box.
3. Click OK.
4. Navigate to:

   HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

5. Delete all sub-keys in the Domain key.
6. Navigate to:

   HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

7. Delete all sub-keys in the Domain key.
8. Navigate to:

   HKU\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains

9. Delete all sub-keys in the Domain key.
10. Exit Windows XP Registry Editor.

Method 3 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using REG DELETE

CAUTION

Before making any changes to the Windows XP Registry, please backup your Windows XP Registry using the direction from "Using ERUNT to back up the Windows XP Registry".

1. Click Start and then Run….
2. Type cmd.exe in the Run dialog box.
3. Click OK.
4. Type:

   REG DELETE "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains"

5. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
6. Type:

   REG ADD "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve

7. Type:

   REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains"

8. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
9. Type:

   REG ADD "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve

10. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
11. Type:

    REG ADD "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve

12. Type:

    REG DELETE "HKU\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains"

13. Press ENTER on your keyboard.
14. Type:

    REG ADD "HKU\.DEFAULT\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\ZoneMap\Domains" /ve

15. Press ENTER on your keyboard
16. Type EXIT and press ENTER on your keyboard.

Method 4 – Remove URLs from Restricted Zone using an Registration File

CAUTION

Before making any changes to the Windows XP Registry, please backup your Windows XP Registry using the direction from "Using ERUNT to back up the Windows XP Registry".

1. Download Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.reg to a folder on your hard drive.
2. Right-click Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.reg to select Merge.
3. The URLs for the Restricted Zone should now be removed.

NOTES

The Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.reg file is from my web server (http://lprf.homeserver.com).  You also can view the contents of the Rmv.Rstrctd.Zns.reg file by right-clicking the file and selecting Edit. You may need to log off then log on to your user account or restart your computer for the changes to take affect.

Platforms Tested

• Microsoft Windows XP Editions

Version 1.2
Edited: May 4, 2012