Internet Explorer may begin opening windows automatically due to bad settings, damaged software or malware installed on your computer. If Internet Explorer is opening windows automatically, it may be difficult to reach other functions of your computer in an effort to repair the problem. Since there are various different causes for this problem, there are also a number of solutions.
Instructions
Resets and Repairs
1. Disconnect your computer from your Internet connection. The easiest way to do this is simply to unplug the cable before starting the computer. If your Internet connection is wireless, disable your wireless card. Once your computer is disconnected, restart it. This may stop Internet Explorer from automatically opening windows on a temporary basis while you troubleshoot the problem.
2. Start your computer in Safe Mode if Internet Explorer is still opening windows that prevent you from troubleshooting. To start in Safe Mode, shut your computer off. Turn it on and immediately begin pressing the F8 key about once a second until you see a menu. Your mouse won't work, but your arrow keys will. Highlight "Safe Mode" and press Enter. Do not choose "Safe Mode with Networking."
3. Open the Control Panel. In Windows XP, you can reach the Control Panel by clicking "Start" and choosing "Control Panel." Open "Internet Options." On the "General" tab, click "Delete Cookies." Click "Delete Files" and choose to delete offline content. On the Security tab, click "Default Level" for your Internet zone. On the "Privacy" tab, click "Default." Check "Block pop-ups" and click "Settings." Click "Remove All" and "Close." On the "Programs" tab, click "Manage Add-ons." Disable any add-ons (if you find that an add-on has caused the problem, you may remove it and leave the other add-ons enabled). On the "Advanced" tab, check "Reuse windows for launching shortcuts." Click "OK."
4. Open "Security Center." Set "Firewall," "Automatic Updates" and "Virus Protection" to "On." Note whether your virus protection is up to date. Reconnect to the Internet and see if the problem persists.
5. Repair Internet Explorer if possible. The repair process may require either your original Windows installation disk or a copy of the Windows installation files on your hard drive. Most major computer manufacturers provide you with one or the other. Once you've completed the repair process, restart your computer and test to see if Internet Explorer no longer opens windows automatically.
In Windows Vista, open the Control Panel. Choose "Internet Options." On the "Advanced" tab, click "Reset." Click "OK." This option may also be available under Windows XP, depending on your version of Internet Explorer. If so, try it before using the separate instructions for repair under Windows XP.
In Windows XP, click "Start" and choose "Run." Type in "sfc /scannow" without the quotes. Click OK. If you are prompted for your installation disk, provide it.
Malware Infection
6. Run a full scan of your computer with your anti-virus software. If your anti-virus software is not up to date, try to start your computer normally or in "Safe Mode with Networking" and update it. If you're unable to get Internet Explorer to stop opening windows long enough to run the update, boot to Safe Mode to run your anti-virus scan.
7. Run an anti-malware scan like Spybot Serach & Destroy or Ad-Aware. If possible, update your anti-malware product before running the scan. If you don't already have a malware scanner installed, download and install Spybot Search & Destroy from Safer-networking.org or Ad-Aware from Lavasoft.com.
If you can't use Internet Explorer for this purpose but can still access the Internet (i.e. you're able to use Windows without being in Safe Mode), press Window-E on your keyboard to open Windows Explorer. Enter the web page for one of the anti-malware tools in the Address bar and press "Enter" on your keyboard."
8. Restart your computer and test to see if your Internet Explorer is still opening windows automatically. If so, an IT professional may be able to manually clean out or disable the malware causing the problem. If you don't wish to invoke an IT professional, back up your data and re-install Windows.
Tags: Internet Explorer, your computer, Safe Mode, opening windows, Control Panel, windows automatically, your Internet
