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How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?


Internet explorer (IE) is one of the most popular browser on the  internet.One of the reasons why users switch to other browsers is because IE tends to slow down after sometime. This can be attributed to a lot of factors such as presence of lot temporary internet files which is reducing the performance, unwanted cookies, corrupted Internet explorer files due to malware attack and changed default settings by softwares and add-ons.

IE optimization fixes most of these issues. The logic behind doing IE optimization is to remove temporary files, cookies and reset internet explorer to optimum settings for better performance. Call any technical support guy for internet explorer issues, he will start the troubleshooting with the steps mentioned below. The steps mentioned below are applicable for IE versions IE 7,  IE8 and IE 9. This can also be done on IE 6 with small change in settings.


Internet Explorer Optimization

Internet Explorer Optimization Step by Step Process

 

1) Close all the open Internet explorer windows. Open internet options by clicking on Run –> inetcpl.cpl

open internet options 300x152 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

2) Open internet options window

internet options window1 233x300 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

3) Click on Delete under Browsing history

Delete browsing history 216x300 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

Explanation for what data is going to be deleted is explained inside.I would suggest to check all the boxes.Beware, don’t check the Passwords option in case if you saved passwords in IE and now you don’t remember it anymore. Press delete key after selecting the options.

4) Click on security tab on the top

internet explorer security tab 230x300 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

Click on the option “Reset all zones to default level”. If it is greyed out and you are not able to click on it, then it is already selected.

5) Click on Privacy tab

internet explorer privacy tab 233x300 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

Click on default level.

6) Click on Content tab

internet explorer content tab 235x300 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

Click on “Clear SSL state”.Click Ok on the message that says “SSL cache cleared successfully. This will fix issues related to problems with logging into secure websites such as your email and banking websites.

7) Click on Connection tab and then click on LAN settings which will open the below mentioned window

internet explorer connections tab 230x300 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

In most computers, “Automatically detect settings” is checked. You may keep it the same if it is already checked.However, there is one scenario where I would suggest to uncheck it. When you open IE for the first time, it takes a long time to upload the first page. The remaining pages loads normally.Unchecking this option should fix it.

If checked, then uncheck “Use automatic configuration script” and “Proxy server”.If these 2 options are checked without your knowledge, it might be as a result of some malware attack on your computer. Browser hijacking on internet explorer is mainly attributed to the entries in this location.

“Use automatic configuration script” and “Proxy server” might be checked in some genuine cases. If you are using dial up connection,some ISP’s provide a software which boasts about speeding up your internet connection.These softwares are know to use some scripts which can be seen in this location. Proxy server is also used when you are trying to access a secured or dedicated websites. For instance, one of my client that I worked with recently had some ipaddress written under proxy server.When I asked him if he knows what that entry is, he said that it was for logging into some military site. I left it checked.

8 ) Click on Programs –> Manage add-ons

internet explorer manage add ons tab 300x256 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

Add-ons give additional functionality to your web browser for better browsing experience. At the same time, it can also destroy the browser or slow down the browser performance. Go through the list of add-ons used by the browser. You can check if the add-on is a good one, by checking the publisher name.If you find a suspicious looking add-on, select it and click on the disable option below it. Add-on related to toolbars are know to slow down the performance of IE. Remove it if you dont use it.

9) Click on Advanced tab

internet explorer advanced tab 232x300 How to do a complete Internet explorer optimization?

Using IE for a long period might create some changes in the setting here. It is difficult to remember which options needs to be checked and unchecked. Select “Restore advanced settings” to take all the settings to default.

Finally click on OK and then start using IE.

If none of these methods are working, note the “Reset” button under Advanced tab in “Reset Internet explorer settings”. This will set your Internet explorer to the factory settings which will fix most of the complicated issues. Try this as a last step as it will reset all the IE settings.


If you still find issues with IE, Read this article on How to fix corrupted Internet explorer files.

This Article Was Written By

Anup Raman is a tech enthusiast, blogger and technical trainer with 10+ yrs experience in IT industry. Specialize in Windows Operating System and Virus Removal Techniques. Author of "Virus Removal Secrets Revealed", a book on removing computer infections manually without using any security software. Love writing articles on technical troubleshooting and give honest product reviews.

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Check What Others Have To Say

  1. Allison s April 18, 2013 at 11:58 pm edit

    Thank so much for your help!

    Reply
  2. pallab ray November 5, 2012 at 6:31 pm edit

    i have recovered from the problem during opening ie8 following this suggestion.
    thanks a lot.
    pallab ray

    Reply
  3. Jacob October 12, 2012 at 9:53 pm edit

    Hello, I’ve had this Google redirect problem for some time and this guide is the closest I’ve come to solving the problem but I ran into a bump. In step 8, when I click Manage Add-ons it stops responding and i get this message: Windows host process (Rundll32) has stopped working. The only option I’m given is to close the program. Could this be a hint that an add-on could be the souce of the redirect rootkit? Also, is there anyway around this? thank you.

    Reply
    1. Anup Raman October 13, 2012 at 4:56 am edit

      Hi Jacob,

      Yes, it is possible the redirection maybe a simple configuration issue with browser settings.That’s why I insist doing an IE optimization before further moving to steps for removing google redirect virus.

      In this case, it seems something is corrupting Internet explorer.Please go to start->run->appwiz.cpl.In the list of softwares installed, look for any add-ons or toolbars installed for Internet explorer.Remove it.It’s okay to remove these tools or add-on as most of them are free.You can always re-install it,if needed in future. Add-ons and toolbars are the major source of problem for most of the internet explorer issues.
      Also, please check http://atechjourney.com/how-to-fix-any-problems-related-to-login-to-secure-website.html/. There is a section for “fix corrupted internet explorer”. There is a long list of files that needs to be registered. Follow the instructions mentioned there as it is very easy. This should make sure the internet explorer is healthy.
      Let me know the results.Please do share the article if you like it.
      Good Luck

      Reply
  4. Kathy September 28, 2012 at 12:08 pm edit

    Genius,you just fixed the weird way my browser was working.Can’t pinpoint where it went wrong and which step fixed the problem.But for sure, I am able to browse net without any problem.Thanks Anup

    Reply
  5. Reynold September 27, 2012 at 3:36 pm edit

    Thanks,now my browser works fine. Awesome video.

    Reply
  6. Mary September 27, 2012 at 10:44 am edit

    This is the only solution that worked out for my browser problem.Wasted lot of time in forums and yahoo answers.Google should place you at the top for browser related issues.Thanks for sharing your knowledge and a great article

    Reply
  7. Tasha Parry August 26, 2012 at 5:23 pm edit

    Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and
    wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your
    blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
    Tasha Parry recently posted..how to delete cookies from computerMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Mikes August 24, 2012 at 8:12 pm edit

    Your steps worked.Thank you,now my facebook is up and running after almost a week.I am back in business

    Reply
  9. Retha Ferroni January 26, 2012 at 5:46 am edit

    Thanks for all the information!

    Reply
  10. Helen Ledford January 16, 2012 at 3:51 pm edit

    God bless you, my problem appears to be fixed, I did exactly as you said in internet options and followed it to a t, it worked now my internet explorer will load facebook again, what a easy fix.
    Thanks so much Helen Ledford

    Reply

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