Steps to Uninstall Internet Explorer 7

How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 7

Microsoft has finally released Internet Explorer 7. It has some nice features including a revised interface, tabbed browsing, improved printing features, and a phishing filter. However, during the time between the releases of IE6 and IE7, other companies have produced browsers that have similar or better features and many customers have started using these browsers like Firefox, Opera, Avant and others.

Unfortunately instead of just offering Internet Explorer 7 as an optional download, they are pushing it to customers via the Automatic Windows Update. Which means you may wake up one day soon, after leaving your computer on, and have a brand new browser replacing Internet Explorer 6.0. This may seem fine for most people, however many people are simply resistant to much change and will find using IE7 more difficult than just using their current browser to surf the web. In these cases, you'll want to know how to uninstall Internet Explorer 7 and keep it off your computer.


Beyond the basic resistance to change issues, there have been other issues that I have experienced on several computers that make me want to wait before upgrading to Internet Explorer 7. Among these issues are conflicts with some third party applications, most noteably Norton Antivirus and Norton Internet Security. I have seen several instances of systems freezing when trying to open a browser window after installing IE7. Usually this can be fixed by simply uninstalling IE7, however on one instance even this did not correct the problem. A combination of registry cleaners and other software had to be used to correct the issues.

Uninstalling Internet Explorer 7

Follow the steps below to uninstall Internet Explorer 7

1. Close Internet Explorer and any open windows
2. Click on Start, click on control panel
   
3. Double-click on Add/Remove Programs
4. Find the Internet Explorer 7 program - it should appear similar to the picture below
   
   
   
5. Click the Remove button and complete the removal. Your browser will revert to the last version of Internet Explorer you had installed on your computer, in most cases this will be Internet Explorer 6.0

If you cannot find Internet Explorer 7 listed in the Add/Remove Programs window, click the Show Updates checkbox at the top of the window to reveal it and then proceed with the removal.



Stopping Automatic Updates from downloading Internet Explorer 7 (IE7)

If IE7 was downloaded through the Windows Automatic Updates, you'll want to modify the updates so it doesnt download again. Follow the instructions below to do this.

1. Open Internet Explorer and go to the following site
   
   http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
   
2. When the Update page opens, click on Custom
3. Uncheck the box for Windows Internet Explorer 7.0 for windows.
   
4. Check the box for Don't show this update again
5. Check the boxes for any other updates you wish to download and install them

Now IE7 wont show in your update list and you can continue to use Internet Explorer 6, Firefox, Opera, Avant or any other browser you wish to use.