How to Remove IE6 from WinXP

Internet Explorer 6 is a version of the Internet browser manufactured by Microsoft. This browser is one of the most powerful browsers out there and usually comes with all new installations of Windows. If you want to use a different browser, however, and wish to remove any trace of this program from your computer, you will have to take extra steps that you wouldn't normally use to delete a program.

Step 1

Click on the "Start" menu at the bottom left hand side of the Windows desktop screen. Click on "Control Panel" on the right hand side of the window.

Step 2

Double-click on "Add/Remove Programs" from the "Control Panel" window. Allow the program list to open and completely populate all the programs on your computer.

Step 3

Click on the "Add or Remove Windows Components" on the left hand side of the "Add or Remove Programs" window. This will bring up a list of Windows-based programs.

Step 4

Click on the check box next to "Internet Explorer." Click on any items which have check boxes checked to deselect them. Click "Next."

Step 5

Insert your Windows XP disc at the prompt, and close the disc drive. The computer will uninstall the browser. Close all of the windows to return to the XP desktop.

Tip

• Instead of deleting Internet Explorer, a better solution may be to just delete all shortcuts to the program and only use your preferred browser.

Warning

• Deleting Internet Explorer can make your system unstable, and Microsoft may not be able to update Windows without it.

References

• Microsoft: How To Add or Remove a Windows Component in Windows XP

About the Author

R.L. Cultrona is a San Diego native and a graduate of San Diego State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater, television and film with a minor in communications and political science. She began writing online instructional articles in June 2009.

Photo Credits

• internet image by Holger B. from Fotolia.com