Unable to access Tools, Internet Options in Internet Explorer

There are a couple of possibilities here.

Search your system for the DWORD (registry value) 'nobrowseroptions'

If the value of 'NoBrowserOptions' is set to 1x0 ... remove the value or set to 0 (0x0) to return the system to 'normal'  operation

Remember to always back up your registry before making any changes, and reboot when you are finished to set the changes.  For your information, some links about working in the registry are noted below:

How to Back Up the Registry in Windows 98 [Q256419]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q256419

If no joy, a file called inetcpl.cpl (Internet Control Panel) file may be damaged or corrupt and needs to be replaced. Try replacing it with system file checker.

If you installed Spybot, turn off "protect IE control panel".

Description of the Internet Explorer Cache

To quote Tom Koch (he said it jolly well):

<quote>

What you see is an illusion created by Windows Explorer. It is designed to show you what we might call the Cache View when you open *any* folder that is part of the Temporary Internet Files. If you are on a machine with multiple user profiles, this prevents you from seeing the contents of another user's cache. Looking at any of them will cause Explorer to display the Cache View only for the current user, i.e., yourself. If you want to verify this for yourself, click Start|Run and type without quotes "winfile". That will open the old 16-bit File Manager from Win3.x, which does not know how to display the Cache View. Be careful though. Do NOT attempt to change anything at all on your computer with File Manager, as it is not aware of long file names. Just use it to peek into the cache folders and you'll see that each folder contains different files.

You might also notice that the Cache View displays all the cookies for the current user. These are not even stored in the Temporary Internet Files folder. They are kept in c:\windows\cookies, or under \windows\users\<name>\cookies. They are included in the Cache View only as a convenience.

Finally, in case you are wondering, the cache folder itself is divided into subfolders in order to make it more efficient. The subfolders are given random names as a security precaution.

<endquote>

Following are instructions on how to completely delete the TIF (IE cache):

Shut down all programmes and boot into dos if you are using Windows 95 or 98. If using Windows ME use an appropriate disc to access DOS. Run the following commands from the windows directory, typically c:\windows\>

smartdrv
deltree tempor~1

Reboot using ctrl, alt, del if using Windows 95 or 98.  If using WindowsME remember to remove the boot floppy.  

Windows 2000 users will have to log in as Administrator to be able to delete the folders in question directly from within Windows Explorer. Windows XP users will use the same procedure.

NOTE:

Different operating systems use different paths to the history, temporary internet files and cookies folders.  Check your system to make sure that you are using the correct path for your machine.  For example, you may find your folders are located at ...\documents and settings\{identity}\{dir} or similar.

MSIMN caused an invalid page fault in WININET.DLL

How to set OE as the default email client

Shut down all programmes.  Run the following command from start/run (type it exactly as it appears including the quote marks) - make sure the path to msimn.exe is correct for your machine:

"c:\program files\outlook express\msimn.exe" /reg

Reboot.  Note there is a space between exe" and /reg and make sure the path to msimn.exe is correct for your machine.

Now go to control panel, internet options, and select OE as default mail handler.

If no joy, go to My Computer\view\folder options (or control panel, folder options depending on your operating system)

Click the file types tab.

In list of file types, click the one that we need to change which is "url:mailto protocol".

Click Edit.

In Actions, click Open then Edit.

In Application used to perform action, type the following, including the quotes marks:
"c:\program files\outlook express\msimn.exe" /mailurl:%1

If no joy, go to this link for instructions about running fixmapi, but pay special attention to the warnings for Outlook users.

Description of the Fixmapi.exe Tool Included with Internet Explorer 5
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q228/4/57.ASP

How do I prevent the Windows log-on at boot up?

How to Prevent a Win95/98 longon Prompt at Startup
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q152/1/04.asp

"Save target as" and "print target" don't work

Save Target As and Print Target Commands Are Unavailable
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q176/3/16.asp

Problems with the Favorites folder

Most problems with favorites are caused by a corrupt favorites folder. Follow the instructions below to create a new one. Remember to export your favorites first so that you don't lose them:

Shut down all programmes and boot into dos if you are using Windows 95 or 98. If using Windows ME use an appropriate disc to access DOS. Run the following commands from the windows directory, typically c:\windows\>

smartdrv
deltree favori~1

Reboot using ctrl, alt, del if using Windows 95 or 98.  If using WindowsME remember to remove the boot floppy.  

Windows 2000 users will have to log in as Administrator to be able to delete the folders in question directly from within Windows Explorer. Windows XP users will use the same procedure.

NOTE:

Different operating systems use different paths to the history, temporary internet files and cookies folders.  Check your system to make sure that you are using the correct path for your machine.  For example, you may find your folders are located at ...\documents and settings\{identity}\{dir} or similar.

Cannot Open or Add Web Pages to the Favorites Folder
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q218/8/41.asp

Favorites Entries Lost During Internet Explorer Installation [Q167124]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q167124

Cannot Add Favorites to the Favorites Folder [Q177848]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q177848

Favorites May Not Sort in Alphabetical Order [Q259735]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q259735

Favorites Folders Do Not Appear Shared in Internet Explorer [Q174489]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q174489

Deleted "Available Offline" Favorites Stay on Synchronize List [Q227050]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q227050

Cannot Move, Delete, or Rename Links Folder on Favorites Menu [Q179599]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q179599

Cannot Rename Links Folder in Favorites [Q257011]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q257011

How to Create a Text File of Web Addresses in Favorites Folder [Q183436]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q183436

How To Print the Favorites List in Internet Explorer 5 [Q237954]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q237954

Error Message When Importing Favorites [Q217236]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q217236

Paste Command Missing When You Right-Click the Favorites Folder [Q177073]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q177073

Cannot Drag Address to the Organize Favorites Window [Q257031]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q257031

Some Favorites Are Unavailable When Cache Size Is Reduced [Q250789]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q250789

Files Added to Favorites Folder Are Missing [Q209088]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q209088

Favorites Link Does Not Use Last Internet Explorer Window Size [Q228567]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q228567

Cannot Keep Favorites with Automatic Configuration Script [Q242544]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q242544

Folders May Not Close in the Favorites Pane [Q257145]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q257145

How to Copy America Online Favorites to Internet Explorer [Q241198]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q241198

Software Updates Command on Favorites Menu Does Not Function [Q218797]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q218797

Unable to Export Favorites or Cookies [Q221045]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q221045

Java applets don't work

IE opens pictures in a new window - change to use the same window

You may find the following link of assistance:

Opening Picture Files Opens New Instances of Internet Explorer
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q199/2/92.asp

Script_errors involving preview.dlg when printing

Cannot print from Internet Explorer

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q293/1/76.ASP

Err Msg: Printing Error: The Printer Cannot Be Found [Q303360]
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q303/3/60.asp

Error Message When You Attempt to Print a Web Page: An Error Has Occurred in the Script on This Page [Q303486]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q303486

Divago Surfairy is installed

http://support.microsoft.com?scid=kb;EN-US;Q811165

Also see the fix for 'incompatible version of RPC stub' which is sometimes related and has been known to fix preview.dlg errors

How do I increase the timeout value in IE?

Internet Explorer Error "Connection Timed Out" When Server Does Not Respond Within Five Minutes
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q181/0/50.ASP 

How to change the default keep-alive time-out value in Internet Explorer

http://support.microsoft.com?scid=kb;EN-US;Q813827

Increase the DNS cache timeout:

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings  (DWORD = DnsCacheTimeout). Set in seconds (may be milliseconds equivalent to the KeepAliveTimeout key; haven't tested)

Various controls display wrongly (scroll bar arrows; minimise, maximise or close buttons; option buttons; check boxes etc).

This is generally caused by a corruption of the Marlett.ttf font.  See this link for information about how to replace this font in Windows 95:

Description of and Troubleshooting the Marlett TrueType Font
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q134/8/61.asp

Users of other operating systems can use System File Checker (sfc.exe) or msconfig to replace the corrupt font if they wish.

What is folders.dbx and why is it so large?

ActiveX problems in IE

First, have a look at these links:

Error Message: An ActiveX Control on This Page Is Not Safe... [Q182744]
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q182/7/44.asp

Trusted Web Site Prompts to Download ActiveX Controls [Q174558]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q174558

ActiveX errors when you run Internet Explorer [Q177943]

http://support.microsoft.com?scid=kb;EN-US;Q177943
 

Error Messages Received Downloading Windows Media Audio Files [Q250035]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q250035
 

Error Message: An ActiveX Control on This Page Is Not Safe [Q251365]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q251365
 

Java .cab File Installation from .hta File Does Not Work [Q288973]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q288973

Error When Downloading ActiveX Control with Low Disk Space [Q250737]
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q250737
 

I shall quote my friend Max Spyridskas (mspork@hotmail.com) about the more complicated causes of active x problems, because he says the following so well....

"..We may need a bit more detail of your system setup......

On WinNT4 systems in particular, one known problem is...

Comcat.dll version 5.0 works with Ole32.dll version 4.71 and above;

Comcat.dll version 4.71 works with Ole32.dll version 4.0 (this should be the WinNT4 configuration.)

*** Some KB references about Comcat.dll issues *** NT systems are a bit different from Win9x systems (DCOM is a core NT component)...

Err Msg: This Page Provides Potentially Unsafe Information to an ActiveX Control
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q235/6/53.ASP

For a few alternatives/instructions to restoring that file see these KB's

PRB: MSDN Library Topics Display ActiveX Control Warning
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q241/3/85.ASP

Here is a more recent suggestion for NT4 users

Error Message: An ActiveX Control on this Page Is Not Safe
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q251/3/65.asp

*** With Win9x, you can also restore and re-register files using the same basic techniques described in KB Q251365. For novice users, I think the easy thing to do is reinstall the DCOM components.
http://www.microsoft.com/com/resources/downloads.asp

***
If you still have problems after that is all straight, triple check your Browser security settings (== registry and KB Q182569).

If appropriate, I suggest you maintain\re-set security to "safe/default" levels for general use. Evil script emails of recent past (XLOVEYOU & ANNAK viruses) may still be floating around.

It is remotely possible that these warnings are "real" and indicate either an issue with your local security settings or the presence of unsigned scripts or ActiveX controls...

...-but- security & scripts are not the most common cause for this message (especially for NT4 users).  This sort of message will display with some Email attachments (attached script files).  The script may or may not be really evil but you should take any warning of this type seriously.   This warning should be less common on a web page but in any case, be cautious as you examine unknown attachments.

Description of Internet Explorer Security Zones Registry Entries
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q182/5/69.asp

Adobe documents are blank and other problems

Windows Protection Error

Troubleshooting Windows Protection Errors
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q149/9/62.asp 

Internet Explorer freezes

This problem is often caused by out of date video drivers. Go to the web site for the manufacturer of your card, and download the latest and greatest for your machine.

If you have an ATI card installed, in the system.ini file add this to the [display] section:

DevBMP=0 (thats a zero)

If you're still having problems, a good way to test and stabilise your system is to reduce hardware acceleration on your video card by going to Control Panel, Display, Settings, Advanced, Performance -or- Control Panel, Display, Settings, Advanced, Troubleshooting.  If your system improves as hardware acceleration is reduced, we can assume that video drivers are your problem.

Igetnet causes IE freezes

Internet Explorer 6 SP1 may stop responding when you try to connect to a secure Web site
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=842607

IE6 stops responding when you start it from a Javascript hyperlink in an Office document
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=835311

HTML pages only partly appear, HTML pages do not appear or network stops responding

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=823386

IE6 SP1 - IE may stop responding (hang) - imagines may not appear as expected and status bar says "items remaining" or "done"

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q818506

IE6 - hangs when accessing files

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;Q816769

If you have a Toshiba computer, turn off Toshiba System Stability Monitor, listed as tsyssmon on the start-up tab, MSCONFIG (thanks to "Mark" for bringing this to my attention).

It is essential to check for spyware/hijackware/foistware.

Go to IE tools, internet options, general tab. Click on the cache settings button and then 'view objects'. Delete anything you don't recognise.  If you are unsure, or no objects appear, for diagnosis purposes I REALLY like BHODemon, available at http://www.definitivesolutions.com/bhodemon.htm.  It does not need installing - simply unzip and run the EXE programme.  It is very easy to use.

I find this programme is a better option than IE6's ability to turn off "Enable third-party browser extensions (requires restart)".  This disables *all* plug-ins and makes troubleshooting very difficult.

Many people like AdAware, available at www.lavasoft.de .  Make sure you keep the signature files up to date and remember, AdAware may only remove the current installation of spyware; it may not do anything about software that reinstalls itself, so unless you want to get stuck in an endless loop of hijack/cleanout/hijack/cleanout make sure you get rid of whatever is installing the junk.  See my Troubleshooting advice for information about how to track down and get rid of spyware completely.

An excellent replacement for AdAware is Spybot. Again, it is a free programme which can be downloaded from:

http://spybot.eon.net.au/

Also, you can try updating your scripting engine at:   http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/downloads/list/webdev.asp (98, ME, NT) or

And the Java VM as per the instructions at this link

Check that you have at least V6.1 of Directx installed by running dxdiag.exe. If not, go to www.microsoft.com/directx to update.

Also, you can try following the advice below:

You may just have a cache or cookie problem. Export your cookies using file/import and export.

Shut down all programmes and boot into dos if you are using Windows 95 or 98. If using Windows ME use an appropriate disc to access DOS. Run the following commands from the windows directory, typically c:\windows\>

smartdrv
deltree history
deltree tempor~1
deltree cookies

Reboot using ctrl, alt, del if using Windows 95 or 98.  If using WindowsME remember to remove the boot floppy.

Windows 2000 users will have to log in as Administrator to be able to delete the folders in question directly from within Windows Explorer.  Windows XP users will be able to do the same.

NOTE:

Different operating systems use different paths to the history, temporary internet files and cookies folders.  Check your system to make sure that you are using the correct path for your machine.  For example, you may find your folders are located at ...\documents and settings\{identity}\{dir} or similar.

Copyright © 1999 - 2004, Sandra Hardmeier, All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Reproduction, in any form, of information on this site is prohibited without express written permission.
Microsoft is in no way affiliated with, nor offers endorsement of, this site

Last updated Sunday, August 20, 2006