How to uninstall Internet Explorer 7

This article describes how to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003.

When you uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 6 is automatically restored on your computer. This article describes how to confirm that Windows Internet Explorer 6 is restored properly.

There are two methods for uninstalling Windows Internet Explorer 7:

• Method 1: Use Add or Remove Programs
• Method 2: Use Spuninst.exe

Start with the first method. If it does not work, try the second method.

This article is intended for a beginning to intermediate computer user.

You may find it easier to follow the steps if you print this article first.

Important If you installed Windows XP SP3 on your computer after you installed Internet Explorer 7, you need to uninstall Windows XP Service Pack 3 before you can uninstall Internet Explorer 7.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

The simplest way to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7 is to use Add or Remove Programs.

Step 1: Uninstall Internet Explorer 7

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK. It may take several seconds for your computer to compile a list of programs.
3. Scroll down through the list and click Windows Internet Explorer 7, and then click Remove.

Step 2: Verify that Internet Explorer 6 is restored

To verify that Internet Explorer 6 is restored, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type iexplore. Windows Internet Explorer opens.
3. On the Help menu, click About Internet Explorer. The About Internet Explorer window opens.
4. If the Version number begins with 6, you have successfully uninstalled Internet Explorer 7 and restored Internet Explorer 6.

If this method did not work for you, try method 2.

If method 1 did not uninstall Internet Explorer 7, try using the Spuninst.exe executable wizard on your computer.

Step 1: Make hidden files and hidden folders visible

1. Click Start, and then click My Documents.
2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
3. Click the View tab.
4. In the Advanced settings list, under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK.

Step 2: Uninstall Internet Explorer 7

To uninstall Internet Explorer 7, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type %windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe, and then click OK.
3. Follow the wizard instructions to uninstall Internet Explorer 7.

Step 3: Verify that Internet Explorer 6 is restored

To verify that Internet Explorer 6 is restored:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type iexplore. Windows Internet Explorer opens.
3. On the Help menu, click About Internet Explorer. The About Internet Explorer window opens.
4. If the Version number begins with 6, you have successfully uninstalled Internet Explorer 7 and restored Internet Explorer 6.

If you were unable to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7 or if Internet Explorer 6 was not restored with either of these methods, please see the "Next steps" section.

If you were unable to uninstall Windows Internet Explorer 7 with either of these methods, you may want to ask someone you know for help, or you may want to contact your ISP or network administrator for help. You can also use the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site to find other solutions to your problem. Some services that the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site provides include the following:

• Searchable Knowledge Base: Search technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products.
• Solution Centers: View product-specific frequently asked questions and support highlights.
• Other Support Options: Use the Web to ask a question, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services, or provide feedback.

If you continue to have problems after you use these Microsoft Web sites or if you cannot find a solution to the problem on the Microsoft Support Services Web site, click the following link to contact Support.

For more information about how to uninstall Internet Explorer 8, see the following Windows Online article: