Internet Explorer Displays a Gray Background

When you start Internet Explorer, it may start slowly, and then display a gray background.

This problem can occur if files are damaged and the following conditions exist:

• You are using Internet Explorer 5.5.
• Your computer is running Microsoft Windows 2000.
• Internet Explorer is set to Use Blank as your home page.

To resolve this problem, first make sure that the control for this registry value is selected in Properties for Internet Explorer. To check the Internet Explorer Properties, use the following steps:

1. Start Internet Explorer.
2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
3. Click the General tab, and then click Colors.
4. Click Use Windows Colors, and then click OK.

If this does not correct the problem, use the following procedure.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open text box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. In Registry Editor, open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main.
4. In the right pane, right-click Use_DlgBox_Colors, and then click Delete.
5. In the left pane, click HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main.
6. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click String Value.
7. In the right pane, name the new string Use_DlgBox_Colors, and then press ENTER.
8. Double-click the Use_DlgBox_Colors.
9. In the Value Data text box, type yes, and then press ENTER.
10. Click Exit on the Registry menu to quit Registry Editor.
11. Start Internet Explorer. (If it is already running, quit the program, and then restart it.)

NOTE: To choose Use Blank for your Internet Explorer home page, use the following steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2. In the Internet Options dialog box, on the General tab, click Use Blank.
3. Click Apply, and then click OK. When you restart Internet Explorer, a blank window will appear. To immediately go to your new home page, click the Home icon on the toolbar.