Rainbow2005,
When you run into recurring issues like what you’re describing, your options are to either repair or reinstall the application.
Although you mentioned that you’ve tried to reset the advanced settings manually, you may want to give it a try again with instructions from
this article. The linked article also contains a Fixit tool that will perform the reset automatically for you.
Another option since you’re running Windows XP is to use the System File Checker. In order to use this, click on Start, click the Start search box, type sfc / scannow and then press Enter. Answer each question in order to complete the process. Once the application is finished, restart your computer.
If neither of the above options worked, you will need to reinstall Internet Explorer 8. To do this, you’ll need to first
uninstall your existing installation. Now you can
download and install the application again.
Keep in mind also the upcoming Windows XP End of Support date, which is April 8, 2014. If you meet the system requirements, it is strongly recommended that users make the move to a modern operating system such as
Windows 7 or
Windows 8 by then.
This Springboard Blog post covers more about what end of support means and what you can do to prepare.
Mike
Windows Outreach Team – IT Pro
The Springboard Series on TechNet
Windows XP End of Support
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