does anyone know if it's a bad idea to delete microsoft internet explorer from windows xp?

Question

I'd rather have just my mozilla, but i'm worried deleting explorer will cause problems

Answer 1

I'm a Mozilla fan, so I share your pain.

However; here are a few reasons to keep Internet Explorer:

If you want to use the Internet Version of Windows Update, you'll need Internet Explorer.

Many sites out there will crap out if you're not using Internet Explorer (NBC and Netflix won't let me watch videos without IE).

So unless you're really suffering from low disc space, I don't see any reason as to why one should delete it.

I am no expert, but can one fully "Delete" IE from a Windows enviornment (unless your are from the European Union; or choose to delete it from the "Windows Components" section of "Add and Remove Programs")?

Answer 2

Problems with your computer overall? no, deleting IE won't cause any problems....although it may not update correctly as you may have noticed that winndows updates opens in IE....you can use mozilla exclusively and get a plugin for those times when you go to pages that only work with IE, but it still needs to have IE installed in order for it to work. If you do not want to use it, or see it then you can simply make the folder where IE is hidden and delete all the shortcuts.....that way you guarantee you won't have any problems with any pages.
Beyond that, I do not think you can actually completely uninstall it from the operating system.....it is embedded into OS to give you functionality right out of the box.....you can go to the windows components part of the add/remove programs list and uncheck IE, but this really just deletes user access to it....but that may be all you really need.

Answer 3

It is a very bad idea. IE is so deeply hooked into XP that XP will become unstable if you delete IE.

When you install Firefox, it asks if you want it to be "Your Default Browser", answer Yes and anytime you click a web link Firefox will open instead of IE.

IE should only be used for Windows and M$-Office updates (and a few IE only sites) due to security issues, IMHO.

Answer 4

Not sure if this is still true, but at one time, some sites were "particular" about which browser opened them. I used to access a site that wouldn't work with IE and required Netscape. May have been an oddity of that site, and may not be true today. But I suggest leaving Internet Explorer on your computer . . . just in case.

Answer 5

If deleting IE causes problems, you can report to the Anti Trust commission both in the US and European Union.
Microsoft is under legal directions to ensure that deleting IE does not cause problems in using the operating system.

Answer 6

You can't delete Internet Explorer. It is embedded in the OS. Just make whatever program you want as your default and it will use that as your browser.

Answer 7

you can delete it safely with foxfire that what I use internet explore has too many problems in it.

Answer 8

no worries u can use firefox and delete IE infact Firefox is better than IE

Answer 9

No - you can delete it safely and use Firefox without probs.