As we become increasingly reliant on the internet to carry out many crucial tasks, issues with internet connectivity can cause significant disruption in our daily lives. One of the most widely used web browsers, Internet Explorer, is no exception to this. Connection problems with Internet Explorer are quite common and can arise due to various reasons. In this article, we discuss a few methods to diagnose and resolve connection problems with Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Check your internet connectivity

The first action to take when diagnosing connection problems with Internet Explorer is to check your internet connection. Sometimes the connection may drop, and you may not be aware of it. Try reconnecting your router or modem by unplugging and replugging them. Also, make sure that your Wi-Fi router is not in a far-off location or obstructed by a wall that can interfere with the signal.

Step 2: Disable Add-ons

Internet Explorer Add-ons can potentially cause connection issues. Therefore, you should disable add-ons when trying to diagnose connectivity issues. To do this, click on the “Tools” option from the toolbar and then select “Internet Options.” Next, head to the “Programs” tab and click on “Manage Add-ons.” This will display all installed and active add-ons. Disable all add-ons and restart the browser to see if the connectivity issue is resolved.

Step 3: Clear Browser Cache and History

Clearing the browser cache and history can help resolve IE connectivity issues. This step deletes any temporary files that may be causing connectivity problems. To do this, click on “Tools” from the browser toolbar and then click on “Internet Options.” Go to the “General” tab and under “Browsing History,” click “Delete.” This will open a new dialog box where you can choose the data types you wish to delete. Select “Temporary Internet Files” and “History” and then click on “Delete” to clear it.

Step 4: Disable Security Layers

Sometimes, stringent security layers installed on a computer can cause problems in connecting to the internet. Therefore, you should disable all security layers temporarily to see if the connectivity problem is due to security. Go to the Control Panel, select “Security,” and then select “Security Center.” Here, turn off the firewall and other security layers and then try connecting to the internet again.

Step 5: Check for Malware

Malware often causes connectivity issues with Internet Explorer. Therefore, you should conduct a thorough virus scan on your computer to check for any malicious software that may be disrupting your connection. You can use your computer’s installed antivirus or download one online to perform the scan.

Connection issues with Internet Explorer can cause significant disruption in one’s work, but with the above troubleshooting steps, you can quickly resolve the issue. Remember, connection issues can sometimes be arising from a more severe problem than simple connectivity, for instance, NIC cards, network switches or other network equipment. If problems persist, contacting an IT consultant can help identify an underlying issue.