Investigate Internet Explorer add-ons in Windows XP

by Greg Shultz | Nov 01, 2006 8:00:00 AM

Tags: Web browsers, Greg Shultz, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: When you're on the Internet, your Windows XP computer may be picking up harmless as well as potentially unwelcome add-ons. Greg Shultz explains how to evaluate which IE add-ons you have and what purpose they serve.

When you visit various Web sites, your Windows XP computer may download add-ons—usually ActiveX controls designed to enhance your use of that particular site. Add-ons can include toolbars, software installers, and multimedia file viewers. However, some add-ons may be spyware, which could have devastating effects on Windows XP's performance. As such, it's worth your time to periodically investigate add-ons in Internet Explorer to make sure that they are all legitimate. Here's how:

1. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools | Manage Add-ons.
2. In the Manage Add-ons dialog box, make sure the Show drop-down is set to Add-ons That Have Been Used By Internet Explorer.
3. Scan through the list and take note of each add-on's name, publisher, status, type, and file.
4. If you discover an add-on that you do not recognize, select the add-on, and then select the Disable option. Click OK.
5. Point your browser to your favorite search engine and search for the add-on's name to see what you can learn about its origins. If you discover that it is indeed a legitimate add-on, simply return to the Manage Add-ons dialog box and re-enable the add-on.

Note: This tip applies to both Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

Huh ? CaP/ | 11/02/06

The list of add-ons to avoid patrick_mullen@... | 11/02/06

MANAGING ADD-ONS zezee3@... | 11/02/06

He didnt even get that right Reiley 411 | 11/03/06

MANAGING ADD-ONS zezee3@... | 11/03/06

Added with SP2 Greg Shultz | 11/03/06

For the future, it might be wise to point out SP dependencies. deepsand | 11/03/06

Added With SP 2 zezee3@... | 11/05/06

"all the bugs ... fixed ..." deepsand | 11/05/06

Actually... Greg Shultz | 11/03/06

Re:He didnt even get that right grayfrier | 11/03/06

The long way, Reilly411 crookesf@... | 11/06/06

ADDONS WITH EI 7` zezee3@... | 11/06/06

Installing IE 7 patrick_mullen@... | 11/09/06

List of add-ons to avoid... Greg Shultz | 11/03/06

That's what I was looking for patrick_mullen@... | 11/03/06

Spybot S&D has useful built-in function for such. deepsand | 11/03/06

This one looks hokey patrick_mullen@... | 11/03/06

Research is a valid add-on... Greg Shultz | 11/03/06

Thanks patrick_mullen@... | 11/03/06

Amen Hey_Joe | 11/03/06

DUH! Reiley 411 | 11/02/06

Re:Anyone reading these pages would know that already...... grayfrier | 11/03/06

Not if you're using SP1. deepsand | 11/03/06

Tips, not full blown articles Greg Shultz | 11/03/06

Is this SP dependent? deepsand | 11/03/06

For those of you not using XP SP2, try Spybot Search & Destroy. deepsand | 11/03/06

But Kiltie | 11/04/06

Greg's tip is re. a sub-function not available in SP1. deepsand | 11/04/06

My apologies Kiltie | 11/05/06

No offense taken. deepsand | 11/05/06