For starters, Beth, I've never heard of Internet Explorer version 5.1, only version 5.0 or version 5.5
For seconds, Windows XP comes with Internet Explorer version 6 as standard! If you've somehow 'forced' an earlier version onto it (and I didn't think that was possible) then I'd suggest you format and reinstall fresh! At the very least, I'd suggest you perform an In place upgrade to fix any problems created.
But if it's not, in fact, an earlier version you have there then your updates should come from the Windows Update website.
I'll move this to the 'Internet Explorer' forum section, by the way. You'll have more chance of getting further advice there :D
Hi and welcome, by the way!
Catweazle
Grandad
4,335 posts since Mar 2004
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Try the topic about performing a clean install of Windows XP in my sig, Beth.
It has a couple of articles linked in it. One will help you prepare for a format and fresh install of Windows and your programs, the other will help you do it! ;)
If a format/fresh install doesn't get things working properly, then I think you may have suffered some hardware damage from that lightning strike!
Catweazle
Grandad
4,335 posts since Mar 2004
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The newest version wouldnt let me use it because I supposedly had an older version on IE.( I thought 6 was the newest)
Since you mentioned a lightning strike, you could definitely have bigger problems than a corrupted IE, but if not, here's some info from MS concerning the IE reinstall issue:
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When you try to reinstall the same version of Internet Explorer, you may receive the following error message:
"Setup has detected a newer version of Internet Explorer already installed on this system.
Setup cannot continue."
To avoid this error message and reinstall the same version of Internet Explorer, follow these steps:While you are logged on as an administrator, click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
Locate the appropriate registry subkey, right-click the IsInstalled (REG_DWORD) value, and then click Modify.
To reinstall the Internet Explorer 6 browser component on Windows XP, use the following registry key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Active Setup\Installed Components\{89820200-ECBD-11cf-8B85-00AA005B4383}
Change the value data from 1 to 0, and then click OK.
Quit Registry Editor, and then install Internet Explorer 6.
DMR
Wombat At Large
7,229 posts since Dec 2003
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I am seriously thinking of having the whole computer wiped clean and starting over .....
Beth
In your situation, Beth (following serious electrical 'zappage') I'd be seriously considering that as well. If problems continue to crop up, wipe and reinstall for certain. You need the security of mind that a fresh, clean install would bring to be able to start making judgements about whether or not any physical damage may be present.
Catweazle
Grandad
4,335 posts since Mar 2004
Reputation Points: 229
Solved Threads: 149