Member Avatar for strauss999

I have been having problems with my computer and it has something to do with stopping a windows update in the middle.
is there a way to uninstall Internet Explorer and then reinstall it. i have even done a clean install of windows 2000 and i still get the same problem.
the problems include
1. Search files program never starts up
2. IE gets stuck stops doing anything although I can open a new window.
3. If i try to do all the windows updates I get the message "A previous installation has pending work
requiring a reboot. You need to restart
your computer to complete that installation
before running Internet Explorer Setup.
Setup will close now"
4. I have found out that I can close a pending registry key that will allow the windows update , but it does not fix anything that is wrong.
Help, what do I do?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Cain

Dani AI

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Short checklist and practical next steps for the “A previous installation has pending work…” / IE hang symptoms reported by . Trying a different browser first (as and suggested) is a fast way to tell whether the problem is specific to Internet Explorer or a wider system problem; if Firefox/Netscape run fine the focus should be on IE/system files, otherwise treat it as OS or disk corruption.

Key things to try (in order):

  • Boot Safe Mode and test (rules out third‑party toolbars/services).
  • Check Event Viewer (Application/System) for crashed modules (look for mshtml.dll, shdocvw.dll, iexplore.exe).
  • If Windows Update or IE setup shows the “pending work” message, back up the registry, then inspect/delete the value at
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\PendingFileRenameOperations — clearing that value can allow installers to proceed but does not repair broken IE files. (support.microsoft.com)
  • Run Microsoft’s IE repair/maintenance routine (the KB article covers the repair tool and command-line maintenance options) and, on Windows 2000, check the IE Uninstall folder for w2kexcp.exe /u if the uninstall entry is missing. (support.microsoft.com)
  • If system files look suspect, run System File Checker: sfc /scannow (you will need the Windows CD or install source). That replaces protected system files from the original source. (learn.microsoft.com)

When to stop and consider a repair/clean install
If the repair/maintenance steps, SFC and removing pending rename entries do not restore correct behavior, a repair install or full reinstall may be necessary. Uninstalling IE5/older IE versions can be unsupported or incomplete in some configurations (backup files or service‑pack state can prevent a clean uninstall), so plan a full backup of data/settings before proceeding. ()

Quick practical tips
Export the registry before edits; run chkdsk /f and a memory test if corruption is suspected; test with a new Windows user account; scan for malware. Using another browser is a valid short-term workaround, but note Windows 2000 ties some shell/update components to IE, so fixing the underlying system files is the correct long-term solution.

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Member Avatar for oberoc

Get firefox
http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
It will save you the hassle of spyware and, it doesn't have nearly as many security problems.

-Tino

I have been having problems with my computer and it has something to do with stopping a windows update in the middle.
is there a way to uninstall Internet Explorer and then reinstall it. i have even done a clean install of windows 2000 and i still get the same problem.
the problems include
1. Search files program never starts up
2. IE gets stuck stops doing anything although I can open a new window.
3. If i try to do all the windows updates I get the message "A previous installation has pending work
requiring a reboot. You need to restart
your computer to complete that installation
before running Internet Explorer Setup.
Setup will close now"
4. I have found out that I can close a pending registry key that will allow the windows update , but it does not fix anything that is wrong.
Help, what do I do?

Member Avatar for Cain

or.. netscape 7.2 ..

youre a little behind in your IE rev but at any rate.. uninstalling IE

first download the new browser of choice to your desktop so you can find it easy and
install it from one of the following:
Firefox
www.getfirefox.com click download in the green panel on the upper right hand side
it will download "Firefox Setup 1.0PR" from the ftp.mozilla.org site.
(thier logo reminds me of the tatoo on dudes back on 'Wild Arms" anyone else notice this? yeah! go evil race!)

Netscape 7.2
http://channels.netscape.com/ns/browsers/download.jsp and click on the red "Free Download"
button. It will download NSSetup.exe from ftp.netscape.com.

Internet Explorer 6.0

use the download pullright menu on the left hand top side of the page..
download and dont install this just yet make sure you get the full version
now for the removal part [after download is complete] from the start button on
your taskbar in the lower left hand corner of your screen..

Start> Control panel > Add/Remove Programs
then select any goodies that need to go.. Internet explorer.. Coupons & offers..
XXX.. anything that is crap will be obvious. Firefox and netscape can be
installed at any time but IE6 will have to be installed after IE5 is
removed and your computer has been rebooted. Then install IE6, reboot &..

..Enjoy

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