Member Avatar for main()
main() 0 Newbie Poster

Hi,
I'm having a little problem with IE7. I'm entering data for my work on a netbook but I get an error message saying that

"Class doesn't support automation".

I've tried reinstalling IE7 but that doesn't fix the problem. It works on other computers, but not the netbook I'm using.

Any advice greatly appreciated. Tell me if you need more info.

  • 1 Contributor
  • 0 Replies
  • 192 Views

Dani AI

Generated

reported that reinstalling IE7 on a netbook did not remove the "Class doesn't support automation" error. That message means Internet Explorer (or a page script / add‑on) tried to create a COM object that the system could not instantiate — typically because the component's DLL is missing, corrupt, or not registered, or because a per‑user add‑on or profile setting is broken. Reinstalling IE replaces program files but often won’t fix broken COM registrations or user‑profile problems, so the next steps are focused on diagnosis and repair.

Quick diagnostics: start IE with add‑ons disabled (iexplore.exe -extoff) to see if an extension is the cause; test the same page in another browser to confirm whether the problem is IE‑specific; create a fresh Windows user account and try IE there (profile vs system difference); boot into Safe Mode with Networking and test (third‑party services disabled). Also check file associations for .htm/.html in Folder Options to ensure pages still open with Internet Explorer.

If diagnostics point to COM registration, re‑register common scripting/ActiveX DLLs from an elevated Command Prompt (make a System Restore point first). Examples:

regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 vbscript.dll
regsvr32 scrrun.dll
regsvr32 actxprxy.dll
regsvr32 urlmon.dll
regsvr32 msxml3.dll
regsvr32 shdocvw.dll

Run sfc /scannow to repair protected system files (Windows install media may be required). Check Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) for COM/ActiveX errors — note any CLSID strings and look them up under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{...} to identify the missing component and DLL path. Scan for malware, since infections can unregister or replace browser components.

Because IE was already reinstalled, focusing on add‑ons, per‑user settings, COM registrations, and the Event Log gives the best chance of finding the real cause before attempting a repair install or system restore.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.