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Somehow internet explorer got corrupted (long story) and I can't right click anywhere and the toolbar is missing (with the favorites, home button, etc). Internet explorer opens and I can connect to websites, but that is it. I tried to uninstall it, but it won't let me. I am assuming I can run the IE 7 installation file again and it will replace whatever files are missing or corrupted. Is this correct?

I truly appreciate your help =)

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Dani AI

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Short note: good call by — rerunning the IE7 installer often restores missing UI files because the setup overwrites damaged browser files and repairs related registry entries. That usually brings back the menu/toolbar and right-click behavior, but it may not fix profile-level damage or malware-caused problems.

Practical checklist (try these before or after re-running the installer):

  • Press Alt to show the menu bar, then View -> Toolbars and enable the Command bar / Favorites bar — sometimes elements are simply hidden.
  • Run Internet Explorer with no add-ons to rule out a bad toolbar: Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> "Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)" or Run iexplore -extoff.
  • Reset IE settings: Tools -> Internet Options -> Advanced -> Reset. Also check the "Enable third-party browser extensions" option (if unchecked, toolbars and add-ons are disabled).
  • Back up Favorites and settings first: use the Import/Export wizard or copy the Favorites folder (XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Favorites; Vista/7+: C:\Users\<user>\Favorites).
  • Repair Windows components: open an elevated command prompt and run sfc /scannow (Windows install media may be required).
  • If uninstall/install fails, retry from Safe Mode or run the offline IE7 installer as Administrator. If corruption continues, try System Restore to a prior point or create a new user profile.
  • Scan for malware — many infections disable context menus and toolbars.

Caveat: IE7 is obsolete and unsupported on modern systems. When possible, move to a current browser and keep the OS patched. If the same corruption returns after repair, investigate system file integrity or persistent malware rather than repeatedly reinstalling.

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I was right and the problem has been resolved!

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