Solved System Restore not working in Vista SP2, Dell Inspiron 530 Tower

[paulwb]

Hi Rustys, yes, the data is backed up and I think we're at that point to replace the unit or install something like Linux Mint.

Just one last question: Since IE is not just a browser but other OS processes rely or link to it as well, which reference/guide can you suggest to REINSTALL a Vista SP2 compatible version of Internet Explorer ?

 

[Rustys]

Hi Rustys, yes, the data is backed up and I think we're at that point to replace the unit or install something like Linux Mint.

I have found Linux Mint to be the easiest to use.

Just one last question: Since IE is not just a browser but other OS processes rely or link to it as well, which reference/guide can you suggest to REINSTALL a Vista SP2 compatible version of Internet Explorer ?

You can try one of two things reset IE or Reinstall IE.

Reset by following this resource
Reset Internet Explorer to default settings

Download form here
Windows Internet Explorer 8
Windows Internet Explorer 9

 

[paulwb]

To reinstall IE, do I need to uninstall it first ?

 

[gus]

Since IE is not just a browser but other OS processes rely or link to it as well,

IE is just a browser, and VERY ordinary at that. Dont confuse IE with Explorer which governs many functions of windows.

To reinstall IE, do I need to uninstall it first ?

IE is embedded into Windows and cannot be uninstalled, suggest you just leave it alone and perhaps use another browser.

 

[paulwb]

I have found Linux Mint to be the easiest to use.

You can try one of two things reset IE or Reinstall IE.

Reset by following this resource
Reset Internet Explorer to default settings

Download form here
Windows Internet Explorer 8
Windows Internet Explorer 9

Internet Explorer settings were reset, which helped because it now loads, albeit 60 seconds later.

I think this is as good as it gets for this old PC.

I found this link today which lists a bunch and is updated regularly.
https://www.oldergeeks.com/downloads/category.php?limit=100&sort=file_name&order=asc&id=44&page=1


When it comes to running scans on your PC for antivirus or malware etc, which do you highly recommend ??

 

[Rustys]

Internet Explorer settings were reset, which helped because it now loads, albeit 60 seconds later.

I think this is as good as it gets for this old PC.

That is a possibility.
Again as @gus asked in post # 24 why not use one of the other browsers you have installed (Chrome/Firefox)?

I found this link today which lists a bunch and is updated regularly.
https://www.oldergeeks.com/downloads/category.php?limit=100&sort=file_name&order=asc&id=44&page=1


When it comes to running scans on your PC for antivirus or malware etc, which do you highly recommend ??

@gus and @jmarket Can probably answer this more thoroughly.

For me on my windows system.

Malware
Malware Bytes

Anti Virus
Defender on Windows 10

 

[gus]

Any reputable AV/malware suite should give you ample protection. If you are looking for free suites then have a look at the following. Windows Defender has improved greatly since its early days but even the free apps listed below will give you greater protection than Microsoft's free offering.

Avast
Bitdefender
360 Total
Emsisoft

Remember never to run more than one realtime AV/malware suite at the same time, but you could also install an "On demand " app to get a second opinion as needed.

Malwarebytes
Zemana

 

[paulwb]

@Rustys, Yes, Chrome and Firefox are used primarily. It was a question of getting IE working properly since it is linked to OS / software other processes, like Skype, from what I've read.

@gus, thanks for your suggestions.

As always, learned a lot from the info shared here and picked up a couple of new tricks. Thank you for the great support.

Please close this thread.

PS - this link is very good to determine a safe & reliable time to update/patch Microsoft Windows.
https://www.askwoody.com/

 

[Rustys]

@@Rustys, Yes, Chrome and Firefox are used primarily. It was a question of getting IE working properly since it is linked to OS / software other processes, like Skype, from what I've read.

Like Gus stated you may be thinking about Explorer which is NOT Internet Explorer (IE).

IE is nothing more than a web browser nothing more nothing less.

You are welcome.

 

[gus]

PS - this link is very good to determine a safe & reliable time to update/patch Microsoft Windows.
https://www.askwoody.com/

Do not put yourself at risk, make no mistake the best place to download Windows updates is Microsoft, and not some of the links at that site. DO NOT GET THEM ANYWHERE ELSE.