IE runs as explorer.exe not iexplore.exe

  • Thread starter Thread starter imperialsam
  • Start date Start date
I

imperialsam

When I open the desktop or quick launch shortcuts for IE (the latter is
a shortcut to iexplore.exe) or use Start -> Run to launch c:\program
files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe, Internet Explorer appears to run
as an instance of explorer.exe rather than iexplore (I discovered this
using 'Go To Process' in Task Manager).

This causes three problems:
- If IE crashes, the whole shell crashes
- Windows groups IE windows with Windows Explorer file system windows
on the taskbar, so if I have a c:\ folder open and an IE window open
and there are enough items on the taskbar to cause grouping, it takes
longer to identify which the IE window is - sounds trivial but gets
very frustrating when you have several windows open
- Tabbed browsing with MSN toolbar doesn't work

This has happened to me with two separate PCs, both of which used to
work perfectly, then seemingly randomly switched over to the behaviour
described.

I managed to discover a workaround; a third-party MMC snap-in I use
contains a hyperlink to a web page, if I click that hyperlink then IE
opens and runs under iexplore.exe, and the three issues above
(including tabbed browsing) are all solved.

So my question is, how can I configure IE or windows so that the
desktop shortcut for IE runs iexplore.exe, not explorer.exe.

I'm running Windows XP SP2 and IE 6. Have found a couple of other
threads on this from a few years ago, but none with any resolutions.

Many thanks

Sam
 
When I open the desktop or quick launch shortcuts for IE (the latter is
a shortcut to iexplore.exe) or use Start -> Run to launch c:\program
files\internet explorer\iexplore.exe, Internet Explorer appears to run
as an instance of explorer.exe rather than iexplore (I discovered this
using 'Go To Process' in Task Manager).

This causes three problems:
- If IE crashes, the whole shell crashes
- Windows groups IE windows with Windows Explorer file system windows
on the taskbar, so if I have a c:\ folder open and an IE window open
and there are enough items on the taskbar to cause grouping, it takes
longer to identify which the IE window is - sounds trivial but gets
very frustrating when you have several windows open
- Tabbed browsing with MSN toolbar doesn't work

This has happened to me with two separate PCs, both of which used to
work perfectly, then seemingly randomly switched over to the behaviour
described.

I managed to discover a workaround; a third-party MMC snap-in I use
contains a hyperlink to a web page, if I click that hyperlink then IE
opens and runs under iexplore.exe, and the three issues above
(including tabbed browsing) are all solved.

So my question is, how can I configure IE or windows so that the
desktop shortcut for IE runs iexplore.exe, not explorer.exe.

I'm running Windows XP SP2 and IE 6. Have found a couple of other
threads on this from a few years ago, but none with any resolutions.

Many thanks

Sam
Click to expand...

What if you double click iexplore in
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer?
 
Hi Frank

Thanks for the reply.

The same behaviour happens; if I double click iexplore.exe in
c:\program files\internet explorer and navigate to a web page, then
open task manager, find the corresponding entry on the 'Applications'
tab, right-click, 'Go To Process' the process highlighted is
explorer.exe.

Sam
 
Hi Frank

Thanks for the reply.

The same behaviour happens; if I double click iexplore.exe in
c:\program files\internet explorer and navigate to a web page, then
open task manager, find the corresponding entry on the 'Applications'
tab, right-click, 'Go To Process' the process highlighted is
explorer.exe.

Sam
Click to expand...

Sorry. That killed the ideas that were floating around my head. If this is
IE6 you might try a repair install of Windows. Do not do this if you have
IE7.
 
Thanks anyway for your help. I'll keep experimenting and try the
repair install if I don't suceed with anything else.
 
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