IE6 -- Internet Explorer 6.0

Location: http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/ie/ie6.htm Home page: http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/excel.htm [View without Frames]

If you are actually using IE6, you should upgrade to IE8. IE is not my primary browser, so while this page is probably still valid, it is unlikely to be updated.

Where to obtain IE6 (#obtainie)

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.htm then to
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/ie6/default.htm
and use the English (only choice) & Go button to begin the first phase of the download.
Took about one hour to reboot before download, download(55 minutes), reboot and complete install 56K modem, prediction for download time for 77,703KB was right on. (from IE5 to IE6)
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 as used on the above pages actually means full replacement for current and previous versions of Internet Explorer. (download and install time from IE6 to IE6 SP1 was xxxx minutes)

Things seen in What's News (#news)

Automatic adjusting of pictures. Works nicely but I guess it's not a real advantage unless everybody has it.
Additional security features here, but need a lot more help than what I see in IE6 help for any real help.

Color, background and images not printing (#color)

The setting under Internet Options, Advanced, “Printing”. Make sure “Print Background colors and images” is selected if you want to have color for printing and for print preview. I have it turned off since I only print black.

Things that got changed on me (#sneakattack)

View, Source remained at HTML-Kit which was good.
Edit option default to Notepad was lost and changed to Front Page, have put it back to Notepad with: Tools, Internet Options, Programs:
Editor: Notepad (default), Front Page, HTML-Kit
I believe these come from your My Computer: .htm and .html settings as seen for editor.
Remembered my settings but you might verify that your wheel mouse advanced settings do not make IE an exception to wheel mouse use.

Problems: (#problems)

Temporary Internet files, these files build up and can slow down your browser. You should delete them periodically. If you are using IE then that could also affect speed in using OE, and Microsoft Office Products.
In IE: Tools, Internet Options, General (tab), Delete Files
Reply to [OK] on the dialog (removing offline content is optional).
Cookies are a problem -- sites do not have the electronic privacy statements and can't figure out how to change a group of web addresses (domains) to accept varying levels of cookies only as needed.
Pop-Up ads -- to suppress, change Internet Options to Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting: change from Enable to Prompt.
Internet Explorer -- Bugs, Glitches, Stuff-Ups Sandi Hardmeier, spyware and 'hijackware'.
Prevent Browser Hijackings, Sandi Hardmeier
Home Page Hijacking (Web Browser Hijacking) Information on prevention of SpyWare, Scumware, Theftware, etc.
Anti-Spam Links (Black background is a candidate for using B&W bookmarklet for easier viewing)
Can't view source -- a shortcut to NotePad on the desktop will prevent you from viewing source. (compendium)

Software Related:

General Information:

Escape from pop-up ad hell, C.C. Holland, ZDNet News Commentary, Dec 26, 2001.

Specific Software to install (on condition that is still Free):

Ad-aware 6.0 « scans your memory, registry and hard drives for known adware components and lets you remove them safely. Combating Spyware, Snoopware, brower hijackings along with an anti-virus program you should be checking your system for Spyware. If you think your Outlook Express or your browser suddenly slowed down or that you have the slowest 600 MHZ computer around you probably have picked up some spyware that is spying on your system and reporting back somewhere. If you suddenly find something installed on your system that you did not want or ask for run Ad-Aware.
Ad-Aware 6.0 (announced Feb 7, 2003 after about 3 months of no updates)is rewritten and separates the engine from data and can automatically update itself. optionally check your favorites (bookmarks). Created a pay for version with additional features. Found 40 data mining cookies that were not found in 5.8.3.
Ad-Aware 5.7 found 28 components that were reported as SpyWare, I had Ad-Aware remove them after the detection phase. Before running I had been considering moving my INBOX entries in Outlook Express that were older than two weeks into an archive INBOX. But after running Ad-Aware I found that the speed of accessing the INBOX with 1442 emails was instant. [Notes]

pageQ Editor, allows you to build and send a playlist of commonly visited web sites or web pages (slide show). LG]
Pop-Up Stopper « FREE Version, eliminates annoying pop-up advertisements you can see a log of what was blocked. [I use this]

Spy Sweeper v1.2 «, Freeserve 5 Star Pick
SpyBblocker Software (formerly free?), blocks SpyWare, Bugs, Cookies, banner ads. New site is not free http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/mia/k/r/kryp/ lists as $19.95. so won't be installed/reinsalled.
There was a free version or it used to be free. I notice it is not installed on my current system and had been wondering why the hosts file was same as comes with system, obviously because it was this package. http://spyblocker-software.com/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi?s=3d6e9968d4beffff;act=ST;f=9;t=6
Comments for SpyBlocker: In order to block sites that have pop-up advertising known sites that have pop-ups are added to hosts file (no file extension), which is a text file. You may have to modify your hosts file for access to such notable sites as Microsoft and ZDNET, no need to remove anything that is obviously ad and banner oriented. So take a note of any mention of hosts file you see when installing, the notes will actually tell you which lines you will probably want to remove.
ZoneAlarm, (Zone Labs being purchased by Checkpoint software).

Additional Spyware checking sites (#spyware)

find Unsolicited Commercial Software (doxdesk.com/parasite), runs a scripted scan for spyware (instant results). Provides information on and for removal of specicify spyware parasites. [Ref]
Watch out for Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites. There are a number of programs that purport to be anti-spyware are actually spyware. Be very careful.

Anti Virus Program

Your AntiVirus program, if you have one, is only as good as it's latest update. I have included some anti-virus notes in the related area of my Outlook Express page (oe6.htm) so that you can find information quickly from a valid site. I use AVG, which is free (Free version not available in Europe nor for Multi-Use or Servers).

Security, Cookies, Restricted domains

Set Security Level to: High (Restricted, untrusted, untrustworthy)
Unfortunately you would have to enter entries individually into Restricted Sites: Tools, Options, internet, security (tab), Sites (button).
You should be able to paste entire table from here to notepad. Don't worry about columns, they will be included each column below the previous column. Then individually copy each item from notepad into the Restricted sites.
*.adclick.com
*.adforce.com
*.adknowledge.com
*.admaximize.com
*.admonitor.net
*.ads.cimedia.com
*.ads.home.net
*.ads1.zdnet.com
*.ads2.zdnet.com
*.ads3.zdnet.com
*.ads4.zdnet.com
*.adserver.monster.com
*.adsmart.net
*.adsoftware.com
*.advertising.com
*.affina.com
*.ahoo.com
*.ap-adcenter.net
*.auerate-im.com
*.bankads.com
*.batchmates.com
*.beseen.com
*.bfast.com
*.bnex.com
*.burstnet.com
*.centrport.net
*.click2net.com
*.clickagents.com
*.commission-junction.com
*.datais.com
*.doubleclick.com
*.doubleclick.net
*.engage.com
*.engageaudience.net
*.enliven.com
*.enliven.com
*.eu-adcenter.net
*.eu-adcenter.net
*.flycast.com
*.focalink.com
*.free4all.com
*.hitbox.com
*.hyperbanner.net
*.imgis.com
*.link4ads.com
*.linkexchange.com
*.linksynergy.com
*.livestat.com
*.maximumpcads.com
*.maximumpcads.net
*.mediaplex.com
*.mediasynergy.com
*.narrowcastmedia.com
*.networkedbanners.com
*.ngadcenter.com
*.preferences.com
*.publicadvertising.com
*.radiate.com
*.sabela.com
*.targetnet.com
*.track4.com
*.track-star.com
*.utopiad.com
*.valueclick.com
*.webconnect.net
*.webtrends.com
*.webtrends.net
*.webtrendslive.com
*.worldbannerexchange.com
*.x10.com
ad.doubleclick.com
ad.doubleclick.net
ads*.cnet.com
ads*.zdnet.com
ads.microsoft.com
geo.yahoo.com
http://ad.doubleclick.net
http://banners.primaryclick.com
http://click.dealseveryday.com
http://di.image.eshop.msn.com
http://image.ugo.com
http://www.kbAlertz.com
http://www.megago.com
http://www.netfix.com
My hosts file had almost 11,000 entries. I think most were included via SpyBlocker. Unfortunately there was a downside to having so many entries -- it slowed down my system and took at least six minutes to boot up and seven and half minutes for dial-up all but about one minute was spent in authentication (Windows 2000) with the CPU at 100% so nothing else could be done in the meantime. Had 128MB RAM at the time.
If you have cookies enabled type the following into your URL address bar
javascript:alert("Cookie is: " + document.cookie)
Ever accidentally trust a site, in response to "do you want to trust ...", and now want to withdraw your trust, see WinXPnews™(issue 51), or "trusted publisher" in HELP. Publisher Certificates

Internet Domains (#internet)

Internet Domains
Somewhat near the end change - navigate sub-frames across different domains to “prompt”.
You can test your config at http://secunia.com/multiple_browsers_frame_injection_vulnerability_test/
Change any Active-X usage that shows up as accept to prompt.
PDF files: If you need to read a lot of PDF files, you need to read a lot of .PDF files then you will need to either “Run Active-X components and plug-ins” back to enable or use Mozilla Firebird instead.

Trusted Domains (#trusted)

Trusted sites shouldn't really have any, but unfortunately, you will probably have to include some just so you can do Microsoft updates. Also have secure banking sites not shown.
http://msdn.microsoft.com
https://login.passport.net
http://login.passport.net

Secure Connections -- https: (#secure)

Security Configuration
Check that you have access to secure sites topic within 24 hour online site (Ireland).
Macintosh: Accessing secure sites via Exporer
Secure Web Connections, SSL Secure Sockets Layer.
Google search: "internet explorer" "secure sites" proxy

Security Tools (#securitytools)

Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer V1.2.1 «
Free Tools, Foundstone, Inc., several unique utilities for vulnerability assessments and protection used by its consultants. [LG 2003-11-18]

Messenger, don't want it how to turn off (#messenger)

Wired News: Spam Masquerades as Admin Alerts [states problem]
See my oe6.htm page.

Separate Window for IE (#new)

If you want to make sure that IE opens a link in a new window, hold the SHIFT key when pressing the link to start another instance of IE in a New Window (same as File, New). To control normal behavior (tools, Internet Options, Advanced, Browsing, "Reuse Windows for Launching Shortcuts".
IE and Explorer are frequently confused together.
(reserved for future notes)

Tweaks (#tweaks)

Changing a Security Zone Icon, creating a Tracking Sites icon, to watch out for those that try to watch you, adding Restricted access to this Tracking icon. woram.com, “Optimize Windows” Column, December, 2000.

Favorites, and sorting (#favorites)

The information for sorting Favorites and anything else with favorites has been moved to Favorites / Bookmarks

Keyboard Shortcuts in IE (#keyboard)

Keyboard Shortcuts table and information has been moved to it's own page, Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts,and Right-Click Shortcuts.

Right-Click Menu (context menu) Additions for IE (#rclick)

Right-Click Menus Information and Right-Click Menu Additions has been moved to it's own page, Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts, and Right-Click Shortcuts
File sizes can be found with added Right-Click menus (additions) "Get File Size" use before downloading, once on a site you can find the total size of web page and loaded graphics with "IEB Page: Show Images".

Run menu shortcuts from START (#run)

Access any program from the run command line (Start>Run or Windows key + r)? [LG 2003-11-05]
Web Accessories for Internet Explorer 5

Toolbars, Optional (#toolbars)

The Google Toolbar provides an interface to the Google Search Engine, the Advanced Search features, and to the Groups Advanced Search [newsgroups]. For more information on Excel Newsgroups Seaching the Excel Newsgroups.
New in version 2.0
Google Toolbar (install), Google Toolbar Help Index

Internet Explorer (This page)
Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
Internet Explorer Right Click Menus

Bookmarklets « (JavaScript Favelets), identify HTML features, and regain control over fonts, colors, CSS, background images, etc.
Display of the URL in a Hyperlink such as from a column of bookmarks can be done with an Excel User Defined Function such as URL function on my Build Table of Contents page which has lots of information on hyperlinks.
Excel to HTML Conversion, and other aspects of writing, maintaining and verifying HTML code.
File Types within My Computer, changes made for personal use
How To: Customize Your Internet Explorer
Internet Explorer -- FAQ page, Sandi Hardmeier.
Internet Explorer Q/A Forum, Computer Repain, Inc.
Internet Explorer Tips and Tricks - CNET reviews IEBlog : IE7 Tabbed Browsing Implementation
Mozilla alternative web browser (future page is under construction)
Outlook Express 5.0 through 6.0, Outlook Express is part of Internet Explorer, so they are packaged together.
Reversal: Next IE update divorced from Windows | Tech News on ZDNet, version of Windows. A beta, or test, version of Internet Explorer 7 will debut this summer -- but only for Windows XP users meaning one half of Windows users to struggle with IE or switch to Firefox or other browsers.
Tabbed Browsing coming to IE IEBlog : IE7 Tabbed Browsing Implementation, you can basically ignore the comments as they are simply speculation, unless you want to specifically look for replies by Microsoft employees. It will not be available for Windows 2000, so it's going to be rather limited. I personally don't see it matching Firefox for a long time, as tabbed browsing is only part of the what is missing in IE.
Trixie, use Firefox GreaseMonkey scripts with IE, requires .NET framework. (don't know anything about this just saw a refererce)
VBA link to a webpage using Navigate via oleIE (your own object).

Somethings that exist, I just failed to put them in here

Spell check anything, want to spell check the browser web page not just the input area.

This page was introduced on August 27, 2001.

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