PC help: Locked out of Internet Explorer

How to access the web if you forget your Content Advisor password

Written by Tim Smith and Anthony Dhanendran

Q I put a Content Advisor password for Internet Explorer on my computer before a visit from my 15-year-old grandson.

Now I can’t find where I wrote it down and it has locked me out of Internet Explorer. Can you help?

Pat Vanden

A It is possible to remove the password, but the instructions are a little complicated, and involve editing the Registry.

You can find a guide here – but remember that before editing the Registry you should set a System Restore point (open the Start menu, then select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then System Restore).

You should also back up the Registry before beginning – follow the instructions on the webpage above to start Regedit, but as soon as it starts, click the File menu and select Export, then make sure ‘All’ is selected under Export Range, then save the backup to your Desktop. Then carry on with the instructions from the above website starting with step 3.

If you don’t fancy editing the Registry a quick fix would be to use an alternative browser such as Firefox or Opera, neither of which would be affected.

reader comments

related articles

 

Cool down on Conficker panic, say experts

1 April update not likely to be doomsday for malware infection 27 Mar 2009

Firefox proves a hit with vnunet.com readers

More than half of poll respondents favour Mozilla's browser over rivals like IE8 01 Apr 2009

New HP iPaqs offer 'gliding' optical control

Voice Messenger and Data Messenger devices offer five-way optical navigation sensor 21 Oct 2008

related whitepapers

today's top stories

CIO priorities for the next six months: the Gartner view

Gartner research director Dave Aron outlines the three key priorities for IT leaders during the second half of 2009 13 Jul 2009

The wishful CIO – the further adventures of Bob

Like a phoenix, Bob has risen from the ashes of his once fast-tracked career . He is pursuing a green agenda as... 10 Jul 2009

Infallabile opposition to outsourcing

The Holy Father, Pope Benedict, has warned of the dangers of outsourcing. Yes, you’d better believe it. The Vatican is now stepping... 10 Jul 2009

Google Chrome OS - We didn't see that coming did we?

Reading through the various news and blog sites on the internet it seems the wheels of the rumour mill are turning apace... 10 Jul 2009

Strength through unity

The friction that has traditionally characterised relations between finance and IT has no place in today’s business landscape 08 Jul 2009

Advertisement

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our range of FREE newsletters:

More available - click 'submit' to view

Existing User

Newsletter user login:

Advertisement

Jobs

Related jobs

Job of the week

Job alerts

Sign up here

Find your next job

IT Salary Checker

Check salary here

Advertisement

White papers

Search white papers

Top categories

VPN, Extranet and Intranet Solutions

WAN/ LAN Solutions

Network Security

Interoperability-Connectivity

Grid/ Utility Computing

Latest poll

Will Google Chrome OS be a genuine alternative to Windows?

Will Google Chrome OS be a genuine alternative to Windows?

Tell us your views on the new operating system rivalry

View poll results

Latest audio and video articles

network cablesVideo

How to maximise the value of your IT networking investment

A panel of experts discuss networking strategies that deliver real value to business 03 Jul 2009

green footprintsVideo

How to manage enterprise energy use - and the role IT can play

A panel of experts explore how firms can get to grips with their carbon footprint and make smarter use of energy 01 Jul 2009

Latest in-depth articles

Google ChromeAnalysis

Lack of enterprise appeal takes shine off Chrome OS

Enterprise buyers unlikely to ditch Windows for Chrome OS in the near term, say experts 09 Jul 2009

Satyam CEO CP GurnaniNews

How Satyam cleaned up its act

Chief executive CP Gurnani tells Angelica Mari why Tech Mahindra opted to keep the Satyam brand after it bought the scandal-hit services firm, and explains what the deal means for existing and prospective customers 09 Jul 2009

Advertisement

Primary Navigation