Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) shows a blank page regardless of url you type

If you updated your Windows 7 with SP1 to Internet Explorer 11 (IE 11) and now find that every URL shows nothing but a blank page, here are some things to try. Please note you should have a backup of your favorites and configuration as these steps may result in loss of either.

Windows 7

  • Start
  • Control Panel
  • Network and Internet
  • Internet Options
  • Advanced
  • Reset

If this fails you are looking at more challenging solutions.

Before you try the DOS commands below, try setting (or unselecting if it`s ON) the “Use software rendering instead of GPU rendering” under IE properties on the Advanced tab. Restart the IE. If this failed as well try this:

Go to the DOS prompt (Type in CMD at the RUN command)  in elevated mode and type these in:

  • regsvr32.exe /n /i ieframe.dll
  • regsvr32.exe hlink.dll
  • regsvr32.exe prntvpt.dll
  • ie4uinit

Some poeple have reverted back to IE 10 to fix this. I have seen a simple Reset work on multiple systems.

 

*** JULY 2015 UPDATE ***

Podcast listener Giovanni Grimone contributed an alternative solution based on his experience deploying IE in a large scale environment. Thanks Giovanni for sharing!

“Press F12 (dev tools) in the blank window and then re-press F12 and close IE. Afterwards, with some magic, IE 11 starts up.”

 

Note: We are seeing a lot of traffic to this post leading us to think this is a common issue. Please share which solution solved the problem. Feel free to bring alternative fixes to my attention.

-Bob (a.k.a CTO BOB)