Internet Explorer encountered a problem and needs to close

A recent install of Windows 7 on a Toshiba laptop started producing error messages each time I closed Internet Explorer 9.

This was not a random situation. Without fail, Internet Explorer generated a message saying that Internet Explorer encountered a problem and needs to close.

I hate when that happens. At first, I ignored the error, but, after awhile, it became annoying.

 

1) First thing, check Event Viewer:

• Click Start
• Click Control Panel
• Click Administrative Tools
• Double Click Event Viewer
  
  
  

Below, are the details of the Event ID 1000 Application error:

Log Name:      Application
Source:        Application Error
Date:          12/28/2012 3:42:48 PM
Event ID:      1000
Task Category: (100)
Level:         Error
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      Win7-PC
Description:
Faulting application name: iexplore.exe, version: 9.0.8112.16457, time stamp: 0x50a2f9e3
Faulting module name: ntdll.dll, version: 6.1.7601.17725, time stamp: 0x4ec49b8f
Exception code: 0xc0000005
Fault offset: 0x00038dc9
Faulting process id: 0xe70
Faulting application start time: 0x01cde53bce99be62
Faulting application path: C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Faulting module path: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ntdll.dll
Report Id: 2350db2a-512f-11e2-a1cc-60eb69c2179c
Event Xml:
http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event

">

 
   
    1000
    2
    100
    0x80000000000000
   
    3503
    Application
    Win7-PC
   
 

 
    iexplore.exe
    9.0.8112.16457
    50a2f9e3
    ntdll.dll
    6.1.7601.17725
    4ec49b8f
    c0000005
    00038dc9
    e70
    01cde53bce99be62
    C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
    C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ntdll.dll
    2350db2a-512f-11e2-a1cc-60eb69c2179c
 

2) Check Microsoft Events and Error Messages: Events and Errors Message Center

Unfortunately, this particular error message does not come up on Microsofts's Events and Error Messages. In fact, I have searched all over the Internet for this code and have been unable to find any documentation. Most likely because it is a generic message that applies to different situations. The following is from the MSDN library System Error Codes (1000-1299):

The System Error Codes are very broad. Each one can occur in one of many hundreds of locations in the system. Consequently the descriptions of these codes cannot be very specific. Use of these codes requires some amount of investigation and analysis. You need to note both the programmatic and the run-time context in which these errors occur. Because these codes are defined in WinError.h for anyone to use, sometimes the codes are returned by non-system software. Sometimes the code is returned by a function deep in the stack and far removed from your code that is handling the error.

If you are unable to find the event ID listed, you can search the links below for an answer:

Support for Windows Internet Explorer 6, 7, 8, and 9

Internet Explorer Microsoft Community

 

3) Maybe the error was generated as a result of an add-on, so I disabled the add-ons:

• Click Start
• Click All Programs
• Click Accessories
• Click System Tools
• Click Internet Explorer (No-Add-ons)

Still no fix.

 

4) Next, I made sure Windows Update did not have any uninstalled updates waiting.

5) I checked my anti-virus to see when the last scan took place. It was this morning, but, I ran a scan anyway to make sure there was no malware present. Looks good.

6) Next, reset Internet Explorer settings:

• Close Internet Explorer windows
• Open Internet Explorer from the Start button and click Internet Explorer
• Click Tools
• Click Internet Options
• Click Advanced tab
• Click Reset
• Click Close and OK
• Close IE and reopen for the changes to take effect.

According to Windows "Reset Internet Explorer 9 settings":

If any of the categories fail to reset, it's because Internet Explorer couldn't access a file or registry setting. This can be caused by:

• Not having permission to make these changes. Log in using an administrator account and try resetting again.
• Files or settings are being used by another program. Close all other programs and try resetting again.
• Low memory. Restart your computer and try resetting again.
• High CPU usage. Restart your computer and try resetting again.

7) Now for the test. Close IE, again. No error message. Open, Close, No Error Message.

 

Voila! Problem Solved.

note: I am assuming Internet Explorer was not installed correctly, thus, causing the error messages. If you have a similar situation with a 1000 event ID error code, resetting Internet Explorer may be the solution.