Internet Explorer 6: Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Windows XP SP2 Support Center to get answers to your questions, troubleshooting articles, and help installing and using Windows XP SP2.

Yes. Internet Explorer 6 SP1 is the most recent update to the Internet Explorer technology, and it includes a full installation of Internet Explorer 6. The service pack is the latest update to the Internet Explorer technologies representing general improvements to Internet Explorer 6. The service pack also includes all prior updates, as well as enhancements to security- and reliability-related technologies.

Internet Explorer 6 SP1 shipped in September 2002. To be current with the most recent updates, you can do one of two things:

No. Downloads are provided by Microsoft at no cost. Connect-time fees may apply.

A service pack is a cumulative set of all updates created for issues found internally since the release of the product. Service packs may also contain a limited number of design changes or other customer requests.

Service packs are broadly distributed and therefore tested heavily. The term "integrated service pack" is used to describe the combination of the product with the service pack into one package update.

Update is the term used to identify all the different types of packages that can bring a system up-to-date, including hotfixes, rollups, service packs, and other packages that include features.

Updates are characterized by the severity of the issue they address. Some updates are critical while others are recommended. The definitions of these and other security terms can be found in the glossary on the security site.

Windows XP has an Automatic Updates feature that you can use to automatically download current and future Windows security updates when your computer is on and connected to the Internet.

There are two ways to turn on Automatic Updates. You can follow the step-by-step instructions at the Microsoft Protect Your PC site, or you can Let us do it for you.

From the Internet Explorer toolbar, click Help, and then click About Internet Explorer.
The version number is listed in the window that appears.

Outlook Express is a no-cost, basic e-mail program that is included with Internet Explorer, while Outlook is part of the Microsoft Office family of products.

To learn more about the differences between Outlook and Outlook Express, and to help you decide which is right for you, read Outlook and Outlook Express: Brothers, Not Twins.

Outlook Express is the e-mail client that ships with Internet Explorer. To get the most recent version of Outlook Express, download Internet Explorer 6 SP1.

This happens if the Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus option is selected, and the e-mail attachment is determined by Outlook Express to be unsafe.
Read this articke about Windows XP SP2 and attachments in Outlook Express to learn more about this issue.

This happens if the Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus option is selected, and the e-mail attachment is determined by Outlook Express to be unsafe.
Read this Microsoft Knowledge Base article to learn how to resolve this issue.

Microsoft has introduced its first 64–bit client operating system, Microsoft Windows® XP 64–bit Edition, to meet the demands of specialized, technical workstation users who need large amounts of memory and floating point performance in areas such as movie special effects, 3D animation, engineering, and scientific applications.

The platform is available for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

128–bit encryption is the highest level of protection Microsoft can offer for all your Internet communications, such as credit card and other financial transactions.

Note: High encryption is included in the latest version of the Internet Explorer browser. If you are running an earlier version of Internet Explorer without 128–bit encryption, you can download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the Internet Explorer downloads page.

Internet Explorer 5.5 includes 128–bit encryption. If you already have Internet Explorer 5.5 installed, you do not need to upgrade your browser with the Internet Explorer High Encryption Pack. If you are running Windows 2000, installing Internet Explorer 5.5 will not change the current level of encryption on your computer; you will need to install the Windows 2000 High Encryption Pack.

Microsoft Update services work like an online extension of Windows XP, helping to keep your computer working smoothly and ensuring that it is configured with the latest service packs, device drivers, application compatibility updates, and system security updates.

When you access the Microsoft Update site and request it to scan your system for updates, Microsoft Windows Update automatically compares the service packs, device drivers, application compatibility updates, and system security updates installed on your system with the most recent updates. If you find newer updates on Windows Update, you can download and install them.

You can find information about the latest hoaxes and virus alerts by visiting the Microsoft Security site.

Sometimes individuals circulate false e-mails that claim to be a Microsoft Security Bulletin or Update. Read Information on Bogus Microsoft Security Bulletin E-mails to learn how to recognize clues that the e-mails aren't a bona fide security bulletin or update.

This fix is for advanced users because it may affect your Web browsing experience. To determine whether you want to implement this fix and learn how to do so, read Prevent Pop-up Ad Windows When Browsing with Internet Explorer.

If you are a home user simply browsing content on the Web, or an IT administrator deploying and maintaining the browser for customers, or even a Web developer creating powerful Web content, and not running Windows XP, you should upgrade to Internet Explorer 6 SP1.

Internet Explorer 6 SP1 is the next update to the Internet Explorer technologies representing general improvements to Internet Explorer 6. The Service Pack does not add or remove any significant features to Internet Explorer 6, however it does include all prior updates as well as enhancements to security and reliability.

One of the most compelling features of Internet Explorer 6 SP1 for all users is the set of tools that help you maintain the privacy of your personal information on the Web. These tools allow you to control how and under what circumstances your personal information is shared on Web sites. The latest version of Internet Explorer has also taken steps to improve Web browser reliability with the option of fault collection services. With the new innovative browser capabilities, including media playback, automatic picture resizing, and more, you can experience the Web the way that you want. For more information, see Internet Explorer 6 Features.

Easier Than Ever to Deploy and Support
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 technologies are also more customizable through the Internet Explorer Administration Kit, so it's easier than ever to deploy and support. Internet Explorer Administration Kit provides administrators with powerful, easy-to-use options designed to save you time and money in deploying and managing Web solutions.

Develop Rich Web-based Applications Quickly and Easily
Internet Explorer 6 SP1 is also a feature-rich platform for building Web-based applications and developing informative content for users. The browser provides enhanced support for standards-based Internet technologies and improves the ease and speed with which developers can take advantage of these technologies. Improvements to the browser-programming model, such as enhanced DHTML features, further enrich the Web development platform. Read more about developing with Internet Explorer 6.

Key features include: Web privacy, fault collection, Media Bar customization, Image Toolbar, auto image resize, and specific standards supports that are both relevant for corporations and developers. For more detailed information on the enhanced features in Internet Explorer 6, please see the Internet Explorer Technology Overview. Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is the latest update to Internet Explorer 6.

Internet Explorer 6 is a set of core technologies in Windows XP to help you browse the Internet. It provides a private, reliable, and flexible Web experience and the freedom to experience the best of the Internet for users of Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me), Windows NT® Workstation 4.0, and Windows 2000 Professional. Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is the latest update to Internet Explorer 6 for users not running Windows XP.

Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 is the latest update to the Internet Explorer technologies representing general improvements to Internet Explorer 6. The Service Pack does not add or remove any significant features to Internet Explorer 6, however it does include all prior updates as well as enhancements to security and reliability. We recommend that you download it to keep your Internet Explorer experience as secure and up-to-date as possible.

All customers should follow the security guidance and recommended actions at the Microsoft Protect Your PC Web site.

In addition:

The Windows Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 allows users of the supported Microsoft Windows client operating systems to view, but not create, files with restricted permission. These restrictions, which limit what the recipient of a file can do with the information in that file, are specified by the author and enforced by the software used to create, view, and work with the files.

The Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 requires Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 with these Windows operating systems: Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server Service Pack 2, or Windows Server 2003. Users with Windows Millennium Edition can also use Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2.

In addition, for the Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 to install correctly, you will need to download the Microsoft Windows Rights Management (RM) client. Visit the Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 download page for complete download instructions and language availability.

No, the Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 is not available for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC devices. Currently the only way to read protected content is to copy and open it on a PC capable of reading content with restricted permission.

The Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 is available for download without an additional license fee for licensed users of a Windows operating system. However, users should check the system requirements to ensure availability for their platform.

Support will be available for Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 operating on supported Windows operating systems through Microsoft Product Support Services.

Your rights to install the Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6 are governed by the applicable end-user license. For example, the license may allow you to install as many copies of the software as you have computers on which validly licensed copies of the applicable operating system are running, without incurring an additional license fee.

Yes, the English version is available worldwide. It will also eventually be released as a Multilingual User Interface Pack in the following languages: Arabic, Brazilian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hong Kong Chinese, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Traditional Chinese, and Turkish.

One way is by using a new document format called rights-managed HTML (.rmh). This new format can be viewed in the Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6. To learn more about this new format go to Rights Management Add-on for Internet Explorer 6. Another way is by using an application that allows users to create rights-managed documents natively. Currently, the only application that creates rights-managed documents is Microsoft Office 2003 with its Information Rights Management (IRM) feature enabled. To find out more about this feature, read the Office 2003 Overview.

Yes. There have been numerous improvements made to the final release which you will want to take advantage of. In addition, as of March 2, 2004, the beta version will cease to open rights-managed content.

It is fewer than 7 MB.

The latest service pack for Windows XP—Service Pack 2 (SP2)—is all about security, and it's one of the most important service packs ever released. It provides better protection against viruses, hackers, and worms, and includes Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Internet Explorer, and the new Windows Security Center.

The security features and innovations in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) are all about helping users like you take a proactive approach to improving the protection of your computer, your information, and your privacy. These security improvements extend to Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, and give you new, easier ways to better protect your computer while you browse or use e-mail. This includes pop-up ad blocking, improved protection against potentially harmful downloads, changes that help protect against certain types of spoofing, and much more. Read What's New for Internet Explorer and Outlook Express for more information.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 will be made available to customers via download, CDs, and on new computers. Visit the Windows XP SP2 page for more information.

At this time, we do not have plans to make the enhancements for Internet Explorer in Windows XP Service Pack 2 available for versions of the Windows operating system released prior to Windows XP. This includes Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT 4, Windows 98, and Windows Millennium Edition. However, we do remain committed to providing security updates to our customers on all supported Windows versions.

Our current plan is to deliver Internet Explorer features and technologies with major Windows releases, such as a Windows operating system service pack or a new Windows version. At this time, we do not have plans to release a new stand-alone version of Internet Explorer. By aligning Internet Explorer updates more closely with Windows releases, customers will benefit in two ways:

We will continue to improve current versions of Internet Explorer, particularly around security and stability, and ensure customers using supported versions of Internet Explorer have access to appropriate updates.

Internet Explorer 6 SP 1 is available as a component of Windows XP Service Pack 1. You can also download Internet Explorer 6 SP1 on the Internet Explorer Web site or order the CD for Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. Windows XP Service Pack 2 will be made available to customers via download, CDs, and on new computers.

For retail, we will be making Internet Explorer 6 SP1 available as a component of Windows XP Service Pack 1. The final version of Internet Explorer 6 SP1 will also be available as a separate component to customers for no charge on the Internet Explorer Web site (connect time fees may apply). Internet Explorer 6 SP1 will also be available for order on the Internet Explorer Web site on a CD. Learn more about downloading Internet Explorer 6 SP1.

Internet Explorer 5.5 can be easily upgraded. Your existing settings and features are preserved, and you get all the new features included in Internet Explorer 6 SP1.

No. There is no plan to cut support for users running prior versions of Windows. We will simultaneously ship as part of Windows XP Service Pack 1, and for prior version users, with the exception of Windows 95.

There are no plans at this time for versions of Internet Explorer 6 SP1 on operating systems other than Windows.

Internet Explorer does not support Netscape-style plug-ins. However, Internet Explorer continues to support the Embed tag. Content creators can continue to use the Embed tag for components that are built on ActiveX® technologies, as has been the case since Internet Explorer 3. A few examples are the Flash and Shockwave products from Macromedia, as well as the SVG Viewer from Adobe Systems.

Internet Explorer 6 SP1 is supported on Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. Internet Explorer 6 SP1 is not supported on Windows 95.

Internet Explorer 6 SP1 will be available in more than 20 languages, from simple Chinese to Norwegian. For more information about your local language, please visit the Internet Explorer Worldwide sites.

We implemented several missing CSS 1 items, for example "word-spacing" and "white-space" properties, as well as improved support in several other areas.

Microsoft is committed to implementing the Internet standards that make sense to allow our customers to build great solutions. As standards emerge, we evaluate them to see which standards might best serve our customers' needs.

Microsoft is committed to supporting the appropriate standards that are most useful to our customers. Microsoft uses innovation within the platform to allow customers to easily build powerful solutions.

Microsoft is continually stress-testing Internet Explorer to find and fix any stability problems that may exist. In addition, the new crash-reporting feature of Internet Explorer 6, fault collection services, has allowed us to more accurately pinpoint problems experienced in the browser, both by our development team and by early beta testers. As Internet Explorer 6 is more broadly used, crash reports from users will play an even more important role in increasing Internet Explorer's stability. Internet Explorer 6 SP1 is the latest release to Internet Explorer 6.

Internet Explorer 6 SP1, the latest release to Internet Explorer 6, supports Platform for Privacy Preferences (P3P), a technology that the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is currently developing. This technology helps to protect the privacy of users' personal information on the Internet by simplifying the process for deciding whether and under what circumstances personal information is disclosed to Web sites.