OH GOD, I REMOVED INTERNET EXPLORER!

[OhGodNotAgain!]

Really need help here. I was trying to free up space on my computer using its cleanup system... it suggested I free more space by removing components. This didn't sound good so I checked through the list and unticked all the things I didn't want deleted. Then I came to MSN Explorer. Now, I thought, I don't use that one, I have a different Internet Explorer.

Next thing I know, the cursor has taken control (which freaked me out in a big way) and the internet explorer icon disappeared! Now there is just a little globe instead of the e icon and evry time I click it the internet options box comes up. I want to know how I can get it back.

I can still acess the internet through Hotmail and Windows live, and my modem is still working obviously, but without the icon I can't just open up the internet. How do I get it back??!?? Please help

[JXY]

well, to give us a slight start, we like your system specs please.

what OS?

what Service Pack?

have you tried system restore?

[Spero-T]

So hang on a min, you removed internet explorer....

Go download it again ! www.google.com

[JXY]

oh what?
don't tell me you haven't tried that. 

[soybean]

How are you accessing Hotmail?

...evry time I click it the internet options box comes up.

What exactly is this box?

I was trying to free up space on my computer using its cleanup system...

Exactly what "cleanup system" is that?

Next thing I know, the cursor has taken control (which freaked me out in a big way)

What, exactly, freaking happened?   

I doubt you're really removed IE.  Go to Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, and click on the button on the left side of the panel, the one named Add/Remove Windows Components.  Internet Explorer should appear in the list of components.  Select it, click Next, and complete the procedure.

[patio]

Removing IE from Windows is about 2 1/2 pages of instructions...i doubt this is what happened.

Follow soybean's advice above.

[JXY]

also, you could try going to run and typing : iexplore

does the windows pop up again?

[OhGodNotAgain!]

Of course I tried downloading it off the net again, before I tried anything else

Thanks Soybean, your advice worked - I clicked add/remove components and checked the internet explorer box, then added it again and everything returned to normal.

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions