Internet Explorer back button problem

Anchundan · 21 Jan 2018 at 03:12

I know I should be using something a little more up to date than Internet Explorer, but Chrome doesn't work here and I really don't like the feel of Edge, so for now I'm persevering with Internet Explorer 11. The trouble is, the back button is no longer going back a page, but instead brings up a list of my recent history (like if you were to right-click the back button). It is really annoying, and never used to do this (I reinstalled Windows 10 a few weeks ago and it was working normally).

I've looked in every setting but can't find anything relevant. I have also restored advanced settings, but it's the same problem. The only thing yet to do is 'Reset Internet Explorer Settings', because of the wording 'You should only use this if your browser is in an unstable state.' so I'm a bit reluctant in case it wipes all my favourites or something.

Any ideas?

Zefan · 21 Jan 2018 at 08:54

Did this happen after a particular update/flurry of Windows 10 updates? If so, I'd look at each update individually, possibly rolling back before and then cherry picking ones to apply to identify the exact cause. Probably a bit time consuming mind.

If you don't fancy that (I probably wouldn't bother) I'd just go ahead and do the reset settings, followed by a uninstall/reinstall of IE. You can save your favourites by copying the contents out of C:\Users\<user>\Favorites and back in afterwards.

Randomface74 · 21 Jan 2018 at 09:20

afaik you can use chrome in China - you just can't get to the official download page - so need another download source?

ic1male · 21 Jan 2018 at 17:44

Try spamming right-click on your empty desktop. I've had this happen before when every left click was registering as a right click.

As for browsers, there are several that are also worthy of using now - the new Firefox and a new kid on the block called Vivaldi.

Anchundan · 22 Jan 2018 at 10:05

Thanks for the suggestions. I did reset internet explorer settings and rebooted, but the problem remains. I also uninstalled, rebooted and reinstalled IE and rebooted, and the problem remains. I've managed to download Chrome now, and it does seem to work ok, I just can't sign in with my Google account.

Akagi · 22 Jan 2018 at 10:07

You could get a Proxy right? Or would your hands get chopped off if you got caught?

jpaul · 22 Jan 2018 at 18:40

does issue occur with a different account ? ... so - after exporting favourites etc. you could change ?

I had an issue where history stopped working in IE for main login account and despite IE re-install this did not fix it , so I used another account to access IE for a while if another browser was not adequate, until I eventually re-installed w7 on a new hdd.