SOLVED: Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on August 26, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer

They are still a large number of users using Internet Explorer, and many of them have reported getting the error Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage when they try to access a website on IE. This error stops Internet Explorer from accessing any websites. Since the error doesn’t indicate why it cannot open the site, we’ll have to make some assumptions and proceed with its troubleshooting. The issue behind this error can be a software issue isolated to Internet Explorer or a connectivity issue affecting your entire system.

Before you proceed with the methods below, make sure that your Internet Connection is WORKING, and there are no VPNs running on your system. Additionally, it would be best to disable any antivirus or firewall software until the issue is fixed. The methods listed in this guide are in the most effective order to save you time and effort. If the issue is resolved by any method, then you don’t need to follow the remaining methods.

Method 1: Reset Internet Explorer

This will reset all settings and custom options set in Internet Explorer. Your bookmarks will not be deleted.

Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the Run Dialog, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK.

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Click on the Advanced tab. Click on the Reset button below. Place a check next to Delete Personal Settings and click Reset. Internet Explorer will now be reset to its default settings.

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After Internet Explorer has been reset, re-open it and test. To restore the Bookmarks Bar, hold the CTRL + SHIFT + B keys.

Method 2: Verify Proxy Settings

Invalid proxy settings can cause Internet Explorer to deviate from the right path, thus giving this error. To verify the settings, close Internet Explorer.

Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the Run Dialog, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK.

Go to the Connections tab. Once on the tab, click on the LAN settings button.

Make sure there is a check next to Automatically detect settings and the other two checkboxes are unchecked. Click OK and close all windows. Restart Internet Explorer.

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Method 3: Check IP Address

IP address conflicts and incorrect settings can restrict access to the Internet, which can also trigger the “cannot display webpage” error. To fix it,

Hold the Windows Key and press R. In the Run dialog, type ncpa.cpl and click OK.

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Right-click on Local Area Connection if you are using a wired connection or right-click on Wireless Network Connection if you are using Wi-Fi. Click on Properties in the drop-down menu.

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Double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Select Obtain an IP address automatically. Select Obtain DNS server address automatically. Click OK > OK and close all windows. Restart your system. If the problem still persists, move on to the next solution.

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Method 4: Reboot Router/Modem

Your router may have a glitch with establishing a connection with your ISP. However, if your other devices such as smartphones, tablets, and other computers are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet to this router, then the router is getting the internet. A reboot of the router is still preferred.

To do this, turn off your router and unplug it from the power adapter.

After 30 seconds, plug the adapter back into your router and turn it on.

Now test and see if the issue is fixed.

Method 5: Reset Windows Socket TCP/IP Stack

Windows Socket is the program responsible for handling all the network incoming and outgoing requests by programs like Internet Explorer. If there is an issue with it, resetting it can fix it easily.

To do so, press the Windows key and type cmd, right-click cmd and choose Run as administrator.

In the black command prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each:

ipconfig /flushdns
nbtstat -R
nbtstat -RR
netsh int reset all
netsh int ip reset
netsh winsock reset

Reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

Method 6: Disable Enhanced Protected Mode (For Windows 8)

In Windows 8, Enhanced Protected Mode was added to Internet Explorer 10, which increases security but is known to cause such types of browsing issues.

Hold the Windows Key and Press R. In the Run Dialog, type inetcpl.cpl and click OK. Go to the Advanced tab. Locate Enable Enhanced Protected Mode under Settings and uncheck it. Click OK. Restart Internet Explorer and check if the issue is resolved.

Kevin ArrowsUpdated on August 26, 2024
Kevin is a certified Network Engineer
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo of Kevin Arrows

Kevin Arrows


Kevin Arrows is a highly experienced and knowledgeable technology specialist with over a decade of industry experience. He holds a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification and has a deep passion for staying up-to-date on the latest tech developments. Kevin has written extensively on a wide range of tech-related topics, showcasing his expertise and knowledge in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His contributions to the tech field have been widely recognized and respected by his peers, and he is highly regarded for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Comments

22
    IL
    Ilovemyindia Dec 13, 2016

    thanks resetting it solved.

    Reply
    DN
    David Nangoh Najeme Jul 19, 2017

    Thanks Genius. You saved the day.

    Reply
    RH
    Robert Highett Aug 10, 2017

    Thanks Kevin for the solutions provided. None of my browsers were connecting to the internet. So I had to access your information via my wife’s PC. My Control panel options were showing that my Wireless connection was active.
    Solution 5 “Reset the Windows socket TP/IP Stack” provided the break through for me.
    Once again thanks very much for your easy to follow and effective solutions provided you are a Legend.

    Reply
    BF
    Barbara Fantoni Oct 21, 2017

    I have the same issue.
    In Chrome: “This site can’t be reached. … server DNS assress could not be found. ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED”
    In Explorer: “This page can’t be displayed”

    I have tried all methods described below, and none of them solved.
    NOTE: my issue is ONLY when I try to access URLs that are considered nonsecure.
    For example: * are considered non secure (a circled “i” appears in Chrome on the left of the URL, with the explaination “Your connection to this site is not secure”).
    While * work fine (and instead of the circled “i” on the left of the URL I see a lock and the work “Secure”). Using incognito mode or InPrivate Browsing does not help.

    I visited tens of blogs and I have not found a solution for this specific problem.
    I fully restored my PC, with full deletion of all files.
    I run Windows 8.1
    Explorer: 11.0.47
    Chrome: 61.0.3163.100

    Any suggestion?

    Reply
      KA
      K. Arrows Author Oct 30, 2017

      did you try changing dns, turning off firewall and av?

      Reply
      EM
      Eric Merchant Aug 6, 2018

      i turn off protected mode i suspect it in security settings

      Reply
    NO
    Nikki Osterloh Sep 23, 2018

    THIS FIRST STEP SOLVED MY PROBLEM!!! THANKS SO MUCH!!!

    Reply
    MM
    Maxamillion McMahon Apr 28, 2020

    Blessed be you sir thank you so much I’m practically weepingMethod 5: Reset Windows Socket TCP/IP StackThank you thank you

    Reply
    MT
    MTL777 Jul 6, 2020

    Hi Kevin, I’m still using Windows XP in one if my old machines and having this problem “Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage”. I tried all of the steps you gave. Unfortunately, my problem still persists. Is it simply because Windows XP is too old and not compatible anymore with some websites (I was trying to access yahoo.com)? I also tried downloading the ReimageRepair.exe file and checked this file for malware at virustotal.com. Seven engines detected it as having malware or potentially unwanted program. Are these just false positives? I hope you could help me. Thanks in advance for your much appreciated help!

    Reply
      SW
      Shane Warren Author Jul 8, 2020

      ReimageRepair isn’t a virus file but the issue with your Windows machine it probably because it is outdated and Microsoft doesn’t support XP now. It is best to upgrade to at least Windows 7 for now.

      Reply
    SD
    Sukumar Das Sep 18, 2020

    My Google chrome is working fine. But not I.E. 8. The message I am getting is “Internet Explorer cannot display the web page” in whatever site I am trying to open. My internet connection is ok. I have tried all the options suggested by Mr. Kevin. Still no result. If anybody can help me.

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Sep 20, 2020

      Try disabling the PreBinding featureTo modify the EnablePreBinding registry value, follow these steps:
      Open Registry Editor. To do this, type Regedit in the Start Search box, and then select Regedit in the Programs list.
      Once Regedit is openedLocate and then select the following registry subkey: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftInternet ExplorerMainLocate the EnablePreBinding value, if the value doesn’t exist, select the Edit menu, point to New, and then select DWORD Value.
      Type EnablePreBinding, and then press Enter. On the Edit menu, select Modify. Type 0, and then select OK.

      Reply
    JG
    JB Gaming Apr 12, 2021

    Hi my name is Jaylen I need Help with my windows xp i can only type anything in the internet explorer bar and it will let me search it up but when i try to open it it says cannot display web page, Think you have any info to solve this problem.

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Apr 13, 2021

      Hey Jaylen,

      Have you tried doing the Methods shown above? They will help you for sure try them and let me know how it goes so that I can assist you further.

      Reply
    MD
    Michael Derimackovski Jul 6, 2021

    Hi Kevin, I am having troubles with the Interenet and it’s just gotten to the point where i just wanna throw my laptop in the rubbish. If you could help me out, I’ll be so happy. Well I’m connected it’s got Excellent strength, but it comes up with the page cannot be displayed at the top of the page, and at the bottom of the page it says cannot find server or DNS Error Internet Explorer. Would you be able to help me please. Thanks

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Jul 10, 2021

      You can try changing your DNS address, Changing your DNS address to Google DNS can help resolve a lot of DNS issues. Here is how you can do it:-

      1. Press the “Windows + R” key together to open Run and then type “ncpa.cpl”, Press Enter.
      2. Right-click on your Internet Adaptor and go to Properties. Once you are in Properties. Double Click “Internet Protocol Version 4”
      3. Now make sure to select “Use the following DNS addresses” and put “8.8.8.8” in Primary DNS and put “8.8.4.4” in the other one.
      4. Now open Command Prompt as an admin and type the following command “ipconfig/flushdns” and press enter.

      Hope this fixes your issue. Keep me updated!

      Reply
        BG
        Bradley Giroux Nov 25, 2021

        hi guys , first time i have come across this problem. after reinstalling vista on my HP laptop , i can not get explorer to connect to internet. i have good connection by lan and wireless but will not connect. i have tried everything you have shown me and have done stuff from other sites and things i thought would work but still can not get my laptop to connect with internet explorer.

        Reply
          MZ
          Muhammad Zubyan Author Nov 28, 2021

          Do you have Internet access in other programs or no?

    JH
    Joseph Hayes Jul 6, 2021

    If i reset internet explorer will i loose programs installed on the computer

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Jul 10, 2021

      No, you will not lose the programs Installed on your computer. It will only reset the data of Internet Explorer. It will also adjust Internet Explorer settings to default.

      Reply
    JA
    jamie4rose Aug 7, 2022

    none of those steps worked

    Reply
      MZ
      Muhammad Zubyan Author Aug 27, 2022

      Can you try using another browser? Such as Chrome, Firefox, Brave, etc.

      Reply