Internet Explorer Displays a Gray Background (317686)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows 2000
This article was previously published under Q317686
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SYMPTOMS

When you start Internet Explorer, it may start slowly, and then display a gray background.

CAUSE

This problem can occur if files are damaged and the following conditions exist:
  • You are using Internet Explorer 5.5.
  • Your computer is running Microsoft Windows 2000.
  • Internet Explorer is set to Use Blank as your home page.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem, first make sure that the control for this registry value is selected in Properties for Internet Explorer. To check the Internet Explorer Properties, use the following steps:
  1. Start Internet Explorer.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
  3. Click the General tab, and then click Colors.
  4. Click Use Windows Colors, and then click OK.
If this does not correct the problem, use the following procedure.

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open text box, type regedit, and then click OK.
  3. In Registry Editor, open HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main.
  4. In the right pane, right-click Use_DlgBox_Colors, and then click Delete.
  5. In the left pane, click HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main.
  6. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click String Value.
  7. In the right pane, name the new string Use_DlgBox_Colors, and then press ENTER.
  8. Double-click the Use_DlgBox_Colors.
  9. In the Value Data text box, type yes, and then press ENTER.
  10. Click Exit on the Registry menu to quit Registry Editor.
  11. Start Internet Explorer. (If it is already running, quit the program, and then restart it.)
NOTE: To choose Use Blank for your Internet Explorer home page, use the following steps:
  1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
  2. In the Internet Options dialog box, on the General tab, click Use Blank.
  3. Click Apply, and then click OK. When you restart Internet Explorer, a blank window will appear. To immediately go to your new home page, click the Home icon on the toolbar.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/5/2003
Keywords:kbprb KB317686
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