Unable to Enable or Disable Style Sheets in Internet Explorer (183717)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows XP
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 for Windows NT 4.0
  • 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 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows 2000
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 for Windows NT 4.0
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 for Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 for Windows 95

This article was previously published under Q183717

SYMPTOMS

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

When you use Internet Explorer, you may experience either of the following symptoms:
  • You disabled the use of style sheets in Internet Explorer 3.x, but after you upgrade to Internet Explorer 4.0 or later, you may be unable to re-enable them.
  • You are unable to disable the use of style sheets in Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.

CAUSE

This issue can occur because the ability to disable style sheets was removed from Internet properties.

RESOLUTION

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys And Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

To work around this issue, use Registry Editor to open the following registry key and then perform the appropriate steps:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

  • To re-enable the use of style sheets, edit the string value "Use StyleSheets" in the above key and set it to yes.
  • To disable the use of style sheets, add a string value to the above registry key called "Use StyleSheets" and set it to no.
NOTE: When you disable the use of style sheets, it may affect the appearance of Web sites or your Active Desktop.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

If you disable style sheets, some Web page may be formatted poorly (font sizes may be too small or mismatched, words may overlap, or colors may not be displayed as expected). If you are experiencing poorly formatted Web pages in Internet Explorer, check the registry key noted above to ensure that style sheets are enabled.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:9/16/2003
Keywords:kbprb kbui KB183717