Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: Error opening microsoft.com in Windows 7

Error opening Microsoft.com in Windows 7: possible causes and solutions.

Quick Answer: Try disabling or uninstalling any recently installed plugins, including Silverlight, and see if the issue persists.

The error 'Error opening microsoft.com in Windows 7' occurs when attempting to access Microsoft-related pages, such as Live and others, using Internet Explorer 8 or Google Chrome. The issue causes browser crashes, with both browsers failing to load these pages. However, Opera browser works fine with the same pages.

This error can be frustrating for users who rely on their browsers to access important websites. In this troubleshooting guide, we will explore possible root causes and provide steps to resolve the issue.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is likely related to the Silverlight plugin. Although it was uninstalled correctly, its remnants might be causing issues with Microsoft-related pages. Additionally, IIS 7 (ASP.Net pages) could also play a role in this problem.
  • Another possible cause is the proxy settings used while working at the university. The issue seems to be resolved when using the proxy settings, but it reappears once they are disabled.

🔧 Proven Troubleshooting Steps

Resetting Silverlight Plugin and Clearing Browser Cache

  1. Step 1: Close all browser windows and restart your computer.
  2. Step 2: Install the latest version of Microsoft Silverlight from the official website (if you haven't already).
  3. Step 3: Uninstall any older versions of Silverlight that might be installed on your system. Ensure that only one instance of Silverlight is running at a time.

Disabling Proxy Settings and Updating Browser

  1. Step 1: Disable proxy settings in your browser by going to the browser's settings or options menu and selecting 'Proxy' or 'Manual proxy configuration'.

🎯 Final Words

To resolve the error, try resetting the Silverlight plugin and clearing your browser cache. If that doesn't work, disabling proxy settings might be the solution. Additionally, ensure that all browsers are updated to their latest versions. If you're still experiencing issues, consider reinstalling Adobe Flash and checking for any malware or viruses on your system.

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