"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8

Stop Disabling Toolbars and Extensions When Starting InPrivate Browsing

SUMMARY: If you have toolbars and extensions that you need running even while browsing the web with Internet Explorer's InPrivate Browsing, prevent them from automatically being disabled.

Internet Explorer 8's InPrivate Browsing mode is activated by users who want to surf the Internet while leaving little, if no, trace of their activity. To help prevent any private information from being stored, Internet Explorer 8 automatically disables toolbars and extensions when using InPrivate Browsing as these may store information on your machine.

There may be instances where you want to use toolbars and extensions, even when using Internet Explorer's InPrivate Browsing. You may even have disabled history features in your installed toolbars and extensions so private information should not be recorded. Thus, if you wish to prevent these from being disabled:

1. Access the Internet Options dialog box. If the menu bar is visible, you can select "Tools" - "Internet Options". If the Command Bar is visible, click the "Tools" button and select "Internet Options". If neither are available, try typing Alt + T then O.

Accessing Internet Explorer 8 options via the Command Bar

2. When the "Internet Options" dialog box appears, click the "Privacy" tab.

3. Underneath "InPrivate", uncheck "Disable toolbars and extensions when InPrivate Browsing starts".

Preventing toolbars and extensions from being disabled by Internet Explorer 8 when using InPrivate Browsing

4. Click "OK" to close the dialog box and save your settings.

ONLY disable this feature if you are sure that your extensions and toolbars do not record browsing history and other personal information. Else your "private" browsing may not be so private after all.