Add-on for the website failed to run

by Ivan Jenic

Troubleshooting Expert

August 3, 2020

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The Add-on for the website failed to run error is usually encountered on older Windows versions and solely on Internet Explorer. The error prevents users from logging in or accessing certain websites.

One user shared his concerns on the Microsoft Answers support forum.

I’m running Windows 8.1 with internet explorer 11.  I just started getting addon failed to run when I go to logmein and other web sites, that I haven’t had a problem until recently.  Don’t recall doing anything to Internet explorer…

Fix this Internet Explorer error by following the steps below.

Quick Tip:

Before going through the troubleshooting steps below, you should first consider whether switching to a different browser entirely is easier.

On that note, we recommend you try Opera, a web browser powered by the Chromium engine, just like Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, which features an equally large library of extensions.

These add-ons can greatly change the functionality of Opera, from simple visual tweaks of the UI to adding new features and tools altogether.

Of course, if privacy add-ons are what interest you, know that Opera has some pre-built, such as a VPN or an ad-blocker.

Opera

A lightweight web browser that can be enriched thanks to its library of thousands of add-ons that are available for free.

Free Visit Website

How do I fix a failed add-on?

1. Modify security settings in Internet options

1. Launch Internet Explorer.
2. On the homepage, navigate to the Tools icon and click on it.
3. Locate and select Internet options.
4. Click on Security.
5. Locate and select Internet > Custom Level.
6. Activate/enable the following settings:
   • Active Scripting
   • ActiveX Controls and Plug-ins
   • Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls
   • Binary script behaviors
   • Run ActiveX controls and Plug-ins
   • Script Active X controls marked safe for scripting
   • Miscellaneous
   • User Data Persistence

7. Save changes and exit program.

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2. Run the browser without add-ons (Windows 7)

1. Click on the Windows icon to open the Start
2. In the menu, click on All Programs.
3. Select Accessories.
4. Click on System Tools > Internet Explorer (No Add-on).
5. Exit program and check if the issue is resolved

If you are still getting the error message after running this procedure, you can try the next troubleshooting method.

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3. Manage add-ons on Internet Explorer

1. Open the Start menu: click on the Windows icon on your screen display.
2. In the menu, locate the search bar and key in Internet Explorer.
3. Select Internet Explorer on the list of search results.
4. On the browser‘s homepage, locate and click on the Tools icon.
5. Select Manage Add-ons.
6. Disable the add-ons one by one, until you identify the problematic one(s).
7. Re-enable other add-ons.
8. Close program.

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4. Reset browser

1. Launch the browser.
2. Navigate to the Tools icon and click on it.
3. Select Internet options on the displayed window.
4. Locate and click on the Advanced tab.
5. Click on Reset under the tab. This action will prompt up a confirmation dialog box, with reads – Reset Internet Explorer Settings.
6. Click on Reset in the dialog box to confirm the action
7. Allow the system to reset the browser.
8. Click Close > OK.
9. Restart computer.

After restarting your PC, the Add-on for the website failed to run error should now be fixed.

On rare occasions, when this error message still pops up after running all the four troubleshooting fixes in this tutorial, you can contact the Microsoft support team.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in August 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.