How to Force a New IE Window for Launching Shortcuts

Have you ever noticed that whenever you have an open Internet Explorer window and you click on a web link in an internet aware program, the page shows up in the currently open IE window? If you prefer that the new link be displayed in an additional IE browser, you may use a registry tweak for Windows XP to change the default behavior.

This registry tweak may also be used if you’d rather the web link open up in your existing browser all the time.

Tweaking your registry always carries certain risks. Creating a back-up prior to initiating any changes minimizes some of those risks. If you have a back-up, you will be able to restore your registry to the previous settings.

Here is the procedure to force a new Internet Explorer window for launching shortcuts.

  1. Click Start and go to Run. Now type in regedit and press OK.
  2. Look for HKEY_CURRENT_USER on the left side of the registry editor. Expand the folder by clicking on the little cross.
  3. Go to the Software folder and expand.
  4. Look for the Microsoft folder and expand.
  5. You should be able to find the Internet Explorer folder.
  6. Expanding the Internet Explorer folder will take you to the Main folder.
  7. Now look at the right side pane of your registry editor. Do you see AllowWindowReuse there? If you do, jump to step eight. If you do not, follow the instructions immediately below.
    1. Right click on the right side pane of your registry editor.
    2. Select New and then select DWORD.
    3. Rename the new DWORD value AllowWindowReuse. You can also right click on the new DWORD value that shows up and select Rename.
  8. Double click on AllowWindowReuse. A new box will pop up.
  9. Enter 0 in the Value Data field if you do not want to reuse the window. You may also enter 1 if you want to reuse the window.
  10. Exit the registry and reboot.

There is an alternate procedure available if you do not want to make any changes to your registry. This procedure will provide you with the same results without the risks associated with registry edits.

Below are the instructions.

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on Tools.
  3. Now click on Internet Options.
  4. Click on the Advanced tab.
  5. Check or uncheck Reuse Windows for Launching Shortcuts.
  6. Click Apply and then OK to end the procedure.