How to fix
Runtime Error 217
on Windows

When I'm browsing or in my email I receive the Runtime Error 217 several times in a row. The majority of the times it is when reading an email or attempting to use a link to another website. Then usually runtime error appears and indicates that 'the internet has stopped working'. Need help. Have attempted to google "how to fix runtime errors" and always seems to direct me to sites that want to sell me registry cleanup programs. Could you please explain how to fix Runtime Error 217 in a simple way? Thanks!Runtime Error 217 may appear to be a very annoying and disruptive thing. Such and similar errors may emerge due to various diverse reasons; nevertheless, among the most common causes we can distinguish DLL registration failure during installation, boot time collision between two or more programs, corrupt or missing entry in windows registry, virus/malware infection or incomplete installation/uninstallation of a program. Typically, Runtime error 217 is considered to be caused by Norton and Internet Explorer because the majority of the users started suffering Runtime Error 217 either after installation of Norton or Internet Explorer version update, which may collide during Windows startup or may be unrecognized by Windows.

Our user has quite accurately described the main symptoms that Runtime Error 217 causes. To be more precise, the error message may pop-up unexpectedly and prevent from accessing certain programs, files or even block internet connection. As mentioned, the error may be shown when browsing the net; nevertheless, usually Runtime Error 217 pop-up shows up during Windows startup. It is assumed that the cause of this problem is the collision of certain programs during windows startup. If you want to find out how to fix Runtime Error 217 for Windows OS, then you should keep reading this article. You can find a step-by-step guide down below, which will show you how to do that manually. Nevertheless, in such cases we always recommend using a reputable anti-spyware or registry cleaner, such as [rev id="Regcure pro"].

How to fix Runtime Error 217 manually

As we have already mentioned, most probably the best solution to fix Runtime Error 217 would be a full system check with an anti-spyware or, at least, reputable registry cleaner. However, you may also fix the error manually. For that, you have to perform the following steps:

1. Open Start menu (bottom left-hand corner), type msconfig.exe (System Configuration Utility) in a search box and hit 'Enter'.
2. In order to access System Configuration Utility, you might be required to enter the administrator password. Enter it and click 'Enter' to proceed.
3. Open General tab and select Selective startup option.
4. Uncheck all 'Load startup' items.
5. Open Service tab and put a tick on 'Hide all Microsoft services' check box.
6. Click on 'Disable all' button (bottom right-hand corner).
7. Click 'Ok' and restart your computer.

In most of the cases, the performance of these steps is enough to fix Runtime Error 217. If, however, the error still occurs, you should try this:

1. Open Start menu.
2. Select Control Panel → Internet Options → Programs → Manage add ons.
3. Find Norton Confidential Browser Helper and disable it.
4. Click 'OK' to confirm the changes.
5. Restart your computer to enable the modifications.

We hope that the guide above has helped you to fixed Runtime Error 217 for Windows 7/8, XP and 8.1.