Browse the Web in areas with no Internet browser

Martin Brinkmann
Jan 7, 2008
Updated • Oct 12, 2015
Internet, Windows tips
|
2

Schools, libraries and even colleges like to restrict access to their public computers and some do not even have a link to an Internet browser although they might be connected to the net normally. This is done to get rid of users who occupy a computer to chat on the Internet while its main purpose is to do something else, for instance to research and find books or use the Intranet.

There is however a way that might work. It actually does work in many instances because most of the time the system admins have not thought of this method before and did not block it out. It's all about the Windows help system. You can access it from most Windows applications like Notepad, Calc and even the Sound Recorder.

Just click on Help in the menu and there on Help Topics. A new page should open with Help topics. What is unknown to most is that you can left-click on the icon in the top left corner which opens a menu with the option to Jump to Url.

It is possible to enter a full url in the jump to this url field which will load the website in the right main pane of the Windows help file. Just make sure you enter the url starting with http in front and the website should load just fine. It will however not bypass filters or firewalls unless the computer that you are using is using a different set of rules.

Note that the Internet Explorer rendering engine is used here, so that access to specific contents may be limited depending on the version of the Microsoft browser that is installed on the system. Still, this may provide you with an option to quickly open a website on a system with no direct access to Internet Explorer or another browser.

Once the site has been loaded, you may click on links to open other pages. Please note that the window lacks common browser controls such as an address bar or tabs so that you may need to use the Jump to URL form again when you want to navigate to another website that is not linked on the active page.

Summary
Browse the Web in areas with no Internet browser
Article Name
Browse the Web in areas with no Internet browser
Description
The guide explains how to use the Windows Help system to open Internet pages even if there is no direct option to load an Internet browser on a public computer.
Author
Advertisement

Tutorials & Tips


Previous Post: «
Next Post: «

Comments

  1. Jason said on January 8, 2008 at 2:52 am
    Reply

    I have a similar method.
    Using the Windows Help Open Dialog box to browse for the iexplore.exe file.
    Right-Click select Run/Open and your off

  2. gokudomatic said on January 7, 2008 at 11:18 pm
    Reply

    a good firewall at the good place would be much more efficient than just remove the link to IE

Leave a Reply

Check the box to consent to your data being stored in line with the guidelines set out in our privacy policy

We love comments and welcome thoughtful and civilized discussion. Rudeness and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Please stay on-topic.
Please note that your comment may not appear immediately after you post it.