UNEXPECTED ERROR LAUNCHING INTERNET EXPLORER. PROTECTED MODE MUST BE SET TO THE SAME VALUE

Option 1:- by using capabilities

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DesiredCapabilities caps = DesiredCapabilities.internetExplorer(); caps.setCapability(InternetExplorerDriver.INTRODUCE_FLAKINESS_BY_IGNORING_SECURITY_DOMAINS,true); WebDriver driver = new InternetExplorerDriver(caps);

Why We use Capability:

When the rewritten IE driver was first introduced, it was decided that it would enforce its required Protected Mode settings, and throw an exception if they were not properly set. Protected Mode settings, like almost all other settings of IE, are stored in the Windows registry, and are checked when the browser is instantiated.

But the Indian Idiotic IT department does not give proper rights to change the system setting..(This gives them immense pleasure like they have hired donkey and would keep them busy in finding the bypass of this hack of their non-sense credential hunt..)(:D) So to cope with such problems we need this capability.Because this bypass the registry check for initializing IE browser.
But this also cause some unwanted thing like

1. Hangs
2. Element location not working
3. clicks not being propagated

Option 2: If you have rights to change the small setting in your system than try this

Go to Internet Option in IE –> Security–>Check or Unchecked “Enable Protected Mode.” 

 Note that you don’t have to change the slider for security level, and you don’t have to disable Protected Mode. I routinely run with Protected Mode turned on for all zones, as I think it provides a more secure browsing experience.