Internet Explorer 8 Problems with Windows 7

Microsoft released the latest version of its web browser - Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) in March last year, with a substantial number of improvements over the previous version. In this article, I discuss some ways of dealing with recurring problems of this browser on the Windows 7 platform.

Many of the Internet Explorer 7 problems were resolved through the introduction of the IE8. Though this latest version is the best one of all the previous versions, certain issues remain. More than the inherent internal problems, the prime reasons for IE8 problems are incompatibility with other installed programs or malicious software programs that slow it down.

Tips For Solving IE8 Issues

One of the most commonly reported problems of this browser with Vista and Windows 7 is slow loading and intermittent unresponsiveness. It is really frustrating when you have to wait for ages to sign into your email account or open your favorite sites. There are various reasons for these problems to occur. Here are some simple fixes aimed to solve IE8 slow loading and 'Not Responding' problems.

Assess & Fix Conflict With Antivirus Software
More often than not, if IE8 won't launch or crashes on start up, the reason is a conflict with your installed antivirus software that may be preventing it from running. The only way to ascertain whether the antivirus software or its firewall is the reason for IE8 problems, is to turn these programs off and run IE8. If it runs properly, then the antivirus program is the culprit. In such a scenario, you may have to either change the settings of the software to allow Internet Explorer to run or replace it altogether.

Get Rid Of Unnecessary Add-Ons
One of the prime issues is slowing down which can be mostly attributed to excessive add-ons. When you attach too many add-ons, the loading time required for the browser lengthens automatically. So it is recommended that you keep only 'bare essential' addons and simply disable the ones not needed. To disable unnecessary addons that often get added with installed programs (toolbars etc), go to Tools > Manage Addons and disable the superfluous addons. This will certainly speed up the loading of IE8.

Reset It
If none of this works in speeding up the browser, you have the option of completely resetting it to its original state. This will nullify all the changes made to IE8 up till that point since installation. To reset it, go to Tools > Internet Options > 'Advanced' Tab. Click on 'Reset Internet Explorer' option. This may solve your problem and make IE8 speed up.

Reinstall
If none of the above works, you may have to reinstall it completely. That way if IE8 is not working due to corruption of some of its program files, reinstallation will resolve your problems.

It is essential that you customize the overall settings of IE8 and keep it as lightweight as possible with minimum add-ons. A good licensed antivirus software program or activated Windows Security Essentials program can clean up most of the malicious software programs that may slow down IE8. I am sure that an implementation of the above suggestions will clear up most of your IE8 problems.