Microsoft released the latest version of its web browser, the Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) in March last year, with a substantial number of improvements over the previous version. In this Techspirited article, we discuss different ways of dealing with recurring IE8 problems on the Windows 7 platform.
Most Internet Explorer 7 problems were resolved through the introduction of the Internet Explorer 8 (IE8). Though this latest version is the best of all the previous versions, certain issues remain. More than the inherent internal problems, most IE8 problems can be traced to its incompatibility with other 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 and 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 anti-virus software that may be preventing it from running. The only way to ascertain whether the anti-virus 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 anti-virus program is the culprit. In such a scenario, you may have to either change the settings of the software to allow the browser 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 install too many add-ons, the browser’s loading time automatically increases. So, it is recommended that you keep only ‘bare essential’ add-ons and simply disable the ones not needed; especially the ones that often get added with installed programs (such as toolbars). To disable unnecessary add-ons, go to Tools > Manage Add-ons and disable them. This will certainly speed up the browser.
Reset It
If none of this works, you have the option of completely resetting the browser 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 and click on ‘Reset Internet Explorer’ option. This may solve your problem and make IE8 speed up.
Reinstall
If resetting doesn’t work, you may have to reinstall it completely. That way, if IE8 is not working due to corruption of some of its program files, re-installation will resolve your problem.
It is essential that you customize the overall settings of IE8 and keep it as light as possible with minimum add-ons. A licensed anti-virus software program or activated Windows Security Essentials program can clean up most of the malicious software programs that may slow down IE8.