Windows 7: Reverting to IE8 from an IE9 only installed laptop

willythecat · 21 Mar 2012

This is no doubt a dumb question, but l started with Windows 7 Ultimate with IE8 installed and upgraded to IE9 which l just couldn't get along with, so reverted back to IE8 and am now quite happy.
Now my friend is buying a new laptop (having used XP and IE7 - yes l know!) and it is going to be somewhat of a culture shock when they see the new layout.
This will obviously come with IE9 pre-installed, but if they don't like it, surely they can't just revert back to IE8 like l did. How would they go about installing IE8 if they so wished?
Thanks

seavixen32 · 21 Mar 2012

Have a look at this Microsoft article: How do I install or uninstall Internet Explorer 9?

If that doesn't work, try this Microsoft Fix-it http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2579295

If all else fails, there are of course other browsers that your friend can try such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox etc. etc.

torre · 21 Mar 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by willythecat

This will obviously come with IE9 pre-installed, but if they don't like it, surely they can't just revert back to IE8 like l did. How would they go about installing IE8 if they so wished?
Thanks

I am not 100% positive, but I believe IE7 comes with IE8. The problem is that Microsoft will automatically update IE8 to IE9 if you accept the update.

Follow seavixen's advice to uninstall if necessary.

That said, IE9 is said to be more secure that IE8. Browser choice is a personal preference so consider the other recs made by seavixen. And let your friend explore IE9. Many feel it is a good browser.

whs · 21 Mar 2012

How about IE10 - it has a lot to offer. See video: http://windowsteamblog.com/ie/b/ie/archive/2011/06/29/ie-10-pp2-now-available-for-download-html5-nears-tipping-point.aspx

torre · 21 Mar 2012

whs - Unless they have changed, I believe IE10 is only for Windows 8 Consumer Preview at this time.

whs · 21 Mar 2012

Quote: Originally Posted by torre

whs - Unless they have changed, I believe IE10 is only for Windows 8 Consumer Preview at this time.

Maybe you are right. But there are download sites. Have not yet tried in Windows 7 but run it in Win8 - naturally.

willythecat · 24 Mar 2012

Thanks everyone and sincere apologies for not replying sooner.
Did l confuse things originally or am l just misunderstanding the replies?
I had Windows 7 Ultimate with IE8 and upgraded this to IE9. Didn't like IE9, so reverted back to IE8, because IE8 was still on there (funnily enough by using Fix it as you suggested).
But what if you get a brand new computer that automatically fires up with IE9. How do you then go back to IE8 or can't you?
All hyperthetical l know, but am just intrigued that's all.

whs · 24 Mar 2012

Quote:

But what if you get a brand new computer that automatically fires up with IE9. How do you then go back to IE8 or can't you?

You don't. You go with the flow.

torre · 24 Mar 2012

As whs states, sometimes you have to go with flow. Microsoft will automatically update IE8 to IE9. Your only option is to block that update by selecting "download updates and let me choose...." in the System Security secton of your Control Panel.

Most would agree that IE9 is better than IE8, but we each have a preference.

A Guy · 24 Mar 2012

Windows 7 usually comes with IE8 installed, if so it must have been updated to IE9 at some point before you got it. Uninstalling IE9 will restore IE8.

If IE 9 is listed as an installed update using the method seavixen32 posted

Quote:

To uninstall Internet Explorer

If you're trying to uninstall Internet Explorer because of an issue with the browser, first check to see if a solution is listed in Internet Explorer 9 Help and How-to.

The following instructions apply to both Windows 7 and Windows Vista.

Click the Start button , type Programs and Features in the search box, and then click View installed updates in the left pane.

Under Uninstall an update, scroll down to the Microsoft Windows section.

Right-click Windows Internet Explorer 9, click Uninstall, and then, when prompted, click Yes.

Click one of the following:

Restart now (to finish the process of uninstalling Internet Explorer 9 and restore the previous version of Internet Explorer).

Restart later

Then IE8 was natively installed, and IE9 can be removed

You can then block automatic install of IE9.

Download: Toolkit to Disable Automatic Delivery of Internet Explorer 9 - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

If IE9 does not show as an installed update, you cannot remove it and install IE8 as IE8 will show as incompatible if you try to install it.

A Guy

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