Windows 7: How to install IE8 on Windows 7?

I made the mistake of uninstalling the IE9 update on Windows 7. As described on a Microsoft webpage, the previous version of Internet Explorer should have then been restored. Interestingly and unfortunately, I was left without any Internet Explorer.
I didn't think that would even work? But I was able to download a standalone FireFox portable, and that's the only browser I have.
As recommended in a couple of places(including a thread on Seven Forums), I went to
"Turn Windows Features On/Off" but Internet Explorer is not in my list(not 8 or 9).
I downloaded the IE9 install package from a Microsoft download site, but that install
fails (with typical Microsoft verbosity.)

I think I am hosed, but I thought maybe IE8 would install, if it's available somewhere.

thanks for any advice
dave

Welcome to Seven Forums dlk99. Do you have a System Restore point from before you uninstalled IE?

System Restore

If so, I would start there. If not, although I suspect it will not work, I would try the System File Checker

SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker

If no help, and no other ideas forthcoming by other members, a Repair Install would be my next step

Repair Install

A Guy

I have restore points, but System Restore just hangs in the "initializing restore" phase. This situation occurred even before I tried to back-out IE9. I had already tried "repair startup", no joy. I will try scannow. dave

You can download IE8 here.
But do the checks stated by A Guy as there must be something wrong for IE9 not to install. it would help if you could post the exact error message you get.


http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/i...downloads/ie-8

The exact error message is: Windows Internet Explorer 9 Setup Utility ----------------------------------------------- Windows Internet Explorer 9 Setup Utility has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available. I have not been notified.

Ran SFC /scannow

The result was:
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

Obviously IE9 Install program found something it didn't like. Would be nice if
the 2 programs would agree.

So to reiterate, I've tried everything A guy suggested. No luck.

Dan,
For that link you posted... would I use the Vista version?

thanks
dave

Actually, you mention a Startup repair, but did you look at the link? I suggested a Repair install. It will save your programs and settings, but repair the windows installation. I am very surprised you were able to remove IE completely. Windows itself uses IE. Can you still run Windows Update? Does it work correctly? That uses IE. You might try system restore from a command prompt in safe mode:

Safe Mode

Boot to Safe mode with command prompt> When command prompt loads type rstrui.exe> Enter

See if you can then access System Restore.

A Guy

Actually, Windows Update is one of the things that started this.
That service and the BITS service was gone. Not stopped, but gone.
I had a longish explanation typed out on how I got here, but then
thought better. Probably nobody cares.

I finally gave up and restored to factory settings. The best I could do.

But thanks to everyone who offered help.

Lol just seen this, If in doubt Format works every time. Well at least your problems gone