Windows 7: Is this an IE issue?

Dell Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E7500 Computer
Inspirion 545s 00
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
6GB Memory
750GB Hard Drive

When viewing a .gif file in IE, it does not show up as the true image -- e.g., it shimmies and shakes (other than the normal animation); sometimes there are shadows that appear around the image; sometimes the entire image pulsates besides it being animated.

If I view that same image using Firefox, I get none of those characteristics and the image looks as it should. This is what leads me to believe it's an IE issue, but am only guessing on that.

I'm a former XP'er and thought with a new PC and Windows 7, it might clear up the issue, but it has not. The gifs still do their distortion routine when viewing in IE. I thought it might by a bad video card or the like, but as stated above, when viewing in FF, it's perfect.

Is there a setting someplace that would enable me to view the images properly when opening in IE? I just now downloaded FF and all is well "over there;" however, I prefer using IE and have for many years. FF has issues as well, so maybe it's just needing to trust an image is ok, even though it looks squirlley.

Viewing it through the Windows Photo Gallery gives me no animation features, so that wont work for me.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this.

windsorlady

Have you tried running IE in 'no add-ons mode'. Start/all programs/accessories/system tools. That will confirm or eliminate that it is an add-on causing the problem. I have no such problem here with IE8.

Can you post the URL for the website with the GIF that has this issue, so others can compare?

I assume you are talking about websites? If I want to just view a GIF, I would not use a browser. But I did open a random GIF on my hard drive (not on a web site) with IE 8 and FF. The pictures displayed identically.

Ok, I just tried opening several of my "shaky" gifs in IE8 as well as FF. Guess what -- FF shows them a-ok; IE8 shows them squirlley! So, it does sound to me like it's strictly an IE thing for me. I did check the Systems Tools area and it shows no add ons. I really prefer not to have add ons and have lived without them this long, so why get them.

The reason I prefer to view my gifs in a browser is because how they appear there shows how they will appear in a forum that I participate in. I'm a sig artist -- people request sigs from me. I use multiple versions paint shop pro to do this as I oftentimes create an image as well, not just add a name). Using the browser method, I can see the entire sig in a bright white area with no borders of any kind. When viewing them in animation shop, the viewing area is minimal and in a "box." I know it's weird, but it works for me and I like my sigs to be "just right" for my requestors and the best way for me to view and see it all, is in a browser. Hope all that makes sense. So, from now on, I'll just view them in FF to know they're ok before I ship off the final product.

I could send a tag that I'm viewing which is ok in FF and not IE to see if you see the same thing I do, but I don't know how to attach here at the forum.

I do appreciate your help because I do believe it's either an IE 8 thing or me -- I know it's not my eyes (LOL); maybe the area we live in ? ? Who know, but at least I have a workaround and that's what I was after. Appreciate all help given here!!

Thanks

If I go in to OpenWith>ChooseProgram and select FF to open gifs and jpgs, and did put a tik in the box for "Always open with this program", is there a way to change that checkmark down the road in the event I wanted to open with something else or go back to using IE?

I remember there was a time once that box was checked, it was either very difficult or impossible to change it back later. Maybe that aspect has improved and just choosing another program to open would take care of it. I'm not sure I want to get "locked in" to those images always opening in FF.

I really do appreciate all your help. I've had several questions since going to Windows 7 and you all have answered every one of them. I did just post another re: a different matter, but I think I'm about to wind down (LOL).

This forum was recommended by a cyberbuddy of mine and boy, was he right -- it's a great place to learn and get help.

windsorlady

Have you installed the IE8 compatibility update in the options section of Windows Update?

Yes I have.

Look at default programs within control panels.

It is used to set certain programs to open certain types of files and, conversely, to set certain file extensions to be opened by certain programs.

So, theoretically, you can use Photoshop to open GIFs on Monday and switch to Paintshop Pro on Tuesday and back to Photoshop on Wednesday.

I have heard of some complaints about it and don't know how the issues were resolved. As far as I know it works OK--it has for me personally.

Info to attach a file:A Preferred Method of Uploading/Posting Screen Shots

There are a few ways to change what program opens what kind of file. Changing from one to the other shouldn't be a problem. If you want to have FF open .gif's, you can do so via Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Default Programs\Set Associations. Find gif on the list and click change program and then browse to the FF .exe file and you should be good to go.

Thanks to all who responded on this. I'm off to the Control Panel. I appreciate you lots.

I love this:
One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever. (Chinese proverb)

I help teach computer classes and I'm always telling the students this!!

windsorlady