I've uninstalled IE8 but....

[tommytinkroom]

When i run ccleaner it always finds internet explorer temporary files to remove.
How can this be if i've uninstalled IE8 and i'm using Firefox.
Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[marsmimar]

Internet Explorer is more than just a browser. It works as an underlying technology behind a number of internal Windows processes including updating, basic Windows functionality and more.

There are methods outlined on some other websites that appear to completely uninstall Internet Explorer and provide workarounds for the problems that removing it causes, but I don't recommend them. In my opinion, removing IE causes too many problems to be worth it, even with the workarounds.

Even though removing Internet Explorer isn't a wise option, you most certainly can safely disable Internet Explorer and use your alternative browser as the one and only way to access the Internet on your computer.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/5023-windows-features-turn-off.html

If you don't mind my asking, how exactly did you uninstall Internet Explorer?

 

[tommytinkroom]

Hi marsmimar,

Thanks for your reply.Firstly i uninstalled IE9 via this process How do I install or uninstall Internet Explorer 9? i then turned off IE8 the same as you Windows Features - Turn On or Off
I did'nt relize uninstalling internet explorer would effect the running of the OS,thats if i have truely uninstalled it.
The reason i tried to uninstall IE is because of all the stories i hear about it being a secuirity risk.
Also i find Firefox a much better browser.But do you recommend not uninstalling IE?

 

[marsmimar]

I definitely do not recommend uninstalling Internet Explorer. Just leave it disabled (turned off) in Windows Features. In terms of security, IE9 is more secure than IE8 using the default settings for both. Just as an example, back in June 2011 Microsoft released one of its Cumulative Security Updates for Internet Explorer. IE8 required 12 patches while IE9 required only 7. And for the most part, this is pretty standard for every IE cumulative update.

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS11-050 - Critical : Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (2530548)

It could be argued that once IE8 is patched it's just as secure as IE9. But if it has more vulnerabilities that need to be patched in the first place, it poses a greater security risk until it is patched. To me, having IE8 on my machine just leaves more openings for the bad guys to expolit. I use Opera as my default browser. I have IE9 installed but turned off in Windows Features. I have had no stability issues with my computer and I believe this is the way to go. When IE10 is released to the general public I plan on upgrading to it. But I also respect the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." If you're happy with having IE8 on your machine and if your machine is working for you ...

Just bear in mind that you might be at greater risk for security issues. So make sure your anti-virus suite is always up to date with the latest data base. And it wouldn't hurt to have a couple of free on-demand scanners available just to double-check your computer every so often. Some of the recommended products are:

Malwarebytes

ESET Online Scanner

SuperAntispyware

HitmanPro

 

[tommytinkroom]

If i've uninstalled IE9 and turned off IE8 in Windows features am i ok?
I have:
Malwarebytes pro
Avast IS
SpywareBlaster

 

[marsmimar]

I think you should be OK. Regardless of which IE version you have installed but turned off; and regardless of which browser you use for your daily browsing chores; I still recommend an occasional on-demand scan of your computer just to double check that nothing slipped past your primary defenses. Malwarebyes, Avast and SpywareBlaster are all good, but as mentioned before, nothing is 100% effective 100% of the time.

 

[tommytinkroom]

Thanks for your advice in this matter,i do run a full scan of MBAM and Avast IS aprox every 2 days.
But like you said nothing is 100% but all you can do is try your best.
"A million to one chance happens nine times out of ten"

 

[marsmimar]

"A million to one chance happens nine times out of ten"

Well said!