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Question

IE window tab deteriorates visually

by Nov 12, 2011 3:43AM PST

I have a problem with IE (occurred in IE8 and reoccurred after install of IE9) on WIndows 7. At some point I will notice a tab has become unresponsive and the open window starts to deteriorate to a very gridlike image, closing out of the tab may be all takes to resume often I have to close IE completely and sometimes even reboot. Screenshots of the issue are posted at https://picasaweb.google.com/jnotte/IEScreenshots?authuser=0&feat=directlink
Thinking it is probably a resource issue, I have checked and cleared the windows temp files, the IE temp files, monitor refresh rate, used a memory cleaner and checked event logs for anything to narrow it down. This only happens in IE (8&9) and have not seen it in Chrome or Mozilla (Yes, there are times I can only use IE so switching not an issue plus I am sure it is related to my settings). I am working on a laptop primarily so not many monitor options but did notice that the same thing happened at work powerhouse destop. I do browse a lot and need to retrieve from the cache a lot but think I have made all setttings ample enough to accomodate space required. I am going to try to post screenshots of the tabs when the image deteriorates. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Overall, I am a high level user so welcome technical/complex suggestions. Most likely, I have already eliminated more basic causes but anything is possible. Thanks.

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3 Posts
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Answer
Wow, never seen that before
by Forum moderator Nov 13, 2011 4:57AM PST

Well, not attributed to just one application. I would have thought this was a display problem, eg a failing graphic card or driver issue, but you are quite certain this only happens with IE.

What is even stranger though is that this happens to your laptop, and to a desktop PC at work.

As that's the case you need to look at the similarities between the two applications and the web sites you visit. For example, any of the add-ons that IE has installed in both computers, or common web sites you visit in both locations.

Does IE do this when it is opened in it's "No Add-ons" option?

Mark

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Additional Info
by jallisy Nov 13, 2011 7:11PM PST

Hi - yes I admit it is a weird one. The weird screen happens only with IE 8&9and no other browsers. I have minimal add-ins (some Microsoft, Google toolbar and Adobe Reader are currently the only ones active) but will try with all disabled. Yes, I was able to replicate the behavior at work uintentionally. Both my personal notebook and work machine are HP devices both different video cards,etc. It is so annoying. It occurs over time but when I check the cache it is well within the limits. Any out-of the box ideas are worth a shot.

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Out of the box ideas.
by MarkFlax Forum moderator Nov 14, 2011 4:13AM PST

Frankly I'm stumped.

I think disabling the add-ons is worth a try. It's best to test with IE's (No Add-on) option in Start > All programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer, (No Add-Ons), and see how that works over a test period.

I am assuming that these web sites where this effect manifests are dynamic. What I mean is, they refresh automatically with new information.

Ahh, just a thought. You mentioned IE settings in your first post. How about in one of your computers resetting IE back to default? That's open IE, goto Tools > Internet Options, then the Advanced tab, then hitting the Reset button. This should remove all add-ons and I believe all 3rd party toolbars. See if that makes a difference.

Any other strange happenings on either machine, eg Windows Explorer acting up at all?

Mark

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