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Question

Links in IE8 not loading!

Jun 12, 2012 1:32AM PDT

I recently "upgraded" my XP PC , on my P4, 2gb RAM to win7 Home Premium. My computer has become noticably slower, though I like this OS andI am having issues in my early learning process. Running the IE8 when I wish to open any link it does not open.

A tab comes on the bar next to the address of the previous web but it does not open the web requested through clicking the link.An Explorer "e" shows on one side and a cross on the other side in a tab on the address bar. Nothing happens after that.
On my hotmail, that I received with a number of links to help me pursue my research . These links do not open in the usual manner i.e. clicking on the link .
Please help.
Thank you.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
A workaround and some questions
Jun 12, 2012 5:22AM PDT

A workaround, try another browser like Firefox or Chrome, they will all sit happily together on your system without bothering each other, and at least links should work until you get IE sorted out.

Questions;

About the upgrade. Did you scan for Windows 7 Compatibility before upgrading to Windows 7?

Did you check with the PCs maker's web site to see if there were the proper drivers for the newer OS?

That P4 might be the reason why the system is noticeably slower. It may be too underpowered for Windows 7.

Does this happen on all links? EG if you have a Google listing, does clicking any link work then?

What happens if you copy a link from an email and paste that into a new tab. Does that work?

Mark

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I am grateful for your help. Thank you.
Jun 12, 2012 9:38PM PDT

Yes, I run the compatibility before upgrading to W7. No, I did not check that ,in all honesty, I can not recall the info. re. this computer. The people I thought I bought this machine; assure me that I did not buy it from them, besides it is around ten years+ since I bought it. And I could remember things much better then at only 68.

<div>No drivers were required for most of the applications I was using, except one or two, which I downloaded from the Internet and for the W7 internet access I had to buy a PCI Adapter on the advice from one of your kindly colleagues.

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Well that's good news
Jun 12, 2012 10:02PM PDT

and could be a good clue that Google's Chrome opens links without problem.

It points to a problem with Internet Explorer. More often than not IE problems can be traced back to bad or corrupted addons or plugins.

There is a test for this. Open IE in its own Safe Mode from Start > All programs > Accessories > System Tools > "Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)". With this IE see if links open normally. Since this is IE's safe mode some web sites may not display properly as many rely on add-ons and such to enhance the web pages, but that doesn't matter for testing purposes.

If links open in IE in this mode then you know that IE's problem is with add-ons, toolbars, search engines or plugins. So now your next step is to open IE normally and goto Tools > Manage Add-ons and test all add-ons, toolbars and search engines. The good test is an elimination test; that is, disable them all then add them back in one at a time until you find the problem one.

As to changing the motherboard/processor, not my field sadly but I suspect that, with a system this old, it will cost more to change the motherboard over than it will to purchase a new computer, wit no guarantee of success.

Mark

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No add-ons.
Jun 12, 2012 11:06PM PDT

Sir,
Thank you for such a prompt response. I have not added any add-ons at all. Unless there are some added without my help!
I have just checked but I do not see any at all.
I had disabled everything I do not routinely use,even AVG tracking etcetera have been disabled.
I like fuss free browsing.

Thank you for the help.

I am surprised at your suggestion that a M/B +a processor may cost as much as a new computer.
In UK one can buy a barebone much much cheaper and I can ,I fancy, put it together in my own time which happens to be free with added pleasure of some sort of achievement.
Thank you all the same.
Shafiq