Should I install IE8? What problems should I be aware of?

Like MarkFlax stated, I would suggest upgrading to Internet Explorer 8. IE8 is faster and safer than IE 7. It is also compatible with more sites than any other browser. If you are concerned with the way IE 8 will interact with sites you are visiting, you should check out Compatibility Mode which allows you to view sites as they would appear in IE 6 or IE 7, with the added security and speed of IE 8. Here's some more information: http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2009/02/16/just-the-facts-recap-of-compatibility-view.aspx

Here is a link to get you started:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/default.aspx?ocid=ie8_sm_a

Hope this helps!

Cheers,
Bryn
IE Outreach Team

Thanks for these links and I will read in detail later.

What is the IE 8 install process like?

Will it install over IE 6 or into it's own folder? What happens if the install fails? What should I do them? Who to contact by phone for immediate assistance?

Will I need another browser that works, before I start the install process of IE 8 in case I need web access?

These are the things everyone I think, would want to know before installing or attempting to install IE 8.

THANKS!!

The general expectation is good: no precautions necessary, just download and install and it will work, overwriting IE6 (there can be only one active version of IE on a PC). But you can go back via control-panel if IE8 for some reason doesn't function well.

The only exception can be the presence of malware on your system.

Kees

Kees,

You were quite right, no problems with the download, or install. It looks a bit different but seems to work fine.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Richard

Glad you upgrade to IE8 went smoothly! Check out some of the cool new feature in IE8 here:
http://www.ieaddons.com/en/

Cheers,
Bryn

using XP SP3, NOD32 antivirus and Zonealarm as firewall. After successfull installing IE8, the IE8 startpage (about blank displays manytimes black bars on top. Although the now hidden knobs are not visible, they still function.
Checks on virus and other malware gives no indication of any threat.
This problem was under IE7 not present.

It looks like you instaled Windows but were unaware about all the drivers needed afterwards. The IE7 to IE8 could trigger the need for better drivers.

Try this. In the XP Forum, ask folk to check your install plan. Supply the procedure you used.
Bob

No thanks. I tried Firefox and it's way too slow. Slows everything down!