The issue is not just your browser -- it's your XP operating system which will stop getting security updates in April.

If you have the Windows 7 pack you might as well give it a try and see if it runs OK on your computer. So I think you should start with that. Just make a copy of any important files/documents to an external hard drive first.

After making the backup, I'd recommend trying the Windows 7 installation yourself -- generally it will just ask you to click OK a bunch of times. If you get stuck you can of course take it to someone.

If your computer is super old, you may find that Windows 7 is a bit sluggish, and you may want a new computer, but it's worth a try first!

Marie, if you are unsure about installing Windows 7, at least update your browser. The latest version of IE that can be used by XP is version 8, and it can be downloaded either from Microsoft or from other reputable sites. For some reason I cannot get the URL link at the bottom of this to work, so just copy and paste the following into your address bar:

www.filehippo.com/download_internet_explorer_xp/

The above is a reputable site for downloading. Once downloaded, double click on the download and install. This should at least get you up and running until you decide what to do about your XP machine.

You do not really have to upgrade the computer because MS is stopping supporting XP. The program will continue to work and probably quite safely for a goodly period.

If you decide to upgrade then do it yourself. First the process is very simple as adamp suggests above. just be sure you have saved all you photos, documents, email addresses and favourites/bookmarks and you should be good to go. Second, it is nice to do a first install then sit back feeling good about the whole thing. Third you will learn a little more about your computer perhaps. Fourth, you will save a pile of money.

You will be reminded that all data will be lost, click to agree. You will be asked if you wish to format the drive, better if you do so agree. The format will happen and files downloaded, you will be asked to agree that you live in the USA, offered choice of time zone. Asked to provide a user name and computer name. All basic simple stuff. About 40 minutes later you will have Windows 7 installed.

Get an anti virus installed about this time for your protection. Then you can visit the MS update site for (I think it is) 108 updates which will very likely not all come in together. Just done a Windows 7 Starter model and it took 4 different downloads to complete but as it was a miserable little troublesome computer that may have been part of the reason.

Give it a go, you cannot harm anything.

grandms--I did what you suggested but it seemed to go ok. But I am still getting the same error and when I go to start etc it still posted that I have version 5.1. What did I do wrong and what else should I do. As soon as I can get the stuff saved off my computer I am going to try to put 7 on, for at least awhile. Not quite ready to tackle a whole new computer.
Thanks a bunch
Marie

Marie, could you post the exact "error" that you are getting so that we will know just what you are facing here? What posted that you have version 5.1? Is this the version of Internet Explorer or what? I'm really not sure now that I understand the problem you're having.

The error that seems to be the problem is Internet Explorer cannot display this web page. I am trying to buy something thru an auction site which is very reliable and is safe and I have used it before. The I get the message that Windows wants to close this program , then this program is shutting down, but the program is still on the screen.
When I went to the information you gave me it said to check to see what browser I had ---went to Start, then run, then told me to type in winver for the name of the program. It said Version 5.1 (built 2006) xpsp-sp3. 1307040121 Service pack 3.
Hope this helps
Marie

My first thought is the website does not support such an old browser. In support of this here is a quote from my banking website, "*Effective July 13, 2010, Online Banking users attempting to login with an Internet Explorer version older than 7.0 will receive a message indicating that a browser update is required to access the system. To update your Internet Explorer you can click on the Supported Browser link above and download the latest version of Internet Explorer."

DA

Marie, have you done a complete reboot? If you downloaded and installed IE version 8, you need to reboot for the installation to take effect. The 5.1 is the version of Windows (XP), I believe, not Internet Explorer, and that should have nothing to do with the page not opening. But close everything down and reboot. Then try again to open the site.

Yes I did reboot the computer a couple of times and the message is still there. I think I will get some outside help and I don't want to really screw up my computer. May have someone help me put on Windows 7 if I still have it and go from there. After all the program is paid for, I just have to install it. Thanks
Marie
It is too bad that some on you don't live closer where ever you are.

Take a look at the attached link. Did you do this?

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Microsoft

If this is a browser problem, why not just install Firefox and stop using the outdated and incompatible Internet Explorer?

In my view, it would be a waste of money to put Win 7 on an old PC. Solve a simple problem with a simple solution.

I have XP on a couple of machines used for light duty and I'll continue to use them for as long as the hardware functions.

Do you think I should take Internet Explorer completly off my computer. I do have a couple other browsers on?
Thanks
Marie

I am not a computer expert but wanted to say... I have stopped using IE completely and now only use google chrome. It first I didn't like chrome and had to get used to it but now I love it.

No, Marie, you can just leave it on your PC as is. Any program (like a browser) that's not running can remain there and be inert, it won't do anything or bother anyone. There may even be times that a connection to a microsoft site (like for an update) needs to have Internet Explorer present, so you can just ignore it.

Try using a different browser and see if that lets you do what you want. Be sure it's updated.

Post back if you encounter other issues.

Marie, before you go update that computer to windows 7, make sure your computer is compatible with it. Unless your XP has some upgrades on it, I suspect, it probably isnt. Dont worry so much about the fact that after April, you wont be able to get updates. I am using XP right now, and yes, I do have newer computers than this one, but, this XP is still my favorite computer, and I intend to use it for a long while yet. I do not use IE, however, havent for a long time. Firefox is my browser of choice, but there are many others that you can use.

Use your search engine/browser and type in IE7 and download it, IE7 is for WXP I still have an XP PC and it runs great! I also have 2W7 PC's and 1 W8, which I am not updating to W8.1 I know it comes with problems, and this was verified by my HP tech. who advised do not do the upgrade to 8.1. Oh, and while MS will be dropping support/updates for XP, I intend to keep all else updated and use my XP for yrs. to come.

This post was edited by Aputernut13 on Mon, Jan 13, 14 at 10:06

Internet Explorer 8 is the last version of Internet Explorer to be supported on Windows XP, that's the one I would suggest for XP.

The page below has both IE7 and IE8 available; 8 XP on the top and 7.0.5730.13 on the right column. Make your selection.

DA

Here is a link that might be useful: Filehipp.com

For those of you suggesting that Marie do an Internet Explorer upgrade, do you use it yourself as your main browser?

If so, you're in the minority. Internet Explorer's "market share" has plummeted in the last 5 years. It's fair to say that most people DON'T use it. As the current trend continues, it won't be long before one will say FEW people prefer it for home use.

I am strictly and IE gal so to speak. Have used it since I first got online with windows 98 and never a bit of trouble for me so I must be the odd man out. Currently running 2 computers with windows 7 and IE 11 and it works perfect.

I can't stand firefox. For some strange reason it takes longer to open than IE and freezes and I have to wait to type the web address in to get where I am going. Never tried chrome and don't care to since IE gives me no trouble. I am sure someone could help me figure the firefox stuff out but I just don't care to bother since IE works perfect. Mary

As far as I am concerned she can do what she wants.

DA

I do want to thank all of you, and did change browers to chrome which caused more problems. When the weather clears up, I will be going to a computer store, or Office Depot to either get a new computer or have this one cleaned up. Several of the people that promised to help me have backed out and right now I am very discouraged. Again thanks to all. and I went back to IE
Marie

Yep, I have 5 Pc's in my home online and only use IE, version depending on OS for yrs. on my Pc's and luv it MSN home pg. and Bing browser, and I will get any answer/ web site in under a min. that you could ask for.

Hello All. I have IE6 on my XP box. I want to put IE7 on it. Does the install just put IE7 over IE6? Will it have any effect on the other programs already on it? --mail--any sites I usually visit? Will I need to replace all logins/passwords, etc.? Thanks in advance.
fredda

Fredda,
I'll keep it short since this is hijacking Marie's thread :-) You may lose your passwords but your favorites should be retained. My advice...skip IE7 and install IE8. It installs over the top of 6 just fine.

HTH, Pam