Not that it's required to install IE8 (it's not) but is Vista SP1 (and SP2)
installed?
HOW TO solve IE8 installation problems
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949220
No-charge support for Internet Explorer 8 installation, set-up and usage
(only) is available via telephone (based on your locale) and has been
extended until 02 July 2010. Customers must be running Windows XP or Windows
Vista in a non-domain environment.
=> US & CA Residents: 1-866-234-6020
=> Other locales:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?&prid=13043
My personal recommendations include:
=> Install IE8 manually, not via Windows Update/Automatic Updates!! =>
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/worldwide-sites.aspx
NB WinXP users: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it. When
you're prepared to install IE8, double-click on the saved file.
NB Vista users: Save the installer to your desktop, do not Run it. When
you're prepared to install IE8, right-click on the saved file and select Run
as Administator.
=> Uninstall all third-party toolbars (e.g., Google; Yahoo; Windows Live)
and third-party Windows Themes before installing IE8.
=> Close all open applications (i.e., anything with a taskbar icon) before
installing or uninstalling IE8.
=> I would strongly recommend disabling your anti-virus application and any
anti-spyware application's "system protections" (other than Defender's)
before installing (or uninstalling) an IE upgrade. If you're running a
third-party firewall, I would recommend disabling it and then enabling the
Windows Firewall before installing (or uninstalling) an IE upgrade.
=> Create a Restore Point manually before installing IE8. [Do NOT use
System Restore to remove/uninstall IE8; instead, see
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/957700. Then use the Restore Point prior to
reinstalling IE8 per these recommendations. Norton users will need to see
http://bertk.mvps.org/html/symantecdoc1.html.]
NB WinXP users=> Reboot twice after installing or uninstalling IE8, then go
to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Select CUSTOM and scan | Install any
Critical Security Updates offered (i.e., KB976325). If a Root Certificates
update is listed in the Optional Updates category, install it to take full
advantage of IE's enhanced security.
NB Vista users=> Reboot twice after installing or uninstalling IE8, then
check-in at Windows Update and install any critical security updates
offered.
=> For best chance of success with IE8, make certain that your anti-virus
application version, any anti-spyware applications (other than Defender),
and your third-party firewall (if any) are supported in IE8 before you
decide install it.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
Gene L. wrote:
> I am using a Dell Computer with Windows Vista Home Premium (32 bit). The
> browser presently is Explorer 7 and I would like to move up to Explorer 8.
> I
> can find the download web sight all right but cannot complete the
> sequence.
> The message is that I am misssing some Windows Updates necessary for the
> instalation.
> My "Windows Update" tells me that my computer is up to date and there are
> no
> new updates available.
> Can some one help me to locate the missing piece(s). My list of installed
> updates has 115 items on it but does not include Explorer 8.
> Many Thanks,
> Gene L.