Member Avatar for qweenminx

I upgraded to Internet Explorer 8 last week and couldn't access hotmail or facebook - the facebook site tells me I have an incompatible browser and hotmail keeps telling me to upgrade my browser.

I have uninstalled IE8 and still get the same problems: so I tried upgrading to the 'better' IE7 and still cannot access hotmail and facebook and get the same error messages. I have tried the troubleshooting methods, which included system restore point and am not at the point of tearing my hair out.

Can anybody please advise?

Thanks

qweenminx

I am on windows xp.

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As reported, sites that show “incompatible browser” or “please upgrade” usually do that because the site is detecting an old or unexpected browser (user‑agent sniffing) or because a previous IE8 install left settings or files behind. A fast, practical workaround is to use Firefox or Chrome while you troubleshoot IE — that gets you back into Hotmail/Facebook immediately. (developer.mozilla.org)

Concrete checks (good point from ): confirm the exact IE version (Help > About Internet Explorer) and see the user‑agent string the site receives by entering javascript:alert(navigator.userAgent) in the address bar. You can also inspect the UA registry keys under the Internet Settings 5.0 User Agent keys if needed. If the UA still reports IE8 or a strange token after uninstalling, that explains why sites reject the browser. ()

Triage steps to try, in order:

  1. Reset IE to defaults: Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Reset (this clears add‑ons and changed settings).
  2. Run IE without add‑ons (Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Internet Explorer (No Add‑ons)) to rule out toolbars/security suites.
  3. Make sure cookies and Active Scripting (JavaScript) are allowed (Internet Options → Privacy / Security).
  4. If IE8 was installed and a simple uninstall didn’t revert everything, use Microsoft’s documented uninstall method (run from an elevated command prompt; back up first). For example, the KB shows a FORFILES command to remove IE8 package entries:
FORFILES /P %WINDIR%\servicing\Packages /M Microsoft-Windows-InternetExplorer-8*.mum /c "cmd /c echo Uninstalling package @fname && start /w pkgmgr /up:@fname /norestart"

After uninstall/reboot, reinstall the IE version you want or keep using a modern browser. (support.microsoft.com)

One final, important note: Windows XP plus IE7/8 is now obsolete. Many sites later required newer TLS versions and modern browser engines; if pages still refuse to load after fixing UA/cookies/JS, the root cause may be OS/protocol limits (no TLS 1.2 on stock XP). The long‑term fix is to upgrade the browser/OS or use a supported machine. If you reach that point, Microsoft’s guidance on repair installs/uninstalls may help. (learn.microsoft.com)

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for stevemmsb

did you ever get an answer. I have the same problem

Member Avatar for jbennet

Why did you put IE8 on , Its terrible

Thats why you are told that it is beta software and that you use it at your own risk. Never use beta software on a production system in case this happens.

Member Avatar for sillyboy

For websites where you get the error, just use firefox. That would be the easiest fix imo

Member Avatar for Jimmy88

Firefox will provide you better access and your system would also be save from viruses.

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