HomeDiscover WindowsProducts
Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XPInternet ExplorerWindows LiveWindows phone
ShopDownloadsHelp & How-to
Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XPInternet ExplorerWindows LiveWindows phone
Windows CommunityContact Support
Windows Vista Help homeTop solutionsUsing Windows VistaCommunity & forumsContact support

Applies to these editions of Windows Vista:

Compare editions

What should I do if Internet Explorer 8 doesn’t install correctly?

Here are some things to try.

Show all

Install updates required for Internet Explorer

Certain Windows updates need to be installed on your computer before Internet Explorer 8 can be installed.

  • Start the Internet Explorer 8 installation and select the Install Updates check box in the setup wizard.

Reset Windows security settings

If you have standard user accounts on your computer

You might find that standard user accounts don't appear on the log in screen or when you try to switch users after you reset Windows security settings. The user accounts are still available on your computer. To make your standard user accounts visible again, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then type command prompt in the search box.

  2. In the list of results, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  3. In the Administrator: Command Prompt window, type net users, and then press ENTER.

  4. For each user that is in the list but is missing from the log on screen, type the following and then press ENTER:

    • net localgroup users accountname/add

If you still can't install Internet Explorer 8

Read the How to solve Internet Explorer 8 installation problems article online for other possible solutions.

If the solutions described in the article don't work, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services by going to the Microsoft Update Solution Center website to request support by e‑mail.

Was this helpful?What's this?
Thank you.
Do you want to add anything else?
Thank you. Your feedback helps us to continually improve our content.
1200 400 How can we make this more helpful for you? Submit Skip this Do you want to add anything else? Submit No thanks