You can install additional modern browsers on your system.   Firefox https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/  (or PaleMoon http://www.palemoon.org/# )  would be a reasonable choice.

Or the Chrome that you have already downloaded.

When you install one of these browsers, there should be an option to import all your bookmarks ("favorites") from IE [assuming you want to do so] , to be able to easily access the websites you're used to visiting.

The installation should place the program's icon on your desktop and/or in the Quick Launch area... then all you have to do is click on the icon to open the program.

Installing an alternate browser will NOT remove IE from your system... you'll be able to use it any time you prefer.   What WILL happen is that you will have to select ONE of them to be your DEFAULT browser, and advise the other one not to "nag" you about it.

You will probably have to add some add-ons ("extensions") --- such as Flash (if wanted) --- to the alternative browser.

I would NOT attempt upgrading Vista to another operating system.

And if you're really worried, you can do any of a couple of things to protect yourself, eg:

1. Image the hard drive on external USB drive or optical media right before you download/install a new browser. Western Digital and Seagate (depending on whose HDD you have) offer free (limited) versions of imaging software that allows you to make an image and create a bootable CD that allows you to re-image the HDD, if necessary, or to open and restore individual files from an image.
2. Export your IE9 favorites (Click File>Import and Export) on external media and similarly export (or backup) your Outlook files on external media. New browsers will typically import files exported from IE without problem.

I agree with everything said.

Just to add I've never had any problem over the years when upgrading IE to the latest version, from IE11 going back to IE4. The only  thing I ever lost were bookmarks I forgot to export/import, and no other programs or files were ever affected.

Of course you can't uninstall IE prior to upgrading, since it's integrated into the operating system. You have to install "over the top". But the procedure is painless.

I can't advise you about Chrome, as I don't allow any Google software on my systems, and have never tried it.

Thanks for the encouragement, I'll give it a go.  :emotion-1:

Well...almost there!

But a bit uncertain as to how to complete the process. Downloaded the latest version of Chrome but did not make it my default browser yet  I imported my bookmarks from IE and made Outlook a Favorite since that it where I have to go to get Live Sign In. The Chrome icon is sitting on the Desktop and I simply go there to start Chrome.

But if I was wondering if I make it my default browser will the Desktop come up as usual, with the IE icon I press to bring up my MSN homepage.

It appears that I could simply leave it as is, and simply pull up the Chrome page to do searches or go to a favorite. Going to certain websites was starting to be a problem because of my elderly browser. It appears that Chrome has all kinds fo options and features that I might implement to make my browsing easier once I study it. .

At any rate, NBC.dot com and YouTube allow me to browse normally now, withoui the outdated browser message. Thanks again for guidance.

EDIT:  Just a couple more observations...

When I come here to Dell.com in the Chrome browser, it keeps me from signing in,, even though I am signed in on IE. I also noticed that AdBlock Plus doesn't seem to show up on webpages. And it doesn't appear in You Tube either....aslo, the little download bar is not available if I want to download to my hard drive. Any fix for these minor annoyances??

The point of a "default" browser is to let other applications know your PREFERRED browser.   For example, if you're running an e-mail client, like Outlook (or Outlook Express) or Windows Live Mail, and you click on a link in an e-mail therein, the link will open a webpage in your default/preferred browser.

This should have no impact on the icons residing on your desktop... nor on what these icons do when you open them.   For example, if you have IE set to open to an MSN homepage, it should do so regardless of your selection of a "preferred" browser.   The only impact in IE by selecting Chrome as your default browser would be for IE to alert you that it's not the default browser, asking you if you want to change it.   If that question appears, there should be an option box so that it doesn't continue to pester you with the same question again and again.

AdBlock Plus is an add-on (extension) that must be installed separately into each browser you wish to use.   To add AdBlock Plus to chrome, see https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/adblock-plus/cfhdojbkjhnklbpkdaibdccddilifddb

Why not set MSN as your home page in Chrome and eliminate IE completely?

Hi RoHe

I probably will after I get comfortable using Chrome, particularly in the area of add ons, or extensions if you will....and check out its other features. Some of us old dogs take awhile to learn new tricks.  

Got AdBlock Plus installed thanks to the link David supplied, and found out a way to make the "Download This Video" button appear in YouTube after a short search.

But as of now I haven't discovered how to make MSN the home page. I guess it supposed to come up when I open Chrome...which I have not selected as the default browser yet. I have to type in the URL in search bar to bring up the MSN page. Once I have have it up should I bookmark it? I'll be researching this also. 

Right below the address box  it  shows Apps>> You Tube>>Imported from IE (which is my favorites) Not sure how You Tube button got up there since it is already in my favorites bar. And....should I be able to have more than one window open at a time in Chrome? Right now having to use the back button a lot!. Lot of little details I'll have to master yet, but I do notice faster speed and better operation 

Finally...I have attempted to pull up MSN in Chrome, then bookmark. I type it in and save it, but it doesn't show up anywhere, or I don't know where to look for it. Nuff questions for today!

• Launch Chrome and in the top-right corner, click the Chrome menu
  
  > Settings.
• Under "Appearance," check the box Show Home button.
• Below "Show Home button," click Change to choose your homepage.
• Set it to whatever you want to be your home page.