UNSOLVED
Odd IE8 problem
In late March, I installed Internet Explorer 8, from IE6 (never did IE7). After that, my graphics didn't look right - for instance, writing looked dark and blotchy, and when a small window is dragged across the screen, it had that "spreading a deck of cards" look. It reminded me of when you remove a graphics card from a desktop, leaving you with just integrated. I tried a few things, like updating the driver(no update), but nothing improved the situation. I don't use the laptop much anymore, so I just recently decided to either uninstall IE8 or just do a system restore. I choose the restore. Now I'm back to IE6, and graphics look great again. What happened with IE8? I've NEVER had a problem with any MS update in 10 years. Maybe my luck ran out, but I'd like to know why.
Dell Inspiron 600m
Windows XP-Pro SP3
Intel Pentium M 1.8GHz
1024 RAM
ATI Mobility Radeon 9000
I didn't install it until March 29 - it was listed on a restore date. I do recall the "compatibility view" option, but never considered that it had anything to do with the problem. It's a possibiIity. I also posted this question elsewhere, and got a suggestion that there could be a conflict with another outdated program. My computer is pretty lean, mean, and trouble free; there isn't much in there besides (free)utility programs, plus my own docs, photos, etc. (mostly as a redundant back-up). Seeing as I'm free to experiment, I'm going to uninstall some things and try it again.
Update- I uninstalled several programs that I can live without for now, starting with AVG, then re-installed IE8. Same graphics problem. Turning on "Compatibility view" didn't help. Don't know if it's worth anything, but with Task Manager/Processes open, System Idle = 99% and explorer.exe = 1% - until I "grab the window" with my mouse and wiggle it. Then explorer.exe jumps to 97% or so. It shouldn't use almost all the CPU, right?
I'm being advised by knowledgeable people that this is an ATI / Dell driver issue. Dell only allows certain drivers for ATI graphics, and this one isn't up to the task on my laptop. I can't list all the details as it was explained to me, but it sure makes sense, and nothing else has helped on my otherwise great-running computer.
feran_ie8team
9 Posts
436
0
Posted June 2nd, 2009 17:00
Hi my name’s Feran and I am working with the Internet Explorer Outreach Team to help provide assistance to folks about their Internet Explorer.
When in March did you get IE8 as the final was not released until the 19th - perhaps you were using the beta or RC version?
You may want to try IE8 again, this time via Windows Update. Also there is a compatibility view (broken page icon next to refresh button on toolbar) that helps sites render correctly.
-Feran