IE8 cannot display the webpage (but Firefox can)

Suddenly I can no longer access web pages with IE8 (running under XP). My
Firfeox browser works OK as does Outlook Express. I removed IE8 using Add or
Remove Programs, and downloaded a new copy of IE8. It still won't work
right. "Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage."

 

Does Firefox load your Internet Explorer add-ons?

"You receive an error message: Internet Explorer cannot display the webpageâ€
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956196

 

I have a similar problem which started a few days ago. Using XP SP3. First
IE8 web page fine, but following a link and opening new tab takes for ever!
Sometimes F5 will (eventually) make it appear. Disabled all add-ons -no
difference. Remove and reinstall IE8 (from MS site) no difference. Start in
no add-ons mode - no difference. Downloaded Firefox and am becoming familiar
with it and is only way I can deliver this message.
Ineterstingly the Update for IE offering multiple browsers as required by EU
is installed but has never run, and it is not possible to uninstall it. Just
one more of lifes very frustrating mysteries.

 

You're welcome to start a new thread about /your/ problem. Please don't
hijack someone else's thread.

 

Thanks for your quick reply. Unfortunately, I don't even know what an IE8
add-on is so I don't know if they were loaded by Firefox.

 

Wait...I just saw the link in your message. I will go there and see what
develops.

 

Always state your full Windows version (e.g., WinXP SP3; WinXP 64-bit SP2)
as well as your IE version when posting in an IE-specific forum or
newsgroup. Please do so in your next reply.

1. Does the behavior persist if you start IE in No Add-ons mode?

=> Start | (All) Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Internet
Explorer (No add-ons).

Troubleshooting and Internet Explorer’s (No Add-ons) Mode [Applies to IE7 &
IE8 in all OSS]
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2006/07/25/678113.aspx

2. Does the behavior persist if you Reset IE Advanced settings (RIES)?
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737

3. What anti-virus application or security suite is installed and is your
subscription current? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?
What third-party firewall (if any)? Were any of these applications running
in the background when you installed IE8?

4. Has a(nother) Norton or McAfee application ever been installed on this
machine (e.g., a free-trial version that came preinstalled when you bought
it)?

 

I went to the suggested site and, to no avail, worked through all steps
except Reset as I had already downloaded a new copy of IE8. One thing of
interest? For System Restore, the system failed to restore to any of three
restore points dated before the day that IE8 stopped working.

 

Downloading a new copy (or installing it) does not reset your settings,
doesn't it? Why don't you try the Reset?

 

IE8 cannot display the webpage (but Firefox can)
<applause>
FX cannot display the webpage (but IE can)
<applause>
IE cannot display the webpage (but FX/IEtabs can)
From IE - Tools>Internet Options - Security tab, click "Reset all zones to
default"
or
Update to the latest FX version that does not support IETabs.
<bingo>
Regards.

 

OK; screwed my courage up and Reset. All is now ell. Thank you very much for
your patience and help.