How to replace IE9 with IE7 in Win 7

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Both of my new computers came with Win 7 Pro installed. The included browser was IE 9. I hate it!

Without trying to dissuade me, how can I remove IE 9 and replace it with IE 7?

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In all likelihood you can’t, & it wouldn’t be worth the amount of effort to even try.
Try chrome or FF instead of IE.

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X2, do not believe that is possible. Have you tried IE 10?

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IE 7 is a very old, incapable browser. It’s not safe, it’s not fast, doesn’t support any of the standards used in the modern web. Bottom line, it’s a very bad idea to get IE 7 back.

Get Chrome or FF.

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Thanks for all the replies. I guess you guys missed the “Without trying to dissuade me” comment in my original post.

Just to clarify, my browser of choice is FF. I would only use IE if I have to, such as for a site that requires it (like Windows Update), or when FF just won’t work (see my post ” Browser inconsistency driving me crazy!” in the Third-Party Browsers forum).

I don’t want to use IE 10 for a number of reasons (it’s gotten bad press in the Windows Secrets newsletter, and probably has the same “search in the address bar” feature that IE 9 has, which I can’t stand). As for IE 7 being insecure, I’ve used it for years on my XP system without ever having experienced a security problem, and I’m willing to continue doing that (I’m pretty careful about protecting and scanning my computers). As far as IE 7 being incapable, I can assure you that whatever “capabilities” IE 9 provides that IE 7 doesn’t have, I don’t use or need.

I noticed that IE 9 was installed as an update (no doubt when the system was built, since I didn’t do it). If I uninstalled that update, what version of IE (if any) would I be left with?

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Probably IE8 if I remember correctly.

If you say you do not use IE that often, then why compromise your system with a KNOWN insecure browser version such as IE7.

I consider it as part of my responsibility here to “dissuade” people from making terrible mistakes.

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Clint,
I just don’t like the changes to the user interface that occurred in 9 (maybe 8 also). I like (almost insist) on a separate search window, preferably on the address bar. I would like more flexibility in choosing what shows up on the various toolbars than IE 9 gives me. And, since I consider the compromise to my system to be less of a problem than being out of my comfort zone with the IE 9 interface, I want it OFF my computer. It falls under the “Personal” in Personal Computer.

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I just don’t like the changes to the user interface that occurred in 9 (maybe 8 also). I like (almost insist) on a separate search window, preferably on the address bar.

I think after using a combined address/search box for a day or two you might dislike having to remember to use separate boxes for those functions as much as I do.

At home, like many, I’ve been using IE9/10 for three years. At work I’m still forced to use IE8 on all computers (hundreds). But you can even adjust to swapping between the two.

I would like more flexibility in choosing what shows up on the various toolbars than IE 9 gives me.

I believe toolbars are just as customizable in IE9 as in IE8 (or IE7): How to bring back the toolbars from IE 7 and 8 in IE 9

And, since I consider the compromise to my system to be less of a problem than being out of my comfort zone with the IE 9 interface, I want it OFF my computer. It falls under the “Personal” in Personal Computer.

If you uninstall IE9 you would have IE8 with a separate search box: How to Uninstall Internet Explorer 9 on Windows 7 SP1 and Revert to IE8

(but that’s so living in the noughties ;))

Bruce

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As stated previously, we do not believe it is possible to go back to IE 7. If you uninstall IE 9, most likely IE 8 will be installed.

I do not believe any of us “missed” your reference to not try to dissuade you from going back to IE 7. We just do not think it possible and were attempting to give alternatives. The last time I tried FF and Chrome, if I remember correctly, these 2 browsers also have a search function very similar to IE 9 although I do not presently have either installed because I do not like either as much as IE.

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You might install XP in VM and run IE7 from there, that’s about the only acceptable way I know of. If I remember right you weren’t so hot on Chrome either, which is what I run on everything because it’s unbelievably stable for me.

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Medico, I’m OK going to IE 8 if it has a dedicated search window. That’s my major gripe about 9.

FF does indeed have a dedicated search window, which sits on my Navigation Bar. If uninstalling IE 9 leaves me with IE 8 and a dedicated search window, I’m OK with that.

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Medico, I’m OK going to IE 8 if it has a dedicated search window. That’s my major gripe about 9.

FF does indeed have a dedicated search window, which sits on my Navigation Bar. If uninstalling IE 9 leaves me with IE 8 and a dedicated search window, I’m OK with that.

If all you want is a search toolbar, add google toolbar to IE 9. IE 8 is a lousy browser. Use it to view a site with some javascript and it will be worse than a snail.

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OK, some good points.

Rule out IE 8 (thanks, ruirib). Which means don’t uninstall IE 9, I guess.

What if I uncheck the box that says “Internet Explorer 9” in Control Panel/Programs and Features/Turn Windows features on or off? Would I then be able to install IE 7? Would it overwrite IE 9? Would IE 7 even work with Win 7 Pro?

Or am I just shoveling s#%t against the tide?

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Les,

IE 7 is even worse than IE 8. If IE 8 performance wise is bad, IE 7 is even worse. It’s like going back to the dark ages. I used IE as my main browser for a long time. I used Google’s toolbar for that entire time. It will work as just the search box you want, on IE 9.

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Well, then, since I was fine with IE 7 (for as little as I used it), IE 8 should be OK for me.
I don’t care for Google anything (too intrusive), even though my son works for Google (they do treat their employees very well).
My preference is to use the secure version of Ixquick, which I’ll make my default on any browser I use.

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OK, I’m happy! IE9 uninstalled, reverted back to IE8. I like the interface much better.
Thanks for all the suggestions and banter. It’s been fun.

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Ya, glad you got what you feel comfortable with; IE8 is easy, it was IE7 that had me reposing while I cogitated.
.

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