Is it possible to totally un-install Internet Explorer

I use Vista which originally came with IE7, which though not brilliant, was infinitely more reliable than IE8, which I "upgraded" to more or less when launched.

Last, year after getting to the point of 'slitting my wrists', I decided to un-install IE and move to Firefox.

The thing is my, anti-virus software keeps warning me about 'serious vulnerablities in IE7', AND Windows update keeps warning me about necessary updates required for IE7, (as well as offering me IE8 and IE9)

Checking both Control Panel/Windows updates and Programs and features, there is no reference to IE at all.

And yet, certain software when trying to connect to the Internet pulls up IE, (despite having Firefox as the default browser)

Is IE such an integral part of Windows now that it cannot be fully un-installed?

Even though I never use it, do I have to keep burning up my download allowance with interminable updates for it?

Any help on this would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

I'd start with How to uninstall Internet Explorer 7, please let us know how you get on.

 

The problem with that is it states removing IE7 automatically re-instals IE6 which I do not want.

What I would really like to do is to completely remove IE

 

You can't remove it. It is part of the OS. Just don't use it and use what you want to use.

 

OK - I already do that. Does that mean security updates are immaterial and unnecessary?

The 'dire warnings' from Microsoft seem to suggest that the system is vulnerable whether IE is 'used' or not, which, if what you say is accurate and it is an integral part of Window, could be true?

 

Unfortunately saddletrampus the security updates are important whether you use ie or not.

I apologise for my earlier post, a combination of EU regulations and MS allowing users to select their own browser led me to the wrong conclusion.

 

Yep, you should keep the latest version and get all the updates for it and the other updates that M$ sends out. Do you think that OTHER browers are safe? They are not.

 

Hi MrBill,

I think the point saddletrampus is making is why should he spend money (from what I gather with his post he pays for data usage) updating software he doesn't use. I didn't see any suggestion that he thought IE was unsafe or FF was safe.

Unfortunately it's a requirement of the OS so he has no choice.

 

I do find your reply a little condescending.

As Wildfire quite rightly points out, my change was based on reliability and not safety, I am more than fully aware of of the vulnerabilities of Windows based systems, and keep up an un-relenting vigilance.

I am retired now but spent 29 years involved in what is now known as IT.

From DEC Super-minis and "Super Micros" 100 + screen systems to PCs. You have to remember that before Windows, NONE of these system's OS's had ANY problems with security, even though RSTS, (Ristus), Amos and Unix were among the first systems used on the internet.

I was transferring files in the early days of the internet on a PCDOS based micro via my local slow 9600 baud Compuserve connection without ANY security issues.

I do have limited down load capacities and try to pick and choose what I really DO or Don't need (Live essentials being a prime example - I use Google mail / chat and Skype for ALL communications, so why would I need Gb's of Microsoft badly written code which I never intend to use?? - AND which, generally opens up yet more routes in for attack!).

Is there a published list of what is really needed and what can be safely skipped?

i.e
NET framework?
Visual C++?
Live Essentials?

 

"So why are you using Windows? Get any of the popular Linux distros & be done with it.

If you want to use Windows, you have to go with the program. - Arie "

Good question, it's probably a good time to move to Apple, which apart from the odd attempted TROJAN, is pretty impregnable.

Like the man says Linux is similar to Windows in terms of it's security, (and always will be whilst the souce is universally available)

Your advice of 'take it or leave it, is similar to the current attitude adopted by by the retail banks. Like the banks, Microsoft has you by the 'shorts' and the alternatives are few - geeky Linux, or expensive Apple - roll up, roll up.

And by way for your information, I was referring to Mr Bill's reference to Browsers! - AND I came here for help not an argument. Obviously, this BBS prefers the latter, as this topic has now been put so far 'off topic' , it should be in the Sunday Sun