How to Fix Internet Explorer 8 Slow Issues

How to Fix Internet Explorer 8 Slow Issues
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IE8 is the latest browser by Microsoft to-date. The new version of IE was released last March 2009 with SmartScreen Filter, InPrivate Browsing, Compatibility View Settings and much more. Many end-users are experiencing slowness in starting IE8 or when opening another tab. Find out why IE8 runs slow and what steps you can use to fix it.

Corrupted or Missing IE8 DLL Files

In some cases, IE8 is slow due to corruption or incomplete registration of the IE library. This incident can happen if a third party program has interfered with the install process. Try to re-register actxprxy.dll:

Open a command prompt by typing cmd in Run dialog box. Type: regsvr32 actxprxy.dll

Hit the enter key and proceed to restarting your computer when done. Vista users should open up an administrative level command prompt by right-clicking cmd.exe and choosing to run as admin. If you want to use a third party utility to re-register more than 80 dll and ocx files of IE8, try using the Fix IE Utility by Windows Vista Club.

Third Party Add-Ons Caused IE8 to Run Slow

There are reports by end-users and KB articles by Microsoft that some add-ons for the browser have caused slowness in starting IE8. You will need to determine which add-on is causing the problem or if it’s even an add-on to blame:

Click Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer (no add ons). If IE8 started without a long delay, one of the browser add-on is the culprit. You will need to troubleshoot by disabling the add-on by opening the add-on manager in IE8 before running IE8 in normal mode instead of no add ons mode.

Note that some end-users have reported the Skype add-on for Internet Explorer, Skype add-on (mastermind) and Skype add-ons or Sun Java Plug-In 2 SSV Helper as the cause. This problem should be fixed already by using the new version of the said third party programs. If not, you have to temporary disable the add-ons until a fix is released by the add-on vendors – that is, if you still want to continue using the program that caused IE8 to run slow. If you rather remove the add-on permanently, uninstall the program or reset Internet Explorer 8 to the factory default settings.

Missing IE8 Fixes

Microsoft will often release reliability fixes for their products including reliability updates for IE . You should check the Microsoft Update website or application (for Vista and Windows 7 users) for recommended updates. Microsoft can determine that IE requires fixing using Customer Experience Improvement Program and Windows Error Reporting, in addition to feedback sent to them at their forums or any support tool.

Spyware, Malware or IE Browser Hijacker Infection

If any of the above method did not help fix the slow IE8, your computer is maybe infected with spyware, malware or browser hijacker. Immediately update your anti-virus, anti-spyware or anti-malware program and run a full system scan. If a malware, spyware or hijacker is found, make sure to close IE before allowing the removal tool in fixing found infections or risk objects. To prevent re-infection in your browser, always enable Protected Mode, SmartScreen Filter and Pop-up Blocker features of IE8. If you have them enabled, the percentage of downloading unsafe files or visiting malicious web pages that can cause infection and browser hijack is low instead of slow IE8.