Internet Explorer is one of the most popular Web browsers.
Problems with Internet Explorer 8 running on a Sony VAIO computer can have a number of potential causes. By using alternative browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, it's possible to work out whether the issue is isolated to Internet Explorer or a more general problem with Windows or your Internet connection. Upgrading to a later version of Internet Explorer may be enough to fix the issue.
Problems Connecting to Websites
If you are having problems connecting to websites, this is more likely to be a problem with your Internet connection or networking hardware rather than Internet Explorer, particularly if you can connect to the Web through other browsers or your email client. Reboot your router and check the status of your Internet connection by visiting the official website of your Internet Service Provider or contacting them directly. Ensure the latest updates to Windows have been applied through Windows Update in your VAIO's Control Panel and download the latest drivers for your network card or Wi-Fi adaptor -- these are typically found on the manufacturer's official website.
Problems with Website Display
If you are experiencing issues with the way websites are displayed on your VAIO, it's possible that an Internet Explorer setting is to blame, particularly if the same problems exist across several different websites. Try resetting the Internet Explorer settings to see if this solves the problem -- the option is on the Advanced tab of the Internet Options dialog, which is accessed via the Tools menu. An installed plug-in may also be affecting the way websites are shown on screen -- try disabling them one-by-one from the Manage Add-ons menu available on the Tools menu.
Browser Crashes or Freezing
Issues with Internet Explorer 8 crashing or freezing point to a more serious underlying problem with the browser -- it's possible that some of the program's files have been deleted or become corrupted. The best way to repair these files is to download Internet Explorer 8 from the Microsoft website's Download Center at microsoft.com/download and install it from scratch. You will be prompted to choose which version of the operating system you are using before the download can begin. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard to complete the process; the setup file is able to recognize which parts of the application are missing and which need replacing.
Upgrading and Finding Further Help
Upgrading to Internet Explorer 9, which is the latest official version of the browser, ensures that IE is compatible with modern hardware, systems and Web technologies. You can obtain it from the Microsoft Download Center at microsoft.com/download, but it only works on Windows Vista and Windows 7. If your VAIO is using an older version of Windows, further help with Internet Explorer 8 can be found via the official support section of the Microsoft website at support.microsoft.com. Among the available options is a utility that can help you automatically diagnose problems with Microsoft's browser.
