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Hey, EU! Internet Explorer now uninstallable in Windows 7
While it's not likely to placate those who are out for browser blood, Microsoft has taken steps toward pacifying the European Union in the latest RC builds of Windows 7.As you can see in the updated Windows Features screen captured by AeroXperience, Internet Explorer 8 can now be removed just like Tablet PC support or Chess Titans. Unlike older versions of Windows where stripping IE with a tool like NLite usually caused some kind of headache down the road, Windows 7 appears to plug along just fine after removing the executable.
It's also good news for Google, who have been sweet talking OEMs since late last year in attempts to bundle their browser on new laptop and desktop PCs.
Thanks, Bryant!
Comments
17
Subscribe to commentsnomiMar 4th 2009 10:14AM
Finally, I can take that abomination of a browser off my PC. But what will I do when I need to use Windows Update??
BryantMar 4th 2009 10:27AM
Windows Update in Windows 7 doesn't need iexplore.exe
DanMar 9th 2009 12:33PM
Windows Vista also has an actual Windows Update application, and isn't browser-based. Just like 7.
One of many of the 'great things about Windows 7' things people will talk about, when in fact it was introduced in Vista and the implementation is identical.
Rodrigo P. GhedinMar 4th 2009 10:48AM
Bad new: this possibility exists since Windows XP, and it doesn't remove IE. Check it out a screenshot I took now: http://img11.imageshack.us/my.php?image=uninstallinternetexplor.jpg
In fact, what it does is just hide IE icons and references in entire system. IE still remains installed. Just type an URL on Windows Explorer's window, and the page will be loaded, using IE's engine.
[]'s!
mdmadphMar 4th 2009 11:04AM
I was about to say -- there's no real way to remove the IE rendering engine from Windows. MS uses it from everything from application installers to the control panel, if I'm not mistaken.
BryantMar 4th 2009 2:01PM
Vista didn't allow for this, nor did Windows 7 Beta 1. XP only allowed for removing shortcuts to IE, etc.
Windows 7 7048 actually removes iexplore.exe as well as changing any IE-reliant shell extensions to point to whatever browser is left in the Program Defaults. If none exists, they are nulled out.
whiskeyMar 4th 2009 10:49AM
Now all we need is software vendors to stop relying on IE7 or IE8's components (or install them for their use).
Remember back then when Vista was called Longhorn? Yeah you couldn't install many of the antiviruses from the main vendors at that time because they used xml4 and IE components for their dialog boxes. (This might be why other antiviruses took off, because the dialogs used standard presentation libraries).
Also worth noting, let's see what happens with Microsoft Office (office's help relies heavily on IE components for it's help browser).
This is a good move in the right direction.
ChrisMar 4th 2009 1:40PM
Yeah, considering you can re-tick any of those boxes without inserting a CD...
It should really say "add or remove windows features" not "turn windows features on and off" and waste hard drive space (not that it's an issue nowadays, but I for one would have piece of mind knowing there's one less piece of MS junk on my hard drive). It also doesn't offer a very comprehensive feature list...
As for removing IE completely, I'm pretty sure vLite can get rid of it completely, but don't quote me on that.
Jonathan HarfordMar 4th 2009 2:21PM
"Uninstallable" means "not installable", not "removable"! You got my hopes up!
Zachary WaldowskiMar 4th 2009 2:23PM
Hey, geniuses, you could do this since XP. The program files are still there and still available for setting defaults. It's still there in Default Programs and Action Center (links).
Matt S.Mar 4th 2009 5:13PM
@Zachary, its already been said that this is not the same as XP's method, you weren't able to do it in Vista. This new feature actually gets rid of all traces of IE on the system. Stop trying to cause drama.
@All: Anyway, I bet the EU finds something else to complain about so they dont lose any possible money. Oh s**t we're screwed now MS is letting them actually uninstall it, where will we get the money to pay for our raises now.
Zachary WaldowskiMar 4th 2009 5:23PM
@Matt S.: Drama? WTF? This is not a fricking soap opera, you jackass. It *is* still there, and still runs from the "iexplore" command and opens no matter what when using the Solution Center and Action Center.
I'm glad the EU is putting the pressure on Microsoft. Bundling IE and forcing it on everybody is Microsoft's last-ditch effort at trying to keep their browser usage numbers up.
QuikboyMar 5th 2009 7:03AM
"Bundling IE and forcing it on everybody is Microsoft's last-ditch effort at trying to keep their browser usage numbers up."
Bundling? It's their OS, so it's kinda their choice. Forcing it on everybody? Nobody forces you to use IE if you don't want it. You could always install some other browser.
I'm quite content with the latest IE, and I don't need anything fancy to surf the web with.
Matt S.Mar 5th 2009 5:03PM
IE has been included with Windows since Windows 95? How is that a last ditch effort? Every OS includes a browser why should MS be penalized for doing the same thing. If you want another browser go get one. It doesn't matter if a billion people use Windows, nothing MS does keeps you from using another browser.
I've said it before and I'll say it again.. The EU likes using corporations as their personal bankroll. Who can we fine this time. Oh people don't like them doing that lets fine them.
Lee MathewsMar 5th 2009 5:04PM
Great point...Macs have Safari, and several Linux distros provide only Firefox. Will they have to change as well?
We all know the answer that that one.
JamesMar 5th 2009 6:15PM
Microsoft, if you think about it, doesn't care one way or another if you use IE. You bought Windows. They don't get paid any different if you use Windows with Firefox or Windows with IE. The only reason they included IE with it was cuz it made it easier to 'make things pretty', and try to streamline peoples computer usage between windows explorer and internet explorer.
I've never quite understood peoples animosity towards IE. I use both Firefox and IE cuz I web develop: And honestly, often pages turn out looking better on IE, especially with as strict Firefox is with various CSS.
intellerMar 27th 2009 11:37AM
speaking of Tablet PC support. Why is the snipping tool buryied under this windows component? It is a very useful tool Tablet PC or not. You shouldn't have to lose it when you uninstall the other useless tablet dreck.