When you use Internet Explorer 7 to visit a Web site, you may receive error messages that state that you do not have the most current version of Internet Explorer (923196)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, when used with:
    • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)
    • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2
    • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
    • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)

SYMPTOMS

When you use Windows Internet Explorer 7 to visit a Web site, you may receive an error message that states the following:
  • You do not have the most current version of Internet Explorer.
  • The Web site supports Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 or later versions.
Other Web sites may open as expected. However, the Web sites do not function as expected.

CAUSE

Some Web sites are designed to identify Internet Explorer 6 as the latest version of Internet Explorer. When you use Internet Explorer 7 to visit these Web sites, the Web sites incorrectly identify Internet Explorer 7 as an outdated version.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, you can use the User Agent String Utility tool to change how Web sites recognize Internet Explorer 7. The tool creates a browser window that emulates Internet Explorer 6. This step lets you visit and interact with Web sites that did not function as expected together with Internet Explorer 7. The tool temporarily changes settings for Internet Explorer 7 so that Internet Explorer 7 appears to be Internet Explorer 6.

The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:

DownloadDownload the User Agent String Utility package now.

Release Date: August 4, 2006

For more information about how to download Microsoft support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

119591 How to obtain Microsoft support files from online services

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

How to use the User Agent String Utility tool

  1. Double-click the User Agent String Utility icon.
  2. Click Just change my settings.
  3. Click Change settings.
A window opens that is titled "Temporary v6.0 Window - Windows Internet Explorer emulating Internet Explorer 6." This window lets problematic Web sites work correctly in Internet Explorer 7 as long as this window is open. If you start Internet Explorer 7 by using the Start menu or start Internet Explorer 7 from the desktop, Internet Explorer 7 starts without opening the emulation window.

The User Agent String Utility tool should only be used to visit Web sites that cannot recognize or display Internet Explorer 7. When you are finished visiting these pages, close all Internet Explorer windows that were opened by the tool. Do not use this tool to visit Web sites that work correctly together with Internet Explorer 7. To create another window in which Internet Explorer 7 emulates Internet Explorer 6, use the User Agent String Utility tool again.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/9/2006
Keywords:kbExpertiseBeginner kbprb KB923196 kbAudEndUser
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