I recently set up a new PC for a friend - fresh and complete installation of XP Home SP3 with all online updates including IE8. Topped up with latest Sun Java and Acrobat reader. That's it. Tested and all seemed great.
Now installed Norton Antivirus 2010 and suddenly IE8 goes unstable:
- Mosty common problem is that tabs intermittently cease to respond then you try to close them
- Sometimes IE8 even locks up when trying to open a new tab.
Loading the special version of IE8 "with no add-ons" worked just fine.
Selectively disabling add-ons, I discover that it's Symantec Instrusion Prevention that seems to be causing the lock-ups.
ALSO Just built a new PC for myself, this time with same motherboard but different CPU + XP Pro SP3. Exactly the same problem ! IE8 locks up intermittently at tab closure until I disable Symantec Instrusion Prevention.
Built a THIRD PC, same (Foxconn) motherboard, same setup except McAffee Antivirus instead of Norton - No problem !
I've read a lot about people having problems with tabs hanging on IE8 but not many instances of it being associated with Norton. I'm amazed that such an apparently "vanilla" installation of XP is causing these problems. Am I missing something? Could it be an issue with the motherboard?
Thanks for reading, ideas much appreciated !