IE tabs coming up empty after install of old software.

I have been encountering a problem with an old bit of software called “Imaging for Windows 2.8” when I install it on a Windows 7 64-bit machine. The issue has to do with Microsoft Internet Explorer and opening new tabs or web pages with certain security features (or possibly Active X related). Originally the issue was just on any Windows 7 machine, however, I discovered when I installed the software in “Compatibility Mode” on the 32-bit system it resolved the issue. Now that we have 64-bit systems coming out the problem once again presents itself on any 32-bit Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser.

The symptoms…
After installing “Imaging for Windows 2.8” in “Compatibility Mode” on a Windows 7 64-bit system, any 32-bit browser will NOT launch a new tab if that tab contains /something/ (I’ve always attributed it to a security feature or possibly an ActiveX issue). It will only show a tab devoid of anything [see attachment (it doesn’t even come up as a new “blank” tab)] though the address bar will show the URL from the previous tab (not the one it is intended to go to).

NOW: I did have the same problem on a 32-bit computer previously, but had thought the problem resolved because once I installed “Imaging for Windows 2.8” in “Compatibility Mode” the problem did not present itself. Unfortunately, doing the same thing on a 64-bit system does not solve the problem, so it must have something to do with either the directory structure (not doing anything under the “Program Files (x86)” folder or something in the registry (or a combination of the two).

I saw in a similar post before creating my own (see: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=233403) that this person did do what I have been doing as a work around, which is simply launching the 64-bit version of the browser instead of the 32-bit. This is really just a work around and unfortunately, a small percentage of my people CANNOT do this as they require a 32-bit browser to do their job function on some of our client’s web pages. Our client’s pages also require use of MSIE and an alternate browser is not an option.

I’ve been banging my head on this for a while so if anyone has any suggestions I’d be grateful.

 

I have not but I did find a suggestion that did work for me (though I will try what you linked to as well on my VM to test).

What I found that worked after posting the original message...

This link http://iefaq.info/index.php?action=artikel&cat=48&id=133&artlang=en

... has a CMD file that can be downloaded. There are 32 and 64-bit versions. Apparently the old software references old DLL files and also writes registry entries that are no longer valid. The CMD files below registers DLL files needed and fixes the registry issues.

If one downloads the ie8-rereg.32on64.zip, ie8-rereg.zip, ie8-rereg.64on64.zip or ie8-rereg.all.zip files from this site (pick which version is applicable for you, I needed "ie8-rereg.32on64.zip" for my problem) then extract the files someplace on C: (i.e. C:\Temp) then "Run as Administrator" in a local account that has administrative privileges. It will fix the problem. NOTE: Even though it reference IE8 it also works (at least) with IE9 also.

Pitfalls I found. It must be ran in an account with administrative privileges and then ALSO must right click the CMD file and "Run as Administrator". It must be someplace off of C:\ that is NOT a user profile (I would just use C:\TEMP).

Based on the above this thread can be considered resolved.