The new Microsoft web browser, Internet Explorer 7 (IE7), will be distributed via Windows Automatic Updates as a high-priority update beginning in November. Microsoft will progressively roll out to all Internet Explorer 6 (IE6) users over a few months, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see the update right away.

To ensure users are prepared to upgrade, Automatic Updates will notify users when IE7 is ready to install and show a welcome screen that presents choices to “Install”, “Don’t Install”, or “Ask Me Later.” We suggest that you choose “Install.”

Before upgrading, you may want to keep in mind that the installation will take several minutes. The specific length of time varies, but be prepared for at least 15 minutes to download and install from a high-speed connection. We recommend that you close all other programs during the installation. Your computer will need to reboot before the installation is complete.

According to Microsoft and the tests that we have performed, IE7 setup will preserve your current toolbars, home page, search settings, and favorites and will not change your choice of default browser. You will also be able to roll back to IE6 by using Add/Remove Programs.

Click here to see the minimum requirements to install IE7

Click here for Internet Explorer 7 Technical Support and FAQs.

IE7 FAQs

Q. Will the new version keep my favorites and my preferred homepage?
A. Yes, those settings will carry over.

Q. Will IE7 remember my saved logins and passwords from IE6?
A. Yes. If you have saved logins and passwords for particular websites (including ArtSci webmail) in IE6, they will still be saved when you go to those pages in IE7.

Q. Will IE7 make itself my default browser?
A. No. You have the option to make it your default browser if you wish, but it will not change automatically.

Q. Can I have IE6 and IE7 on the same computer?
A. No, however if you decide against using IE7, you do have the option to uninstall it and will then be able to use IE6.

Q. Will my preferred search engine change?
A. During the installation, you will be asked whether you wish to keep your current preferred search engine. Microsoft’s Live Search is the default. To add another search engine and make it your default, follow the instructions on this page: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/searchguide/en-en/default.mspx