Windows 9x and Internet Explorer


Versions

There have been five different versions of Internet Explorer available over the years.

Typically, if you go to Help and select About Internet Explorer while in the program, you will see what version, but not always.

The following table translates the product number provided in the About Internet Explorer window into the actual version.

Product NumberVersion of IE
5.00.2014Internet Explorer 5
4.71.xxxx
4.72.xxxx
Internet Explorer 4.0x
4.70.xxxxInternet Explorer 3
4.40.520Internet Explorer 2
4.40.308Internet Explorer 1


Internet Explorer 5

The program itself is year 2000 compliant. However, there are two issues which may interfere with normal operation:

First, the Windows system file MFC40.DLL can cause the wrong date to be reported. To fix the problem, you need to make sure you have installed any Year 2000 updates for your operating system.

Second, certain servers, Java, JavaScript or plug-ins may not be year 2000 compliant. If the browser runs across one of those, it may not function as intended. Unfortunately, there's little that can be done to correct that situation.


Internet Explorer 4

Internet Explorer 4.0 is not year 2000 compliant. If you are using Internet Explorer 4.0 (build number 4.71.xxxx), then you will want to upgrade to at least Internet Explorer 4.01. You can upgrade at Microsoft's Internet Explorer download page. The version available for download is already year 2000 compliant.

If you are already using Internet Explorer 4.01, you may need to download the Service Pack 2 for IE 4.01. If the build number is 4.72.3612.1713, then you have the Service Pack already installed. If this doesn't match, then you will need the Service Pack. The link for that can be found at the bottom of this page.

If you are having problems determining what version of Internet Explorer 4 you have installed, you may want to download Internet Explorer 5 from Microsoft's Internet Explorer download page.


Internet Explorer 3

If the build number is 4.70.1300, then you are using version 3.02. If you are using an older version, you will need to download Internet Explorer 3.02 with Service Pack 2, which is linked near the bottom of this page.

Also, the Java Virtual Machine that comes with IE 3.02 does not handle Year 2000 dates properly if just given the last two digits. The updated Virtual Machine is also linked below.


Internet Explorer 1 and 2

Microsoft is not testing any versions of Internet Explorer prior to Internet Explorer 3. If you are using a version older than that, you may want to download a newer version from Microsoft's Internet Explorer download page.


Direct Links

The following links will take you to Microsoft's pages concerning Internet Explorer and/or the Y2K issue:


Support-related StarNet email addresses