The picture basically sums it up.
Whenever I go to a website that is IE dependent (MS update), it gives me an error saying I must use Internet Explorer, despite the fact I am.
It's not just the MS update website either. I have tried reinstalling it to no avail.
I'm running a legit copy of XP MCE that came on my laptop...
I use Firefox as my default browser...
Think thats about all you need to know



BTW I am not a moron regarding computers, in fact I normally pride myself in my knowledge, but this has STUMPED me.

Help?

If you look at the properties of C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe, what is the file version of this file?

7.0.6000.16640


Thanks for the quick reply

its possible your user agent string is being overridden in the registry



paste that into a .reg and import it (or examine & remove the keys manually) & restart IE

you can see what user agent your browser is sending here
http://showip.net/check_user_agent.php

for example my IE7 on vista shows this:


the other possibility is if you are using a proxy or 'internet accelerator' type program they can mangle your UA string and cause this behavior.

I have to second what Geek said - you are running the latest (MS08-024) version of IE, it appears, which means the only other way the server would be able to check would be your UA string.

In Internet Explorer's address bar, enter the following:

Make sure javascript is one word!

Here's what my user agent looks like (on Windows XP):


Warning: Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

Back up and then delete the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\User Agent\Post Platform

To back up and then delete the registry key, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:
   

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\User Agent\Post Platform

4. On the File menu, click Export.
5. In the File name box, type Post Platform, and then click Save.
6. On the Edit menu, click Delete.
7. Click Yes when you are prompted to confirm the deletion.
8. Quit Registry Editor.
9. If this does not resolve the problem, double-click the Post Platform.reg file that you saved in step 5 to import this key back into the registry.

Thanks, it seems to have worked!