Windows Update Fails with IE8 Beta

According to users and even Microsoft, Windows Update and the recently released Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) beta don't work well together. What you'll see is an error message telling you to install IE5 or later (above, click to enlarge).

It doesn't really surprise me that something like this, as Microsoft indicated that the default mode for IE8 would be "standards-compliant," and that unless developing you should switch to IE7 emulation mode. Personally, I would have immediately tried that in this case, but it didn't immediately occur to the original poster (OP) in this thread.

After updating my IE7 to IE8 today, I tried to update my windows vista by visting (sic) the Windows Update Website:http://www.update.microsoft.com, but then
I was redirected to an error page.

WHY? IS IE8 not the latest version browser?

What got me was the immediate answer from an MVP was "it's beta and thus not supported." No real answer. The OP had to figure it out himself.

Microsoft addressed this in a comment (not the original post, entitled "IE8 Beta Feedback") on the official IEBlog:

Yes, WindowsUpdate is updating their site to support IE8. For now, click the Emulate IE7 Button, restart all IE windows, and visit WU. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I've confirmed that IE7 emulation mode allows access to Windows Update. It's funny though: if you didn't know about the workaround, and Microsoft released an update to IE8 only though Windows Update, you couldn't get it.

Meanwhile,, users have reported problems accessing or rendering other sites with IE8, including Facebook, Gmail and Windows Live Mail.

But let's be honest: it's a beta, and even Microsoft said this was targeted toward web developers. Stilll, bug reports can't help but improve the product. Just don't expect it to replace your everyday browser.