Identifying Migration and Compatibility Issues

Whether your users currently run Internet Explorer or a competitive browser, planning how you want to migrate these users is critical. Determine in advance whether you need to convert existing files and custom programs. It's important to identify and solve migration issues, such as compatibility problems, before you attempt to migrate from your current browser software to Internet Explorer 5.

To identify migration issues, you should test the migration process using the actual user configurations. Testing enables you to identify solutions, such as the best method for upgrading existing, noncompatible systems. For more information about testing the migration process, see Chapter 11 , "Setting Up and Administering a Pilot Program." After you have identified your migration solutions, you should also document them in your deployment plan.

The following sections discuss some of the general migration issues you should consider. For more information about migration issues:

• See the Internet Explorer 5 Release Notes, included with the browser software.

• Visit the Microsoft Internet Explorer Support Center on the Web.

• Contact the manufacturer of the existing software or hardware.

Upgrading from Internet Explorer Version 3.0 or Version 4.0

Windows Update Setup installs over existing versions of Internet Explorer 3.0 and Internet Explorer 4.0, and imports proxy settings, favorites, and cookies from the previous version. However, you must reinstall any add-ons that you want to keep. For more information about installing Internet Explorer 5, see Chapter 19 , "Deploying Microsoft Internet Explorer 5."

Migrating from Netscape Navigator Version 3.0 or Version 4.0

Windows Update Setup imports proxy settings, bookmarks (called favorites in Internet Explorer), and cookies from Netscape Navigator version 3.0 and version 4.0. If you want helper applications to run when Internet Explorer calls them, add the applications' Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension (MIME) types and file extensions to the list of Windows file-type extensions. Also, specify the program that opens files with those extensions. For more information about migrating e-mail information, see "Using Previously Existing Internet E-Mail and News Programs" later in this chapter.

Using Previously Existing Browser Plug-ins or Add-ins

You can use most existing browser plug-ins and helper applications with Internet Explorer 5 by including them as custom components when you build your custom browser packages. For more information about building custom packages, see Chapter 15 , "Running the Internet Explorer Customization Wizard."

Note Some earlier plug-ins and add-ins may not be compatible with Internet Explorer 5. The software manufacturer may be able to provide you with patches or updates to compatible versions.

Using Previously Existing Internet E-Mail and News Programs

Using the Internet Explorer Customization wizard, you can preconfigure Internet Explorer 5 to work with your previously existing e-mail and news applications. If the e-mail application is already installed, users can then select the application from within the browser.

To select a previously installed e-mail application

1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options , and then click the Programs tab.

2. In the E-mail box, select the application that you want to use.

If you want to introduce another e-mail or news application in conjunction with Internet Explorer, include each application as a custom component when you build your custom browser packages. For more information about building custom packages, see Chapter 15 , "Running the Internet Explorer Customization Wizard."

You can also specify Outlook Express as your Internet e-mail and news program when you build custom packages of Internet Explorer. If you select a standard installation, Outlook Express is automatically included. If you select a custom installation, you can choose Outlook Express from the list of available components. If Outlook Express is selected, Windows Update Setup automatically imports folders from existing e-mail packages - such as Netscape Mail, Eudora Light, and Eudora Pro - into Outlook Express. Windows Update Setup also imports settings from Microsoft Exchange and Microsoft Outlook into Outlook Express, if they are appropriate for your configuration.

Dealing with Compatibility Problems

Some previously existing software may not be compatible with Internet Explorer 5. You can often correct compatibility problems with earlier software by obtaining upgrades or patches from the software manufacturer or by migrating to other compatible applications.

In addition, Web pages that were developed for other Web browsers and for proprietary HTML or scripting extensions may not function the same way in Internet Explorer 5. Test your Web pages to identify any compatibility problems with Internet Explorer 5. You may need to redesign any Web pages that do not function properly. For more information about third-party compatibility issues, see the Internet Explorer 5 Release Notes included with the Internet Explorer software.

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