I am running one of the earlier, POS versions of vista with ie7. I was never able to get the service packs to work and am now unable to upgrade to the newer internet explorer browsers. I have a couple sites asking me to upgrade and my norton is unable to do some upgade due to the web browser's being out of date.
If I change web browsers to one of the several free ones out there:
1) What all does that effect if anything for my OS?
2) Would the lack of the proper "fixes" keep me from using other web browsers?
3) Web site suggestions of where I might find aout about how to do this and the ramfications?

Thanks in advance.

five thumbs.

You really need to get all the security updates installed. Nothing else M$ will work without them.

I have used FireFox for many years, but it's kinda your choice. Be assured, a new browser platform will not help your problem. In fact, every time we get a M$ update, FireFox, Thunderbird, and our A/V come back with updates almost immediately.

Norton is your personal POS... Is it fully updated and paid for?

You can switch browsers without updating IE. Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome are good browsers.

However I agree with Boz, you need to get your Windows updates installed. The lack of updates (to windows and IE) put you at serious risk of all kinds of things.

If you want we can also help you install updates to IE, which will put you at IE9 and IE9 is actually quite a good browser.

Agree that you need to update and get all the securuty updates installed.

What is happening when you attempt to download and/or install the updates?
Are you receiving an error message? Some updates, such as Service Packs may have to be downloaded/installed independently of other listed updates.

I was at my wits end awhile back when I had very similar issues with obtaining the latest updates from MS.
I actually contacted MS via their support site, described in fairly good detail what I was attempting to do, what was happening, what I was seeing and any applicable error message received.

MS surprised me with their prompt response and after I believe one additional contact to clarify some item(s), they emailed me a detailed Step by Step procedure to remedy the issue.
Additionally, the person "handling" my request requested my feedback on the fix etc and was very helpful throughout the process.
NO CHARGE FOR THIS SERVICE.

You may want to give them a try:
Microsoft Support