While searching for possible causes, I determined that it does have something to do with IE8 compatibility. While going through the steps recomended by microsoft, I finally re-checked my computer for updates. My system said I needed 3 updates, including IE8, which I had manually downloaded and istalled a couple of months ago. I let the system update, and the problem is solved.
I have a Studio 15 running Vista Home Premium. I have IE8 and all updates to Windows. I have not had any problems. I had an error message yesterday that said my WLAN card may need an updated driver. I have tried to go to Dell's Driver and download page from multiple directions. Every time I go to that page, IE8 closes... then the page tries to re-open automatically with a message saying that a problem on the web page cuaused IE to close and it is now recovering the page... then it closes again... and a vicious cylcle continues until I manually close IE8 myself. As far as I know, this only happens on the Dell Driver and Download page. I have restarted my computer numerous times... I have waited over 24 hours and tried again... any suggestions?
Dell Driver and Download page causing IE8 to close