How can I change settings or version of embedded browser in windows7?

Question

Programs like Winamp and SharpReader all use an embedded webbrowser that Windows provides for viewing webpages. By visiting sites like whatbrowser.org, the servers thinks it's internet explorer 8. I can't tell if this is ie9 in compatablity mode or not. And I can't seem to change settings for these browsers.

My question is how can I change the settings so it works as well as IE9? I more script error dialog boxes, and html5 doesn't work. But in IE9 they all work.

Just to be clear, this about ieframe, not add-ons inside of ie.

Answer 1

I found the info needed here: Web Browser Control – Specifying the IE Version.

Good page on this exact issue; lots of good info.

Anyhow, there is a registry entry you can make to force the browser type (it's per-application). I just tested with Winamp, and it worked like a charm.

For 32-bit:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION

For 64-bit:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\MAIN\FeatureControl\FEATURE_BROWSER_EMULATION

Create a new DWORD value, and name it after the .EXE file with the embedded browser (ie: winamp.exe).

The value to set this key to is (taken from MSDN here) as decimal values:

9999 (0x270F)
- Internet Explorer 9. Webpages are displayed in IE9 Standards mode, regardless of the !DOCTYPE directive.

9000 (0x2328)
- Internet Explorer 9. Webpages containing standards-based !DOCTYPE directives are displayed in IE9 mode.

8888 (0x22B8)
- Webpages are displayed in IE8 Standards mode, regardless of the !DOCTYPE directive.

8000 (0x1F40)
- Webpages containing standards-based !DOCTYPE directives are displayed in IE8 mode.

7000 (0x1B58)
- Webpages containing standards-based !DOCTYPE directives are displayed in IE7 Standards mode.

Winamp after adding the key (you don't even need to reboot or logout):