How do I get Windows 8 to actually run things?

I am new to Windows 8, and I am trying to install a few bits of software to improve the experience.

1. Trying to get a decent browser. Internet Explorer just hangs with the message 'Waiting for google.com'.
2. Managed to install Firefox, but Adobe Flash plugin keeps crashing in Firefox.
3. Tried to update Adobe Flash, but install_flashplayer11x32_mssd_aih.exe just hangs all day and does nothing.
4. Tried installing Google Chrome, but installer just hangs - as above.
5. Tried installing Opera, but installer just hangs - as above.
6. Tried installing ClassicShell, but installer just hangs.

Is there any way to get these programs to actually run when you request them, and not at some distant point in the future? I am a software developer, and I expect when I run a program, that it runs immediately.

Hi stapes, welcome to the forums, if you have any third party security installed (trial versions), uninstall it and try resetting IE10, HTH.
Internet Explorer - Reset - Windows 7 Forums

I have a lot of the same problems with 8, why should we with a new computer have to uninstall anything to get it to work again!? I hate the system, I do like parts of it but I installed stamps.com and winzip and can't find either program, when I search for them they say "what system did it work with" or something to that effect so I use compatibility mode and it still doesn't work! Any help would be appreciated. IE 10 doesn't work with some of my business programs. They (Microsoft) has to do a better job of making sure we the general public can get things to work on their systems. Oh, and for you guys that say I can't use a computer and programs I'll leave this note, I've been using "these dang things sense before you were born!" (doesn't mean I good but I'm get around LOL)

I've installed Firefox and Adobe flash without a hitch on my new Windows 8 system. Before that, IE worked fine, too. So there's got to be something wrong with your particular setup. brummyfan is suggesting making sure you don't have a 3rd party security program possibly causing you issues. On my system, I'm just using Windows Defender. That may have nothing to do with it, but is a place to start.

mbratch said:

I've installed Firefox and Adobe flash without a hitch on my new Windows 8 system. Before that, IE worked fine, too. So there's got to be something wrong with your particular setup. brummyfan is suggesting making sure you don't have a 3rd party security program possibly causing you issues. On my system, I'm just using Windows Defender. That may have nothing to do with it, but is a place to start.

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It may well be the problem, I'll check it out and see, just left NY about 3 weeks ago, I've been there working super storm Sandy.

fcrum said:

It may well be the problem, I'll check it out and see, just left NY about 3 weeks ago, I've been there working super storm Sandy.

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I commend your efforts to support the victims of the storm!

I'm running many of those same applications and I'm not having any issues at all. You may have hardware issues or something else going on. Have you run sfc /scannow at the command prompt (with admin privileges)?

mbratch said:

fcrum said:

It may well be the problem, I'll check it out and see, just left NY about 3 weeks ago, I've been there working super storm Sandy.

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I commend your efforts to support the victims of the storm!

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Thank you,
They will still need a lot of help for a long time! I really feel for them.

azasadny said:

I'm running many of those same applications and I'm not having any issues at all. You may have hardware issues or something else going on. Have you run sfc /scannow at the command prompt (with admin privileges)?

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I'm not sure you were address me or not, do you run XM8?

2. Managed to install Firefox, but Adobe Flash plugin keeps crashing in Firefox.
3. Tried to update Adobe Flash, but install_flashplayer11x32_mssd_aih.exe just hangs all day and does

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You need to download the Flash Uninstaller Uninstall Flash Player | Windows and latest version of Flash (11.5.502.146) Adobe - Install Adobe Flash Player and make sure that:

1. Disable any anti virus software that is currently running
2. Close all other applications that are currently running including browsers.
3. Run the flash Uninstaller first, then run the Flash Installer.

Note: Make sure to uncheck the offer of McCaffee Installation when you download the flash player.

I have a lot of the same problems with 8, why should we with a new computer have to uninstall anything to get it to work again!?

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You don't need to uninstall anything but you need to follow step 1 above ie. disable it so that it will not interfere with the installation. Most of the time, the anti virus software will cause the Installation to fail so please keep that in mind and step 2 also applied for any installation.