How to run multiple versions of IE, Internet Explorer on one machine

This solution allows IE8, IE7 and IE6 to run on one machine. You must be running Microsoft Windows 7, Vista or XP, any version should work. Each version of IE is isolated from your native OS and other versions of IE.

Here's how:

1. Install Microsoft's free Virtual PC
   1. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/default.aspx
   2. Click Microsoft Virtual PC
   3. Select VPC 2007 SP1 or Virtual PC 2007 then download
   4. Install the Virtual PC
      When initially installed it will likely complain when you are not running Windows 7 Ultimate, Vista Ultimate or XP Pro, ignore the warning.
       
2. Install one or more IE images
   1. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=21EABB90-958F-4B64-B5F1-73D0A413C8EF&displaylang=en
   2. Download an EXE, any associated RAR files (there may be none), then execute the EXE. You will be asked where to store the expanded VHD file. You may want to create a directory to store the image, you will need it later.
      The images expire, however updated versions are usually available for download.
   3. Install the image into the virtual machine
      1. Start the Microsoft Virtual PC
      2. click New, then Next
      3. Select Create a Virtual machine, click Next
      4. Enter a machine name such as IE6, IE7 or IE8, click Next
      5. Select the machine type matching the image: XP or Vista, click Next
      6. Select the memory size. Recommended works for me, click Next
      7. Select use an existing Virtual Hard Disk, click Next
      8. Browse to the image stored in step B.2 above, click Next
      9. Click Finish. This brings you back to the Virtual PC console
          
3. Execute the IE version
   1. Start the Microsoft Virtual PC
   2. Highlight the image you want to run
   3. Click Start
   4. After the OS loads, click the IE icon and start testing

To use your wireless connection with a virtual image: Highlight the machine in the Virtual PC console, click Settings, click Networking, set adapter 1 to your wireless card, click OK

September 16, 2010 Downloaded, installed, booted Vista IE8 VHD image, started IE8, downloaded IE9, install failed with a message stating Vista version was not compatable. Waiting for an IE9 VHD file.

I currently have IE8 native, with XP/IE7 and XP/IE6 virtual images running under Windows 7. I can connect to my local WAMP server by using the LAN address of the native Windows 7 system, for example: 192.168.0.100. To find the LAN address run cmd.exe then enter ipconfig, use the Ipv4 address. There is a built in debugger for Javascript in IE8 that also works in compatability mode. Although designed for sites coded for IE6 and IE7, compatibility mode also allows you to run and see your site in IE7 mode without firing up IE7, although you must go into the Tools-->Compatability to get the site back into IE8 mode. I also test my site with Firefox (my browser or choice), Opera, Safari and Chrome.

For a totally different solution take a look at the Internet Explorer Collection