Running multi versions of IE on one machine - can it be done?

[SerenitiSFV]

First of all, thanks to the users here for introducing me to browsershots.org - it's been a lifesaver while all I have is a pre-Intel iMac. I'm getting a PowerBook Pro with Windows this week, but I'll keep paying for priority service on BrowserShots nonetheless.

Unless, of course, anyone knows a way to run IE 6, 7, AND 8 on one computer. Can that be done? At least 6 and 7? I can't afford to buy two PCs just so I can view all three current IE browsers!

I used to simply make sure my pages looked the same in Firefox, Safari, and AOL on a Mac, and Firefox, AOL, and IE6 on a PC. Pretty much everything else of any consequence works if those do, in my experience.

That was complicated enough. Then along comes IE7. It's better, but still has some issues with CSS. NOW there is IE8 - and things that worked in both 6 AND 7 break in IE8!!! Sheesh - what is it with Microsoft? Is it some conspiracy to force web designers to redesign every site they have on the web every time they "downgrade" their browser?

I know I'm coming late to this issue so pardon me for preaching to the choir, but really - when does it stop?

[jcdevelopment]

http://tredosoft.com/Multiple_IE

[jlhaslip]

Or try this one: http://www.my-debugbar.com/ietester/

[SerenitiSFV]

Thanks - you guys rock!

[_Aerospace_Eng_]

You can't run IE6 or IE7 standalone on Vista. You would need to run it on a Virtual PC. That IETester thing is cool though.

[Apostropartheid]

IE8 has a built in IE7 emulation mode, but I believe it doesn't recognize conditional comments.
Microsoft distribute free copies of XP preloaded with IE6, IE7 and IE8 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=21EABB90-958F-4B64-B5F1-73D0A413C8EF&displaylang=en) for testing purposes. You can use this in VirtualPC 2004 and above (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=04d26402-3199-48a3-afa2-2dc0b40a73b6&DisplayLang=en). It doesn't require installation: XP works straight off.

Additionally, you can cut the overhead of IE8 by sending the HTTP header X-UA-Compatible: IE=7;, which forces IE8 into IE7 rendering.