IE8 on Vista: can't open site.

[OverWorked]

Hello,

I've recently deployed IE8 to all my machines through WSUS. Runs OK on XP.

When non-admins try to open a web site from a link, they just get the Vista throbber cursor for a minute, then "Windows cannot find http://..."

Works OK for admins. I've tried logging on as admin and resetting the program defaults for IE, but that doesn't work.

I managed to fix it on one machine, but only by wiping it and reinstalling Vista + updates + IE8 from scratch.

Deleting the user's profile doesn't work either. I've only got three Vista machines, but I can't wipe them.

Any help please? I can't find anything on Google.

[OverWorked]

I've done some more experimenting.

It doesn't work for admins, if they try to open a http: link, or type a http: address into the Vista search bar.

IE8 only runs if they click on the IE icon on the start menu or quick launch bar. Unfortunately, I've hidden these for users, so they can't run IE.

I could just allow them to see the IE icon again, but that won't get the shortcuts working.