EBAY ANNOUNCES THEY NO LONGER SUPPORT INTERNET EXPLORER, PLEASE USE CHROME OR FIREFOX

[accessorymn]

Well, I'm making the announcement for them. Why? Because it's ridiculous to have this go on for a month now with absolutely nothing from Ebay.    It's pretty obvious that Ebay decided it's not worth the trouble and expense to fix the IE issue with Ebays homepage or they would have fixed it by now - or at least made some sort of announcement.  

But here's what is happening with the IE users. According to stats I found on the web, under 10 percent of users use IE11.  And most likely they're older users using older computers running Windows 8 or 7.  My guess is most of these users have no technical knowledge or even know what a "Browser" is.    First they think it's their computer - so they'll spend hours and hours trying to "fix" it basically trying over and over.   After so much frustration, they'll give up and never try again - "it doesn't work anymore".  Good luck getting these users to come back again.

Also, Ebay is trying so hard to compete with Amazon and retain customer sales.  But with this IE browser issue, they are effectually losing potentially up to 10 percent of their buying customers, our buying customers?  **bleep**?

Here's a very simple solution for Ebay.  Just add a simple page to come up when a user is detected using IE11, displaying :

"We're sorry, but Internet Explorer is no longer supported.  Please use a more current browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox" to access Ebay"

Problem solved, no more frustration for for approx 10 percent of the ebay users, they'll be able to access Ebay again - and Ebay won't lose sales from some good 'ol customers!

Ebay, what are you waiting for????

[accessorymn]

Heres the thing. I am able to access www.ebay.com homepage while not logged in - the problem occurs when logged into my account (or if it stays logged in from the last time I was on ebay). So it seems to be related to personalized content directed at me  on the homepage - ads targeting me based on what I've been looking at on ebay?  Good a guess as anything at this point... but either way, it's Ebay's technical department that needs to isolate the problem and fix it.  I guess the first step is to take the complaints seriously.  A month (or more) is too long to have a problem like this.  Think of the countless users who are not tech savy leaving the site and purchasing elsewhere.  

[berserkerplanet]

The number of IE11 users experiencing this is likely under 1% of the eBay user base, and the claims that their mass exodus will be the end of eBay as we know it are unconvincing to me (and I suspect eBay).

eBay so far says they can't replicate it.

Taking the attitude that it's eBay's problem and not yours is counterproductive unless accessing eBay isn't the actual goal and activism is.

Someone out of the "billion and billions" having the issue should be able to try some things and find either a good workaround, or some clues on what to focus on (ads, scripts, certain eBay content, etc) to narrow things down.

I neither use nor have any access to IE 11 so I can't do the legwork. (and IE 8 works fine - or as fine as IE can be expected to work)

One post here #13 indicated that changing IE settings regarding active scripting might work. That bears some looking into.
Others have indicated that using a different entry point to eBay can work. Makes me suspect it might be something behind the scenes related to the eBay signin process - blocking some of the junk associated with that using an adblocker might do something useful (facebook on eBay domain, forter.com, etc)


I'd like eBay to function when I use Opera Mini 4 Java Browser on my old Windows Mobile 6.5 Pro phone (2010), but I don't expect that to happen any time soon (and I haven't asked) Actually, I'd be happy if Opera Mini 5 worked with ebay on my late 2016 Windows 10 Phone, but it's pretty much a total fail at this point

The logged in/not logged in aspect is interesting, but not sure if it points at anything at this point. One thing would be targeted eBay ads when logged in that might behave differently than generic ones.

[accessorymn]

berserkerplanet, I cant disagree more with what you said... 

I personally have 3 computers experiencing this problem - I have access to more computers but I think the pattern is established enough.  There is another thread with approx 150 replies created by another "activist" (interesting choice of words) regarding the same issue.  The only problem right now is for ebay to try to replicate the problem with all info presented to them.  Or they should just state it will not be fixed and make an announcement to use another browser.   Seems simple to me...

No idea where you got your stats of less than 1 percent.  And, no idea where this came from: "their mass exodus will be the end of eBay as we know it".   Doesn't help your point though...

[greg5000]

I disagree with you on the number of IE users being less than 1%.  There are many estimates and numbers, so it's hard to pinpoint.  My "guess" estimate is ~ 10-15% based on some research gleaned numbers.

[greg5000]

@Anonymous  wrote;

Hi @accessorymn, happy to clarify that we still support internet explorer, and the few reports we've seen on the Community of issues with the home page for IE users are not something we've been able to replicate on our end. It is likely that these problems are unrelated to eBay, and instead are due to a plugin/add on that may be involved. We recommend that anyone running into issues ensure they are using the most up to date version of their browser, or try a different browser.

To reiterate, we won't make an announcement like the one you have requested because it is not true. IE is still supported. I know that some users have reported issues here on the boards, but we are not receiving widespread reports and cannot recreate the issue you describe on our end.

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Trinton,

This is a heavily reported issue, which I'm also experiencing since 3/5.  I've been working with alan@ebay and now brian@ebay is involved (Please see the thread: UNABLE TO PULL UP EBAY.COM FOR DAYS - SERIOUS ISSUE!!!).

The problem is clearly one which is originating from eBay and has in the past (same problem reported numerous times over the years).  It's most likely due to eBay's advertising and banners and the long scripts associated with the "overload" to promote many ads & dynamic ads.  I've already provided requested information and source code.  It's been almost 1 month and no resolution.

Hope to see this fixed soon!

[greg5000]

eBay needs to provide a stable website for all users and not discriminate against a smaller diverse population of Internet Explorer users.  eBay is the only website experiencing this problem and the Internet is full of websites with many, many ads.

eBay just needs to figure out what all of the other websites know ..... how to deliver a Home Page that works for all browsers.

[berserkerplanet]

>>I personally have 3 computers experiencing this problem

Totally meaningless. That means one affected user - you. Likely a common factor, possibly similar setups, and can't be extrapolated to the general user base.


>>No idea where you got your stats of less than 1 percent.

Most current numbers I find are IE share globally between 2% and 6% (and slipping), and not all eBay IE users are having the problem. I chose 1% to provide a counterbalance to the 10% claims tossed around here.


It's activism because that's what I see - no interest in using/trying any workarounds, almost no interest in trying to help with solutions (until very recently) - just a lot of "this is a crisis and eBay HAS to fix it NOW!" and assertions that it must be the cause of slow sales (correlation does not imply causation).


>>The only problem right now is for ebay to try to replicate the problem with all info presented to them

Next to no usable info has been presented to them . Screenshots of the IE failure dialog are worthless. Page source snapshots after the failures are next to worthless.

A start would be a network traffic dump including before, during, and after it occurs (F12 Developer Tools Interface Network tab) showing everything requested, response headers, which might show at what point IE rolls over and dies to narrow it down. https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh968260(v=vs.85).aspx#NetworkTab

Along with hard data on OS versions, IE 11 version numbers, private browsing or not, adblockers used, extensions, plugins, flash, any antivirus running, etc.


I mostly don't care at this point - not an issue for me using old versions of Firefox. Should have just continued to snack on popcorn and watch.

(I'm out unless whatever minimal technical input I can provide not having access to IE11 is requested)

[greg5000]

@berserkerplanet  wrote;

Most current numbers I find are IE share globally between 2% and 6% (and slipping), and not all eBay IE users are having the problem. I chose 1% to provide a counterbalance to the 10% claims tossed around here.

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There's no hard data, only sampling and estimates. 

2017 Google Data - What percent of people use Internet Explorer? - 9.62%

2018 Wikipedia Data -  Usage share of desktop browsers - 9.66%

The issue is not new to eBay, with numerous reports over the years.  It's long/bad scripts due to too many ads, dynamic ads, and banners.  eBay knows the problem and what needs to be done to fix.  eBay just needs to fix it and stop acting like it's something new or they're not sure what's causing it.

Enjoy the popcorn!  I like mine lightly buttered.

@accessorymn 

[accessorymn]

 Here’s another computer with the same problem. Fresh installation of windows 7 and all current updates are installed. It’s an Intel i7 (4th generation)  custom computer with a shuttle motherboard. Also, I’m at a different location – my other location uses Xfinity ISP,  and this location uses century link DSL. 

 Just posting this information for any naysayers who think it is a user problem. It’s clearly not. 

[accessorymn]

Trinton, I have 4 computers running Windows 7 and IE11 that experience this error. All are different hardware configurations. 2 different locations, one Xfinity Cable internet, and the other is Centurylink DSL. One of the computers is a fresh installation of Windows 7 and all current windows updates are installed.

This should be very easy to reproduce. All you need to do is get a Win7 computer running IE11 - go to www.ebay.com and sign in. Instantly you will be greeted with this annoying error - it will try 3 times in a loop, then kick you off the page.

If you try the above, I suspect you will see the problem easily.

Anyone having this issue, stop frustrating yourself by spending hours and hours researching, trying different solutions or trying to "fix" a problem on your computer. Just install another browser like Chrome, Firefox or Opera.

IT'S NOT YOUR COMPUTER, IT'S EBAY! WWW.EBAY.COM IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 7 COMPUTERS RUNNING INTERNET EXPLORER 11.

[Anonymous]

---

@greg5000 wrote:

@Anonymous  wrote;

Hi @accessorymn, happy to clarify that we still support internet explorer, and the few reports we've seen on the Community of issues with the home page for IE users are not something we've been able to replicate on our end. It is likely that these problems are unrelated to eBay, and instead are due to a plugin/add on that may be involved. We recommend that anyone running into issues ensure they are using the most up to date version of their browser, or try a different browser.

To reiterate, we won't make an announcement like the one you have requested because it is not true. IE is still supported. I know that some users have reported issues here on the boards, but we are not receiving widespread reports and cannot recreate the issue you describe on our end.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Trinton,

This is a heavily reported issue, which I'm also experiencing since 3/5.  I've been working with alan@ebay and now brian@ebay is involved (Please see the thread: UNABLE TO PULL UP EBAY.COM FOR DAYS - SERIOUS ISSUE!!!).

The problem is clearly one which is originating from eBay and has in the past (same problem reported numerous times over the years).  It's most likely due to eBay's advertising and banners and the long scripts associated with the "overload" to promote many ads & dynamic ads.  I've already provided requested information and source code.  It's been almost 1 month and no resolution.

Hope to see this fixed soon!

---

Hi @greg5000, happy to clarify that this is actually not a heavily reported issue. As I mentioned, though there are some threads regarding this on the Discussion Boards, we are not seeing widespread reports. Additionally, though I understand you are working with brian@ebay & alan@ebay to get to the bottom of this, so far in the investigation we are not able to replicate the problem on our end. I consulted with brian@ebay directly on this topic and he advised that those who are have this experience check their add-ons/plugins for a potential cause.

To reiterate, at this time we have not been able to replicate the problem on our end after lengthy testing and this is a strong indicator that the issue is local. This means the problem is originating on a member's end and not eBay's. Our recommendations remain the same; be sure your browser is fully up to date, confirm that there are no plugins or add-ons that are interfering with the eBay site, and consider utilizing a different browser if you continue to run into issues. We of course will monitor and review any additional reports, but unless we can identify an issue on our end we won't be able to resolve this for you.

[greg5000]

@accessorymn  wrote;

Here’s another computer with the same problem. Fresh installation of windows 7 and all current updates are installed. It’s an Intel i7 (4th generation)  custom computer with a shuttle motherboard. Also, I’m at a different location – my other location uses Xfinity ISP,  and this location uses century link DSL. 

 Just posting this information for any naysayers who think it is a user problem. It’s clearly not. 

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Thanks for the additional confirmation that this is an eBay issue.  For some reason @Anonymous doesn't believe this is an eBay problem, but clearly it is and it's impacting many users.

alan@ebay 

Alan,

Could you please remain the point person for this, to provide a smoother communication process.

Thanks,

Greg

brian@ebay 

brian_burke@ebay 

griff@ebay.com 

[greg5000]

@Anonymous  wrote;

Hi @greg5000, happy to clarify that this is actually not a heavily reported issue. As I mentioned, though there are some threads regarding this on the Discussion Boards, we are not seeing widespread reports. Additionally, though I understand you are working with brian.t@ebay & alan@ebay to get to the bottom of this, so far in the investigation we are not able to replicate the problem on our end. I consulted with brian.t@ebay directly on this topic and he advised that those who are have this experience check their add-ons/plugins for a potential cause.

To reiterate, at this time we have not been able to replicate the problem on our end after lengthy testing and this is a strong indicator that the issue is local. This means the problem is originating on a member's end and not eBay's. Our recommendations remain the same; be sure your browser is fully up to date, confirm that there are no plugins or add-ons that are interfering with the eBay site, and consider utilizing a different browser if you continue to run into issues. We of course will monitor and review any additional reports, but unless we can identify an issue on our end we won't be able to resolve this for you.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

alan@ebay 

Alan,

I would appreciate it if you can please remain the point person for this issue.   @accessorymn  has provided posts with screenshots, showing the error occurring on numerous computers with  different configurations.  The most recent was a fresh install (with no plug-ins or add-ons).  Trinton mentions lengthy testing was done at eBay.  Can you please let me know what testing was done and how it was conducted?  As I previously informed you, my browser is up-to-date and I have no plug-ins or add-ons.  I and the many others reporting this are also not having problems on any other website.  This problem is also not new to eBay, and has been reported and resolved in the past.

Additionally, if eBay wants to put forward a real effort to resolve this, it must include the user on the phone with Tech Support. 

Greg

[accessorymn]

Greg, I'm not sure what to make of this.

This is a very easy problem to reproduce, yet they still claim it cant be replicated.  I would like just one person at Ebay state they grabbed a Win7 computer and accessed www.ebay.com using IE11, logged in to a user account  - then come back and tell us the problem can't be replicated. If everything was set to default settings in IE (not altered), then I would be very surprised.  Ebay, let us know your test results with the above test.  Or at least tell me why 4 different computers I personally have access to, different configs, different locations, including a fresh Win7 installation, even 2 different Ebay accounts, etc - why is this a "User" error - what could I possibly be doing to cause this?

The last system I posted a pic was absolutely a fresh installation. I installed all current updates - no more are avail.  It's so fresh, I haven't installed the video driver yet, or an antivirus. There is no other software on this computer except an updated Windows 7 OS. Furthermore, I've tested this problem with 2 Ebay user ids - both experience the same issue.

[greg5000]

I used to believe that eBay had an average Tech Support team and a so-so System Design Team, but as of 2019 I've downgraded Tech Support to "inept" and System Design to "what were you thinking." 

I feel like I'm in some bad Customer Support nightmare and I'm trying to wake up. 

You appear to have a good technical background and I know I have an extensive one (> 20 years).   You, me and most of the others posting all know it's eBay.  I'll be communicating concerns to eBay Leadership over the weekend if this isn't resolved by Friday.