Microsoft
on Friday confirmed that users will be able to remove Internet Explorer 8
(IE8), as well as several other integrated applications, from Windows 7. The
ability to remove IE8 was revealed by a pair of bloggers on Wednesday after they
poked around Windows 7 Build 7048, a post-beta version that has leaked to
file-sharing sites on the web.
In an entry to the Engineering Windows 7 blog, Mayo listed the applications
that can be switched off, which include: Internet Explorer 8; Fax and Scan;
Handwriting recognition; Windows DVD Maker; Windows Gadget Platform; Windows
Media Player; Windows Media Center; Windows Search; and XPS Viewer and Services.