Internet Explorer 4.5 Y2K Issue

"Microsoft has become aware that some certificates embedded in Internet Explorer 4.5 will expire at midnight on December 31, 1999 and attempting to access a site after that date may result in the user being presented with an "expired certificate" warning. This is not a Y2K issue. [Say again? -- Bill] There are many providers of certificates, such as VeriSign, GTE, and RSA. Internet Explorer Macintosh Edition has always included client-side certificates from a wide variety of vendors, to ensure that users can connect to any secure site they wish to do business with. This problem occurs because the expiration date chosen for the certificates is coincidentally occurring at midnight December 31, 1999. [Ahh, I see. Right at Y2K but its not a Y2K issue because it doesn't involve the "00" ambiguity. Glad you explained that. -- Bill] Microsoft is providing a service to customers by providing an update to the application that will continue to keep Internet Explorer 4.5 users secure in all their online transactions.

Microsoft is also aware of an issue when users try to enter sites that require JavaScript using Internet Explorer, such as Citibank, where they may experience an error when entering them. The problem affects only people who have recently downloaded Outlook Express 5 Macintosh Edition and use Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer and Outlook Express share libraries to reduce the size of the applications. Outlook Express 5's recent release included a new JavaScript library that is the cause of people not being able to enter certain sites.

Microsoft is working diligently to provide a solution that will enable our customers to continue experiencing an easy, seamless and secure Internet experience. We have provided this web page for customers to register to receive notification mail when the solution to this issue is available."