I want to install the bloated corpse that is IE11 over the bloated corpse that is IE9.

Why?  Because Dependency Walker informs me that The Vanishing of Ethan Carter depends on some IE dlls.

When I download and run an IE11 installer, I get an error message that my "Operating Sytem is not supported" and that I "need Windows 7 SP1".

I go to System Properties, and sure enough, my Windows Installation doers not register that SP1 is installed (see System Properties screen grab).

I'm sure that I installed SP1 when I installed the operating system, so I go to Installed Updates and there it is (see Installed Updates screenie).

So how can I persuade Windows that SP1 is installed or install IE11 in the face of Windows disbelief?  I don't particularly fancy uninstalling SP1, though I suppose I'll do it if it's the only way... Sigh.

Every time I've installed a game on xp through steam, it's insisted on installing the same version of directx (9c) over existing.

I've reinstalled or tried reinstalling all the obvious redistributables.  Ethan yearns for IE11 alone, it seems.

"Ethan Carter trusts that you have the patience and drive to solve its mysteries."

No, I have a shock auto rifle and venomized machete.

Do you have Norton installed? The linky's a MS thread about this issue, I've only scan read it, but looks like the AV could be getting in the way, though the guy in question seems to have done a windows update and it sorted itself out :/

I don't suppose this is one of those you-would-phone-MS-and-shake-your-fist-as-an-honest-paying-customer-but-it-would-be-a-bit-embarrassing-if-they-called-your-bluff scenarios?

Thanks all for sympathy & ideas.  I managed to sort it out - eff knows how - & updated IE, but it hasn't made a blind difference to Ethan, who remains vanished, at least to me.

On the plus side you may be able to get it for PS4 this month

On the minus side, I don't have a PS4.

I made no assumption that you do. But perhaps now is the time...

Ethan may be better left as a mystery.

I only wish Myst had been.

Eons ago I played a myst-like puzzle game called "The Forgotten". It was pretty good but kind of crashy. Don't think I ever finished it.