Multiple Internet Explorer Installer/Folder Trick? -

awhile co-worker had shown me how run multiple versions internet explorer (6,7,8,9) versions on pc (windows 7) by swapping them installed ie version.

from remember, method consisted of similar to:

1. uninstall current ie
2. install ie6
3. copy ie6 folder , store somewhere else.
4. repeat step 2 & 3 ie 7,8,9 (you had in order since ie doesn't allow install previous versions on newer versions)
5. after installing versions needed, when wanted switch different ie version, swap folders copied installed folder.

the end result opening internet explorer application run version swapped in.

actually, can't remember if step #3 folder needed store or maybe install file needed save , drag on when wanted switch.

but, remember being able switch between ie versions replacing current ie folder whatever saved each installed version.

i tried searching everywhere , couldn't find guide. has ever come across trick or use trick? if so, can share how reproduce it?

note: yes, know running ie in vms solid solution wondering 1 trick since had working before.

the process describe of installing ie6 , updating step step impossible achieve under single os. you'd have start winxp... , you'd stuck when got ie9. far ie11, you'd need upgrade @ least win7. don't want know how long take run through upgrades, , think unlikely have working copies of ie versions @ end of it.

there 1 sensible answer question: use vm each ie version. it's way. given there isn't windows version can run ie versions. old ies won't run in windows 7/8, , new ies won't run in xp... there cross-over, none of os options capable of running all ie versions need test -- more ie11 coming out.

to make easy you, microsoft have free vms ie versions can download http://modern.ie/

another option might want try http://browserstack.com/. commerical service runs vms remotely, driving via desktop browser. convenient , easy way of testing. use lot. commercial product; have pay it. it's not huge sum, know it's more lot of people willing pay. on http://modern.ie, ms giving away free 3-month subs browserstack, might want give go. free, nothing lose there.

but ultimately, option boils down being vm based solution. vms still answer.

there old utility program called ietester, can run ie versions alongside each other... sort of. used sensible solution, , used recommend strongly, times have changed. prone crashing, , has been known have rendering glitches make hard recommend more, testing.

it doesn't give f12 dev tools available in real version of ie, means debugging problem ietester once you've found can nightmare.

the other route use compatibility mode test across versions, but... please don't -- path disaster, because ie's compat modes not compatible.

vms are answer, no matter how want find alternative.