Internet Explorer 8 Loses Cookies

I'm running Windows 7 for some time now and use Internet Explorer 8 as my main browser. What I've noticed is that it "loses" cookies A LOT! I mean it!

Typical situation:

I log in into a side checking the remember me checkbox. I reboot the computer/restart the browser, go to the site, get logged in automatically -> I'm happy. From time to time however, I'm asked for the credentials.

Normal situation you would say. So would I if it didn't happen few times a week. Come on!

On Internet Explorer 7 I didn't notice this as much. Cookies were lost once a quarter or so. Note that i was using IE7Pro with my IE - dunno however if it has anything to do with my current problem.

Anyway I wonder if this behavior is "normal" or is it only me?

more info for people that suggest it may be normal - cookie expiring and stuff. When it happens I loose all auth cookies - gmail, bloglines and whatnot!

It is an IE8 bug. The IE8 process model is new and very flawed. If (when) IE8 processes hang or the computer is rebooted with IE8 open, cookies are lost.

To be very clear, it is not on "some machines" and not a 3rd party plugin or software issue. The problem has nothing to do with the cookie expiration date, the PC date or any other user or site controlled setting, it is a BUG in IE8, PERIOD.

Microsoft has yet to admit that there is an issue, so there is no fix for the issue. This and numerous other crippling BUGS in IE8 are being ignored, likely because they are too hard to fix and a result of serious flaws in the new process model that would require a ground up rebuild (IE9).

So... live with it or find another browser.

Like BlueNovember said, some sites set cookies with expiration dates. However, If you want to remain logged in and save your passwords to certain sites, make sure AutoComplete is turned on in IE 8. Go to Tools > Internet Options and click open the Content tab. Under "AutoComplete" click settings and check the box titled "User names and passwords on forms." Also, in the General tab under "Browsing History" make sure "delete browsing history on exit" isn't checked, and click the Settigns button to further customize how your cookies are stored.

I hope this information helps!

• Jake

MSFT Internet Explorer Outreach Team