[endgame]

Quick look-see found this:

Re: IE-8 process does not closes ,instead have to kill by task manage

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Run Internet Explorer in 'No Add-Ons' mode:

If you have XP: Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools >
Internet Explorer (No Add-Ons)

If you have Vista: Start > type Internet Explorer in the Start Search
box > click Internet Explorer (No Add-Ons)

Alternatively, you can create a shortcut on your desktop with the
following target path:

"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -extoff

If the problem does not occur in 'No Add-Ons' mode, then it's being
caused by one of the add-ons that you have installed. We can show you
how to identify which add-on is causing the problem.

Problems with Internet Explorer can also be caused by by malicious
software ('malware') that has been installed on your computer.

And my own comment:

This might be remedied by downloading, installing, and running malewarebytes. Might be worth a shot. In addiiton, there's a few interesting and informative articles available Googling Task Manager IE8 Must Close

In any event, again great news and yes, Dan's the Man; yet another OOTP undercurrent that keeps things moving in the right direction.