Question : How do I get IE 8 to open an XLS file instead of prompting me to download it?

This file is a banking report form their online banksite (Wells Fargo) and the report is in Excel format. she said it used to just open on its own but I'm guessing a browser update or some configuration change altered the browser's behavior?

This is on Windows Vista Business SP1.

Thanks.

Answer : How do I get IE 8 to open an XLS file instead of prompting me to download it?

Open My Computer.

On the Tools menu (or the View menu), click Folder Options (or click Options).

Click the File Types tab. In the Registered file types list, click the specific Office document type (for example, Microsoft Excel Worksheet), and then click Advanced (or click Edit).

In the Edit File Type dialog box, make sure the Browse in same window check box  is checked and make sure the Open Web documents in place check box is checked

Click OK.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/162059