Running into problems with Instant Text on new computer

I had to get a new computer and best bargain was a Gateway system running Windows 7 Home Premium on a x64 bit OS. It came with IE9 preinstalled. I got IT 7 up and running (with update) but have seen some weird things happening when I am on the internet.
1. I can't open IE9 after IT 7 (screen sort of flashes like it is doing something really quickly that I can't see but no IE9. No error message). I have to have IE9 open before starting IT 7
2. With IE9 open I can open IT 7 and proceed about as normal (see below) but then cannot open a new tab with IT 7 open. I can switch between open tabs, just can't open new ones.
3. I am having some problems convincing IT 7 to run 'launch web site' commands. I had several that I used regularly before but they do not work on new computer. I tried reentering the web addresses but without success, for example, I used to open (just to the login screen) to my email, ancestry, my work platform, etc.
I think I need to adjust some setting in IE9 or ditch it, but I do not know which?