Flash 11.1.102.55 crashes IE8 on Google Maps / street view

Question

Since the Flash update to 11.1.102.55 I have had repeated crashes of my 32 bit Windows XP SP3 system.  They typically have happened in Internet Explorer 8, 32 bit version (updated with latest MS patches).
Sometimes the IE8 lock ups can be cleared by using task manager.  About 30% of the time, a machine power down/ reset is the only solution -- the screen freezes (mouse won't move, clock stops, Ctrl-Alt-Del won't work).
The machine is a Lenovo Z61p with 3Gb available memory.
I have been able to repeat the crashes by going to Google maps.
Example:
1. Go to Google Maps
2. Look at Arlington National Cemetery in regular view
3. Move the "Street View" stick figure to one of the Panarama photo points.  Screen with show photo view
4. In the shrunken lower right corner map view, expand the map view to cover half the screen.
Things may get dicy about now.
5. Try moving the stick figure on the map.  OR try expanding the photo to full screen.
I get repeated lockup at this point.

Answer 1

Try using a different browser. I use Firefox which you can download from here: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/fx/
If you don't like the "Tabs On Top" layout, you can move them to below the location bar by simply right clicking a blank part of it and then click the menu items called "Tabs on top" to remove the checkmark. Tabs will subsequently appear below. Other tab layout options can be found in this support article: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/how-do-i-customize-toolbars
There are no issues with Google Maps as far as I'm aware.