When starting the IPython Notebook everything seems OK. I can open notebooks and create new notebooks. However, I can not run them because the cell shows:

In [*]:

instead of

In [1]:

The issues are of two kinds:

• Incompatible browser: Internet Explorer 8 and 9 are not working well. Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer 10 (or more) are recommended.
• Anti-virus or Firewall settings: Some Antivirus/Firewalls are too restrictive. If you have “ZoneAlarm Extreme Security”, this post at the mailinglist might be helpfull: IPython Notebook - In [*]: instead of In [1]:

Two scripts allow you to switch of default compiler:

• winpython-xxbit-x.x.x.x\scripts\make_cython_use_vc.bat = to switch to Visual Studio Compiler
• winpython-xxbit-x.x.x.x\scripts\make_cython_use_mingw.bat = to switch to mingw Compiler

There are several reported examples. One is documented there : https://github.com/winpython/winpython/issues/637#issuecomment-436236840