Help! Search engine crocked!

[Scudhunter]

Some b@stard appears to have infiltrated my PC so that when I click on the "search" icon in the toolbar while online, up pops an unpleasant search engine in the search-frame on the left-hand side of the screen.

I assume its somehow directing the "search" window directly to this website, but I don't know how to stop it. Even when I think I've reset the search options, it seems to reset to this bl**dy thing whenever I restart my PC.

Would be very grateful for any assistance. :(

[Background Noise]

Have you tried 'customize' from the Search pane? that should allow you to change or reset MSN.

Otherwise I think its a registry edit. There's some info here (and probably elsewhere) for malicious resetters of your search prefs: http://www.guardian.co.uk/online/story/0,3605,634530,00.html

You can set your default search to be google from here http://www.google.com/options/defaults.html (downloads a registry entry) which may override your current unwanted settings.

[FJJP]

Come out of IE5 or 6 or whatever. Delete all the cookies and temp internet files. Re-boot, open your browser, then type www.google.com ,press go (or return) and that might do the trick. Let us know how you get on.

[Scudhunter]

Thanks both of you.

Background Noise, the patch you recommended to default to Google worked a treat.

I don't know what kind of sweaty nerd thinks that his bullsh!t website is so interesting that I'd want to search round it whenever I'm on the net, but I'd lamp the tw@t if I found him.

Anyhow, me PC's all nice and clean now, your assistance much appreciated.

[A-V-8R]

Google is a great search enginge; but try this creature:

http://www.wormhole2000.org/