How do I change Internet Explorer's search page

February 12, 2006 6:34 AM

Used to be that whenever I misspelled a URL in IE or just entered a nonexisting one, I'd be taken to a Google search page for it. Recently I installed a program that came bundled with adware, and now whenever I enter a misspelled URL, I'm redirected to quickbrowsersearch.com. Is there any way to change this? Besides switching to Firefox?

Because I'm not switching to Firefox. Please don't suggest that I do so.

posted by jimmy to Computers & Internet (6 answers total)

Best answer: Install Google Desktop which will change IE's behavior. You can then uninstall and the setting will stick.

(or it did for me at least)
posted by cillit bang at 7:04 AM on February 12, 2006

Response by poster: There we go, then. Thanks a lot.
posted by jimmy at 7:10 AM on February 12, 2006

Er, just so you're aware, it got changed because you've picked up some adware. Give AdAware and/or Spybot a run to clean things up.
posted by mendel at 8:25 AM on February 12, 2006

Not to be antagonistic, but why don't you want to switch to Firefox? You may do whatever you like, I'm just genuinely curious about this position. It mystifies me. I'm positive you have totally valid reasons, and I'd love to know them.

{If you answer, I cross my heart I will not start a FF v IE debate. Promise. This is an entirely academic inquiry.}
posted by Famous at 9:14 AM on February 12, 2006

Save this file on your PC, then right-click it and select Merge. It should correct your registry.
posted by Ervin at 9:36 AM on February 12, 2006

Ditto spyware. Google might mask it but I doubt it will clean eveverything up.

If you don't want to go Firefox for compatibility issues with some sites, ietab may be of interest.
posted by SpookyFish at 9:44 AM on February 12, 2006