IE Home page gets changed - How?

[Tash]

I always "use blank" for my home page, that is, no home page. About once a day, this gets changed to MSN.COM without my doing it. Its' actually a redirection from microsoft.com. How is this happening?

 

[civad]

What version of IE?

 

[Tash]

ie 6 sp2 (I always keep up-to-date with windows update)

 

[elkinm]

Do you lock your taskbar from changes. Basically can you change your homepage manually. If so the any website can easily change your homepage, I am not sure of the code though.

You can either download and install SpywareBlaster which protects you from cookies and spyware and has a lock the homepage option.

Or you can do it manually.

Run gpedit.msc -> User configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Internet Explorer. And then find the "disable changing homepage settings option" and set it to enabled.
(Only in XP Pro)

This will disable changing the homepage so you first need to set it before enabling the option.

And SpywreBlaster can change the homepage even when locked as it is only a registry entry so if you have spyware it can still change the homepage and I don't know how to stop it yet.

 

[Psych]

There is a registry key that redirects you to DOMAIN lookups, and MSN is just Microsoft's search thingy. Search for the domain of what you are getting redirected to in the registry and delete it. Alternatively, go here and download SpyBot.

 

[Tash]

Thanks - I found a thread on using Spyware Guard and Spyware Blaster, which I've installed. We'll see how that works.

I never thought that Microsoft would hijack your homepage!

 

[furie27]

I started using the Aston shell for desktop themes, and since then, my systems have been switching ie's homepage to msn every few hours or so.

 

[SailorSpoon]

Alternately (depending on the situation) you can use regedt32, to lock the Registry setting for the Start Up page. Will work in 2000 and XP I know.