Noah,
First remove spyware from the system and then reset the search preferences to defaults (last paragraph)
Open Internet Explorer, Tools, Internet Options and click the Security tab. If it's set to Medium-Low, Low or Custom with incorrect settings (and when you visit a malware site) this problem occurs. Your idea should not only be on removing the unwanted add-ons but also to prevent the same from happening. Increase the slider and set it to High or Medium (minimum recommended setting)
Download all of these utilities and scan the system.
Note: Spyware removers are rules-based and are updated very frequently as and when new malware is discovered. Therefore, update both of these tools before scanning, very important.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware -
www.lavasoftusa.com
SpyBot S&D -
http://www.safer-networking.org/
CWShredder :
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/CWShredder.exe
Online Spyware scan: Do you have parasites?:
http://aumha.org/a/noads.php
[Prevent spyware from being installed]
Note down the security tips at:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Block AD/Spyware sites using HOSTS file [very effective method]
HOSTS file guide:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Download Toolbarcop from
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/toolbarcop.htm and run it.
From the Options menu, click "Increase Security level for Internet Zone (Internet Explorer)".
Make a note on the sites listed in the Trusted Zone. Remove any "Unknown"/"Unwanted" site from that list.
[Reset the Search preferences]
Download this registry file and double-click it. Search is now restored.
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/RestoreSearch2.REG
--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
AumHa VSOP:
http://www.aumha.org
When I click on search button on tool bar (I.E.6.1) I get
DRSN search engine. When I try to customize... I get the
same ShopNav search bar in another window.
