Can't change internet options in XP

[dell]

Recently after downloading one of the critical XP patches
I found that my IE homepage had been automatically
changed to MSN.com When trying to get into control
panel/internet options I discovered that it will not let
me in. Basically I'm locked out of changing any of my
internet options, including changing my homepage back to
where it was before someone/something changed it to
msn.com

I've tried turning off Norton Antivirus, my email spam
software and IE Guard (prevents pop-ups) just in case
there was a setting I missed that locked me out. I also
had a google tool bar loaded into IE 6 but I've now
deleted it (wasn't very useful anyway).

To be honest, I don't know how long may have been blocked
out of changing my internet options, I didn't notice it
until I downloaded a critical update and had my homepage
changed.

Anyone have any idea why I'm locked out and how to fix
it?

Does anyone know why Microsoft feels they need to change
my homepage without asking to start with (I assume they
did this, can imagine why anyone else would highjack my
homepage and point it to MSN.Com....

thanks up front for any help you can provide!

 

[Taurarian]

Hi Dell,
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm
See line 225 and/or 268

Hope this assists.

 

[Steve]

If you open Internet explorer, select tools on the tool
bar, then Internet options you should be able to change
the home address from here.

 

[Diane]

I've come acrossed the same problem after updating
WindowsXP. My Internet Explorer Tools Options are
blocked out both in the IE and in the Control Panel. I
can't change the HomePage anymore - all of it has been
disabled!!

 

[Eric C. Vogel]

First download Adaware 6 at www.lavasoftusa.com and then click on the Earth
to update the definitions and select all the results (Spyware) and delete
them. Then run Spybot Search & Destroy (do a search on Google for the link).

My friend downloaded iMesh and ran Adaware, removed everything, and his
internet access was toasted. He had to remove iMesh first. Lesson? Stay away
form Peer to Peer clients, any shady apps, and if you get a security warning
about downloading a clock or calendar program or anything else that just
pops up, say NO!!