Hi,
This may be caused because of spyware. The recommended
process is to remove the spyware, and then you may opt to apply
the patch detailed here:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFAQ.htm#ResetSearch
To remove Spyware:
================
You may first want to remove any third party helper
objects. This is best done by a program called BHOCop. It,
along with the rest of the programs, is freely available.
You can download BHOcop, and view an introduction to it,
from the following sites:
Download from:
http://support.honour.ca/bin/bhocop.zip
Introduction at:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,97081,00.asp
Once you download the file, run it, and install the program.
Then remove all objects you find that you are not familiar
with (however many they may be).
Once we've gotten rid of the BHO's, we'll focus to other programs
which may be
lingering.
We'll start with AdAware. This is an excellent program which
detects and deletes spyware, and other malware programs.
AdAware is available from:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
After downloading and installing AdAware, *be sure to update
it*. This will ensure you are protected against the latest
threats. Then, run it.
Before we download the next program, note that some versions can
be particularly
malicious - removing them can cause you to lose your internet
connection. This
usually happens with varients of the CoolWebSearch. So, as a
precaution, we'll
download the next two programs to fix anything their removal may
break.
If, after running these programs, you are unable to connect to
the internet, run
these programs to fix the connection.
They are available here:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
and
http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
Directions for the last program can be found here:
http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257
*Remember*: You'll only need to run these programs in the event
that removal of the evil programs causes some good
components to break. Otherwise, you can safely continue:
Now, we'll get CWShredder. This neat program catches
variants which may have been missed by AdAware. CWShredder
is available from:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/cwshredder.zip
Once again, be sure to update it to ensure the latest threat
protection.
Lastly, you may find it necessary to rename your HOSTS file.
This step is used if you find yourself unable to connect to
specific sites. Instructions can be found here:
http://support.honour.ca/ldbh.solutions.php#blockers
At this point, you should be good to apply the patch listed
above. Navigate to the following page:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/IEFAQ.htm#ResetSearch
And download the registry patch. Apply the patch, which
resets your search companion settings to their default values.
If you have *any* questions or comments, please do not hesitate
to post a reply to this thread,
Best regards,
Altrus
: ahd how can it be fixedI changed my default search to Search
Compaion in IE6
: using Windows XP Home (SP2) and allthe sudden yhe search from
the address bar
: no longer works. When you try to do a search from the address
bar and hit
: the <enter> key or the <GO> button or selecting "search ...",
the following
: is added in front of the entered text "
http:///? ". My
Address Bar Search
: option is set to "Just go to the most likely site". What's
wrong and how can
: it be fixed or how can I return to Search Assistant?
