Homepage odd behavior (NOT hijacked)

[George Orwell]

I have this odd behavior with IE6. The browser never loads any
homepage when I start the browser.
However, this problem does *not* arise with Maxthon, which is an
IE6 shell, or with Firefox.

The weirdest thing is that if I press the "Home" button on the
toolbar, then the homepage *does* open.

Another thing to note is that since no homepage automatically
loads on starting the browser, I cannot access the Tools-->
Options menu.

I would be greatful for any advice on how to correct this issue.

 

[Guest]

You don't have to be in Internet Explorer to access Tools ---> Internet
Options. If you have the actual Internet Explorer icon (not the shortcut) on
your desktop, you can right click and then go to Properties. It'll be the
same dialog box as Internet Options. And about the problem you are having, it
most likely sounds like a spyware issue. Download and install Lavasoft's
Adaware SE (free download). Its a great tool to remove malware. You could
also install Spybot Search & Destroy (free download). These are both
excellent tools to remove malware. I would also recommend using Internet
Explorer's features such as pop-up blocker etc.

Hope that helps.

 

[George Orwell]

You don't have to be in Internet Explorer to access Tools ---> Internet
Options. If you have the actual Internet Explorer icon (not the shortcut) on
your desktop, you can right click and then go to Properties. It'll be the
same dialog box as Internet Options.

Thank you. I didn't know that

And about the problem you are having, it
most likely sounds like a spyware issue.

I have already had AdAware and SpyBot installed and regularly
check for possible spyware. Recently, I also installed Giant
Antispyware, but nothing untoward was found. I don't think it's
anything to do with spyware, since I can open my homepage, but
only if I press the relevant button on the toolbar. It simply
doesn't open automatically upon starting the browser. As I
already wrote, it's funny that Maxthon, which uses IE's
settings, does open the homepage when I use it.

 

[George Orwell]

Thank you. I didn't know that

How embarrassing! I found the answer. I was starting IE from a
shortcut with the -nohome parameter. Your information about the
desktop icon of IE finally gave me a clue as to the problem.
Thank you. You have been instrumental in helping me find the
answer to this puzzle.

 

[Gary Smith]

You can also get to Internet Options from the Control Panel, which can be
really useful when you don't have an icon handy.

You don't have to be in Internet Explorer to access Tools ---> Internet
Options. If you have the actual Internet Explorer icon (not the shortcut) on
your desktop, you can right click and then go to Properties. It'll be the
same dialog box as Internet Options. And about the problem you are having, it
most likely sounds like a spyware issue. Download and install Lavasoft's
Adaware SE (free download). Its a great tool to remove malware. You could
also install Spybot Search & Destroy (free download). These are both
excellent tools to remove malware. I would also recommend using Internet
Explorer's features such as pop-up blocker etc.