Chris,
This might be caused by iSearch toolbar. iSearch seem to make entries to HOSTS file as well. Rename the file named "HOSTS" (without a file extension). This tip is from MVP Mike Burgess. The HOSTS file will be present in the following location:
Windows XP=C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
Windows 2K=C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
Win 98\ME=C:\WINDOWS
Just rename the HOSTS file to OLDHOSTS and try the remaining part of the advice.
[More Information]
Toolbars are locked - Unable to customize toolbar and tool band:
http://209.68.48.119/sramesh2k/IEFAQ.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFAQ.htm
[Spyware removers - This part not to be skipped]
Lavasoft Ad-Aware -
www.lavasoftusa.com
SpyBot S&D -
http://www.safer-networking.org/
(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)
CWShredder :
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/files/CWShredder.exe
[All about HOSTS file]
Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File:
http://209.68.48.119/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------
Toolbars are locked - Unable to customize toolbar and tool band:
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/IEFAQ.htm
--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
---------------------------------------
What You Should Know About the Sasser Worm and It Variants:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/incident/sasser.asp
---------------------------------------
I can't customize, or even lock/unlock my IE toolbars.
When I right click, I get "Standard Buttons
(checked)", "Address Bar (checked)", "Links (checked)",
and "Norton Antivirus (unchecked)" those are all grayed
out, and the only option I can pick is "Text Labels",
which just puts text descriptions under the standard
buttons. Is there anything I can do?
Chris