Populate list of search providers doesn't work...??

[DLDavis]

Using XP Pro SP3 and IE8; fully updated

I used the KB Article ID: 918238 to make the custom .adm file for XP. I
followed the instructions to the letter to create/ enable the "Populate list
of search providers" setting for both Computer and User GPO (Local Computer
Policy) configurations. I also verified all new policies in both HKLM and
HKCU - /Software/Policies/Microsoft/Internet Explorer/SearchShopes.

I then enabled the "Restrict search providers to a specific list of search
providers" setting in both the Computer and User GPO Configurations.

I open Internet Explorer to check on the Search box options and there are no
search providers listed at all. Futhermore, there was a "Magnifying glass"
Icon and dimmed out "Search..." in the Search box.

Over the last few months I have repeated the same scenario several times:
making the adm template file, adding it to the Computer GPO Configuration,
enabling the "Popuplate list...", etc..., etc..., etc..., and all with the
same results - no list of search providers after enabling "Restrict search
providers to specific list of search providers" setting.

I have search all over on the Internet and most tech help websites refer
back the Microsoft Ariticle ID: 918238. The only other articled I ran into
that came close to being of any help at all was a privately engineered .adm
file. I didn't want to go with that writer suggested.

I would really like to get this whole thing with the "Populate list of
search providers" vs. "Restrict search providers to a specific list of search
providers" worked out. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DLDavis]

I forgot to include that I had numerous entries in the Event/Application logs
regarding HHCTRL. I have already erased my drive so I cannot give a full
description of the log entries. All I can remember was it was something to
do with possibly having the necessary registry information and/or the
necessary DLL's

I will attempt to repeat all the "Populate list of search providers" setup
again and I will include the full description of the log entries in another
post.

 

[DLDavis]

I need to point out that after I erased/formatted my drive I restored a Ghost
image file which had Internet Explorer 7 installed on it. I am not using
Internet Explorer 8 as I mentioned in the Thread opener.

I did all of the "Populate List of search providers" setup as usual. I was
not able to reproduce the HHCTRL entries in the Event/Application log. Maybe
because I'm using IE7 instead of IE8...?? I really don't know.

 

[DLDavis]

Actually, never mind about this whole "Populate List of search providers" junk.

I discovered a much easier and faster way.

After I had all the search providers that I wanted installed I simply
exported the SearchScopes key. I edited the .reg file by adding "Policies\"
to all of the existing subkey names
([HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer.....]). saved it as a
different .reg file, then merged it.

Enabled the "Restrict search providers to a specific list of providers" in
the Local Computer Policy>User Configuration. It worked right away. Tested
by trying to install another SP and was not able to do so. Just the way I
like it.

FP during the reboot/logon after entering password. Had to reset. FP when
I got to the Desktop on the next logon. Reset. Auto CHKDSK. Logon and
everything is cool now. Running fine.