Registry changes do not stick

  • Thread starter Thread starter jjoensuu
  • Start date Start date
J

jjoensuu

Hi all,

have following problem Windows XP Pro SP2: I have been trying to change
the IE 6 homepage from the MS standard to something else. I first went
to Tools > Internet options, and tried the changed from there. I was
able to make the changes (e.g. when I clicked on "Use blank", the
"about:blank" url appeared in the Address field). However, after
clicking on OK & relaunching IE, the same MS homepage was still in
effect.

So then I tried making the change through the registry, following the
instructions in the MS KB article 320159. However, even though the
registry editor allowed me to make the changes, the changes had no
effect.

Another but seemingly related issue is that my Norton AV keeps popping
up a msg about whether I want to check for updates. It does this even
when I have just updated it (virus defs & all). It looks like it also
stores a "last update date" or something in the registry and perhaps
has not been able to save the changes?

The system has been quite regularly updated with the latest patches
from MS (last time this morning).

I was going to check if this is a permission issue on the registry
hives, but what could change those? My user login is part of the
Administrators group.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

cheers...
 
IE Home page grayed locked.

If you are using Spybot - Search & Destroy

Spybot - S & D
[+] Tools
IE Tweaks
Miscellaneous locks
UNCheck: Lock IE start page setting against user changes (current user)

ZoneAlarm and other programs can also LOCK the homepage.

---

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm

Read the instructions at the top.
Scroll down to...
63. Home Page Lock - Home Page Unlock
Click on Home Page Unlock
---

If you have XP Pro, check this setting in Group Policy.

Disable changing home page settings
http://www.boyce.us/gp/gpcontent.asp?ID=700

---

Or check these registry settings...

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Control Panel
and
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\
Internet Explorer\Control Panel

Value Name: HomePage
Value Type: REG_DWORD
Value Data: 0 or 1
0 = Not locked
1 = Locked


Home page setting changes unexpectedly, or you cannot change your home page
setting
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320159

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
Hi Wes,

thanks but as I explained in my posting, I am able to able to make
changes (e.g. when I clicked on "Use blank", the "about:blank" url
appeared in the Address field). So the Address field is not greyed out,
and the buttons below it are working.

The other thing I did mention was that I had already tried MS KB
article 320159.

It is just that the registry changes are not retained.

I can check the "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Control Panel" and "HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Control Panel" keys, though. Maybe these keys can disable just
the SAVING of changes?

cheers,

jjoensuu
 
Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly

Scan and remove the parasites from your system.

How to guard against CoolWebSearch:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/Defend_CWS.htm

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware, Parasites, Toolbars and Search Engines:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm

UPDATE your antivirus software and run a full system scan.

UPDATE whatever anti-spyware applications that you have and run a full
system scan with each one.

You might want to start in Safe Mode to run your antivirus and anti-spyware
software.

Running a full system antivirus scan or anti-spyware scan in Safe Mode can
be a good idea. Some viruses and other malware like to conceal themselves
in areas Windows protects while using them. Safe mode will prevent those
applications access and therefore unprotect the viruses or other malware
allowing for easier removal.

How to start Windows in Safe Mode Windows XP
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtutorial=61#winxo

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
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