If the options are greyed out, it might be caused by iSearch.
Open Registry Editor [Regedit.exe] and navigate to:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
In the right-pane, look for the entry "NoBandCustomize". Delete this value or and set it to 0.
In the right-pane, look for the entry "NoToolbarCustomize". Delete this value or and set it to 0. This restores the missing "Customize" option.
NOTE: This may be caused by a iSearch toolbar. iSearch locks the toolbars and disables the standard Search button in Internet Explorer. You'll see a blank left pane after clicking the Search button in Internet Explorer. It also adds a "IE Toolbar search" context menu in Internet Explorer.
If the above symptoms apply in your case, it's a good idea to run a scan using Ad-Aware. Keep reading below:
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.
[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
--
Ramesh - Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k
AumHa VSOP:
http://www.aumha.org
Thanx to you "b kelly" & "Ramesh". That's unfortunately what 'help' told me to try - without luck. This tip should work 4 IE6.0 or above & the HELP...ABOUT IE...button creates a screen claiming that I have just that.
BUT...when I right-click I get a box with all options greyed out (so unavailable) but 4 'text labels'; CUSTOMISE does not even appear, not even in greyed out form. So where do I activate the option to do what help and you 2 helpful folk are advising?
