Restoring the "?" search function

[Ryan]

I just recently uninstalled one of those programs that
automatically attaches itself to Internet Explorer like a
parasite...lol It was a search program that took over my
ability to use the "?" in the address bar to search for a
webpage. Before the program was installed, I could use
the question mark in the address bar and use MSN Search
page. After the program installed itself, it redirected
my browser to www.sirsearch.com when I used the "?" in
the address bar. To make a long story short, I
uninstalled this particular application from Internet
Explorer, but now when I use the "?" to search for
something, it brings up a "This page cannot be displayed"
message. I would like to restore the "?" to it's
original settings but I'm not sure how to do this. I've
tried using the "Reset Web Settings..." button under
the "Programs" tab in Internet Options to no avail. I've
also used the "Restore Defaults" button under
the "Advanced" tab in Internet Options with no luck
either. Does anyone know how to restore this convenient
feature? Thank you.

 

[LuckyStrike]

Hmmm. Never used that before. Just tried it; placed a "?" in the address bar
and got "page cannot be displayed" and the addy became http:///? .
Obviously, I am of no help on this. But an explanation of whatever value
placing a "?" in the address bar to search would be welcomed. Unless you
mean that the mere placement of the "?" in that location>Go : would bring up
your MSN search engine. Izzat it? ;-) Still didn't work for me with my
search engine or home page. :-\

Anyway, it seems to me if it re-directs your page to some unwanted page,
you've a hijacking issue to deal with.

Customary drill, in the following order of appearance:
Ad-Aware
CWShredder
Spybot S&D
HijackThis

On-line rudimentary scan for parasites
http://aumha.org/a/noads.htm

More in depth on-line scan for parasites
GFI Trojanscan
http://www.trojanscan.com/trojanscan/

PestPatrol on-line scan
http://www.pestscan.com/home.asp
The parasite fight - Jim Eshelman WSC helpsite
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.php

Ad-Aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
CWShredder
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4086.html

Spybot S&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=download
Spybot Tutorial (Must Read)
http://tomcoyote.com/SPYBOT/index1.php
http://tomcoyote.com/SPYBOT/index2.php

With HijackThis, seek help with the log created at scan from SpywareInfo
Forums. *Do not remove *ANYTHING* without assistance*. It is a very powerful
program and can render your PC in poor working order if you indiscriminately
start removing things.

Remember; this program is for an entirely different purpose, is for the most
stubborn malware, and is very dangerous if used improperly. You have been
warned.

HijackThis
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html
Tutorial **(MUST READ)**
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/htlogtutorial.html
http://hjt.wizardsofwebsites.com/
SpywareInfo Forums
http://forums.spywareinfo.com/
other help forums for HijackThis
http://forums.net-integration.net/index.php?c=19
http://forums.tomcoyote.com/index.php?showforum=27

Might also want to consider Javacools SpywareGuard, which notifies you of
attempted changes to Home page, search bar, and other settings related to
them. It runs in the background, is relatively free of "bugs" (faults; like
it does disable my "tooltips" when running W98se. Doesn't for all users, but
it does on mine.), is freeware, and isn't a large application.

SpywareGuard
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html

This will only be effective when you've restored what you want. Then it will
notify you of attempted changes in "real-time".

HTH -

 

[Guest]

Typing a "?" in the address bar and THEN typing in your
search query would bring up the MSN Search page (e.g. ?
mountain lions) on my browser. I've also seen this done
on other Internet Explorer browers. I assume this is a
built in feature, but was somehow stripped from my
browser by the www.sirsearch.com insert. Thanks for any
help !

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Ryan

Try the following and see if it will help.

Restrore Search:
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/regs_edits/RestoreSearch2.REG t

This will restore your default Search functionality. However, if you had
any custom adjustments you have made will have to re-select them.

You may also have parasites, spyware, adware, malware on your system causing
the problem, which your antivirus will not detect, as it does not have the
same definitions. Download and install, then you *MUST* update the programs
prior to running to be sure they have the latest definitions, then run the
programs below. They are free and very effective. Be sure to run both SpyBot
and Adaware, as what one does not detect the other may. It is important
that you do all the steps and follow all directions carefully:


IMPORTANT:
Before trying to remove spyware, download a copy of LSPFIX from
the URL below - some malware may kill your internet connection when it is
removed, this program will enable you to regain your connection.
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm


CWShredder: Free
http://tinyurl.com/2l9kl
or
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4086.html

SpyBot Search & Destroy: Free
http://download.com.com/3000-8022-10289035.html?tag=lst-0-2
or
http://majorgeeks.com/download2471.html

AdAware: Free
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/
or
http://www.majorgeeks.com/downloads31.html

(If needed: AdAware Manual updates only):
Scroll down to Updates Available -
http://lavasoft.element5.com/support/download


Hope this helps.

Jan

 

[LuckyStrike]

OK...did that "? pizza". (hehe) got this:
MSN search
Results 1-15 of about 3233081 containing "pizza" NEXT >>

FEATURED SITES - ABOUT
Pizza Recipes
Find old and new favorite pizza recipes.
houseandhome.msn.com


WEB PAGES - ABOUT
Welcome to Pizza Hut!
Order Online for delivery or carry out from Pizza Hut today! Find great
pizza deals and the Pizza Hut restaurant nearest you. ... Forgot Your
Password? ©. 2004 Pizza Hut, Inc. All rights reserved. The Pizza Hut name,
logos, and related marks are trademarks of Pizza Hut ...
www.pizzahut.com


Welcome to Papa John's Pizza
Order Papa Johns Pizza online today. It's easy to register and order online.
You can see the whole menu and order pizza at your own pace.
www.papajohns.com


The Internet Pizza Server Home Page
Something good for your nerve endingsT, since 1994 " What! Kitten pizza?" --
Waldo. You are visitor number: 1371481. Pizza

Etc. for 5,000, 762 other hits. ;-)) Why it works for me (now that you told
me how) is a mystery.

 

[Ryan]

Thank you! I restored the original "?" feature to the
Internet Explorer browser and also removed some adware
and spyware with AdAware and Spybot S&D. I'm not sure I
removed EVERYTHING from my system because PestPatrol's
web-based scan still says that I have 62 items on my
system: adware, hijackers, and tracing cookies. I will
run the hijackthis program and post the results to a
forum to see if I can't remove the rest of the infected
files and entries.

 

[Jan Il]

Hi Ryan

Thank you! I restored the original "?" feature to the
Internet Explorer browser and also removed some adware
and spyware with AdAware and Spybot S&D. I'm not sure I
removed EVERYTHING from my system because PestPatrol's
web-based scan still says that I have 62 items on my
system: adware, hijackers, and tracing cookies. I will
run the hijackthis program and post the results to a
forum to see if I can't remove the rest of the infected
files and entries.

Glad to hear you are up and running properly again. Thank you for posting
back with the solution that worked for you so that other readers will
benefit.

Jan