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By
Tony Gugino
We get e-mail from
people all the time telling us that their homepage has been changed without
their permission (Internet Explorer). Most of the time, a quick trip to the
Tools menu, Internet Options will let you reset the page.
However, sometimes it's an even bigger
problem. Some folks find that each time they re-boot their computer, their
homepage switches back to the unwanted one and no amount of screaming seems
to help. What's going on? How did their web browser get hijacked?
There are several ways this can happen,
both for a simple homepage change and the nastier, seemingly permanent
change.
First, some web pages will ask you if
you want to make them your homepage. If you hit Yes, then it's a done deal.
After all, you can't be too surprised that your homepage was changed after
you told your browser it was OK.
However -
Some will modify this question to
something like "Do you like freebies?". When you hit Yes, it secretly
changes your homepage on you.
Most of the time, the same dialog box
that's asking you if you like freebies (or whatever) will also say something
to the effect that it's going to reset your homepage. They try to distract
you from that message and just get you to click "Yes". So, be careful.
Fortunately, when your homepage is
switched in the ways outlined above, going to the Tools Menu, Internet
Options will let you set your page back to whatever you want (of course,
you'll need to know the address of the homepage you want to start at).
Normally, that takes care of the problem and you're back to normal again.
Another way your homepage can get
switched is through a security hole in IE5. As long as you keep your browser
up to date, this shouldn't be a problem though. If it does get switched
through this security hole, it's my understanding that generally a script is
placed in the Startup menu (Start button, Programs, Startup) that
will reset the homepage each time Windows loads. Deleting it should let you
switch back your homepage permanently. Oh, and make sure you update IE if
you aren't in the habit of doing it. That's one nasty little security hole!
Finally, software can even be a problem.
Some programs will load automatically when you start windows and the first
thing they do is to reset your homepage. You may be able to disable this
though their options area (don't hold your breath though). Best bet is to
disable or get rid of any program you catch doing this.
OK, but if it is a program that's
switching your homepage, how do you figure out which one it is? Well, if
your browser's homepage was reset to the homepage of a particular software
company (who's software you just installed), you probably aren't going to
expend too much mental energy figuring out who done it.
(Believe it or not, UPS had a program
that reset their customer's homepage to UPS's homepage - it's not just
little guys doing this. Of course, it was "on accident", which begs the
question, "How do you accidentally stick a code in that manipulates the end
user's homepage?").
Anyhow -
If you have no clue where the homepage
in question came from, then look back on recently installed programs. Did
your homepage change right after you installed a particular program? If so,
you may have a place to start looking.
Seems that most of the time, these type
of programs run from the Startup folder (mentioned above). So, if you see
something in there that shouldn't be (or you're not sure), you may want to
remove the item, reset your homepage back to one you actually want (like
www.google.com :-), then see if it stays.
One last thing - watch out for install
programs too. Some of them have an option for resetting your homepage that's
checked or selected by default (you know, for your convenience). Stay away
from any “search” programs you find on the Internet other than MSN, Google,
Yahoo, or Altavista. They are normally disreputable and the cause of these
problems.
That's enough of that. Be careful out
there - everyone wants you to use their homepage for your homepage and
they'll go to just about any length to make it happen. It is our policy to
never do business with these kinds of companies that manipulate computers. I
encourage you to do the same. Download and regularly update SpyBot Search &
Destroy, Hijack This, CW Shredder, AVG, Adaware, and Spyware Blaster. They
are all free programs from the Internet and a MUST for any computer
connected to the Internet.
Recent ones to watch out for;
Gain, My Search, Elite, Cool web search,
Daily Toolbar, Fun web products, Network Essentials, Yahoo toolbar.
Remember that there is very little of
anything "free" on the Internet. They will get you somehow!
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