I want to be able to search for things quickly and easily in google
using the address bar in IE6 or WindowsXP without having to prefix my
search query with a letter in order to use the quicksearch facility.

At the moment if I type a search query into the address bar (for
example "President Bush") - it searches for it on an MSN search page.
I don't want that, I want to search for it using google. I know I can
use the quicksearch feature, setup 'g' to search google and then
type "g president bush" and it works fine. However I don't want to
have to do that, I want it to search in google as standard, whithout
having to put the 'g' (or any other letter or character) in front of
it.

n.b. I am not talking about the search panel, I am talking about
the stardard address bar. I also do not want to have to add any other
software to my computer.

Hello camel_club,

Thank you for your question. 

Are you comfortable editing the registry? I will assume you are unless
you post a request for clarification and then I will be happy to
explain all you need to know about this process. But if you are, all
you need do is change this one key:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL]
""="://www.google.com/keyword/%s"

There after, your search will default to Google.

Google itself has this and more on this page with a file that can be
downloaded:
://www.google.com/options/defaults.html#default

However, their file will not work with XP as it begins Regedit4 which
will not tell XP to modify your registry. If you care to use their
files, modify the first line to read "Windows Registry Editor Version
5.00" in a text editor, save as a .reg file, double click and click ok
to add to the registry.


I trust my research has provided you with what you need to change your
default search. If a link above should fail to work or anything
require further explanation or research, please do post a Request for
Clarification prior to rating the answer and closing the question and
I will be pleased to assist further.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-

PS. Sorry it took so long to answer this question, however whenever
the word "google" appears in a question, it is locked by the googlebot
until the answer-editors have an opportunity to check the question and
unlock it for general consumption.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by camel_club-ga on 23 Mar 2003 21:12 PST

I followed your suggestion, downloaded the google.reg file and to
edited the top line to say "Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00".

As you said this set the default string in the key:
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchURL]
to: "://www.google.com/keyword/%s".

However this does not seem to have done the trick. If I type my test
phrase "President Bush" in to the address bar, it takes me to the
page: http://uk.search.msn.com/results.aspx?srch=105&FORM=AS5&q=president+bush

I've got a couple of computers here, and they all do that.. Any more
suggestions?

---

Clarification of Answer by clouseau-ga on 23 Mar 2003 22:02 PST

Hi again,

Thsi should definitely work. I have done it many times. I am suspect
of the .reg file and XP. Are you comfortable in the registry? Can you
locate the proper key and try to edit by hand?

If so, please try and let me know. If not, let me know and I will find
an XP file that will work for sure for you.

And thanks for asking for clarification. We will get this to work for
you.

-=clouseau=-

One more thought: did you use quotes on the first line of the .reg
file? If so, that is the problem. Remove the quotes and try to double
click again. Make sure is is named .reg

Do let me know.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by camel_club-ga on 23 Mar 2003 22:13 PST

Hi there.. the registry entry has definately been changed see
screenshot at the URL below:

http://cgam.mine.nu/cs2003/reg.jpg

I think the problem might be due to the fact that I am in the UK. If i
load the Search Bar in IE (ctrl+E) then press 'Customize', then press
'Autosearch settings' I should be able to specify the search engine I
want.. however it doesn't list any search engines apart from the
default 'MSN'. Surely there must be a way round this though??

---

Clarification of Answer by clouseau-ga on 23 Mar 2003 22:26 PST

I'm sorry this is proving to be so difficult for you.

Would you please download and try this file and let me know the results:

http://www.lucidmatrix.com/uploads/google.reg 

-=clouseau=-

---

Request for Answer Clarification by camel_club-ga on 23 Mar 2003 23:10 PST

ok.. here we go..

I downloaded the file. 
I executed it.
It came up with a message saying "Are you sure you want to add the
information in google.reg to the registry?"
I pressed 'yes'.
It then came up with a message saying "Information in google.reg has
been successfully entered into the registry.
I pressed 'ok'.

and.. It still doesn't work. Even after a reboot. And as I say.. it's
not just this computer.. there are 3 other computers in my flat that
all do exactly the same thing.

---

Clarification of Answer by clouseau-ga on 23 Mar 2003 23:34 PST

Ok, I'm getting challenged now 8^)

I truly believe that should have worked. If you don't mind continuing
to test, I have this to try.

1. Please make sure you have a copy of your registry for this one,
just in case it overwrites something that IE would like to see for a
UK version. I can not test this other than with my US version, and it
should be very safe - but let's be sure.

2. Download and run :  http://www.lucidmatrix.com/uploads/engines.reg

3. Exit and restart browser

4. Test search in the address bar. If that is unsuccessful, now see if
google appears under customize for you and proceed from there.

Advise if we have success yet!

-=clouseau=-

Thank you.. works exactly as I wanted it to now..

You can also change your default home page to Google.com. That way,
whenever you open a new IE window, you can readily type in your search
word directly in the Google search box. To make Google your home page:
1) In IE, On the "Tools" menu, click "Internet Options".
2) Click the "General tab".
3) Under "Home page", type "://www.google.com/" (without quotes)
4) Click "OK"

Hi camel_club,
I have the same problem in Windows XP.  I resolved this by clicking on
the Search button in the toolbar, then Customize.  When the customize
window pops up, click the "Autosearch settings" button.  Select
"Google Sites" as the provider for address bar searches.  Save your
settings and restart the browser.
When you type in a search from the address bar, the browser will
contact MSN, but MSN will redirect you to Google.  I wish there's a
faster way, but that's the best that I found so far.

Good luck,
secret901-ga

secret901.. thats one solution that I've heard before.. but as i said
earlier.. I'm in the UK.. it doesn't give me the option of 'google
sites'. The only option in that service providers list in the
autosearch settings box is 'MSN'..

:-(