W XP,   IE6.0   I used to have google for my default search by
clicking on a link from google and it added something to the registry.
 Now I try to make goodle the default search and this link is
ineffective.
I would enter my search question into where the url goes, hit Enter
and a google search would ensue. I use ad-aware, spy bot, and spyware
blaster. I wonder why I can't get google back to my default search
engine.
Thanks

Greetings, wrxwally!

Before running AdAware and Spybot, did you make sure to download the
latest updates?

Start up AdAware. In the bottom right-hand corner, it should say
"AdAware 6.0 Personal, Build 6.181". Up above, under "Initialization
Status", it should say "Reference file 01R326 01.07.2004 loaded". If
your settings for either of these do not match, click "Check for
updates now". Once the update has completed, if one or both of these
still doesn't match the settings I listed, you may need to uninstall
AdAware, and then download and install the latest version from
http://www.download.com/3000-2144-10045910.html?part=69274&subj=dlpage&tag=button
Once that's installed, be sure to click "Check for updates now" to get
the latest reference files.

Once you have the latest Build and Reference file, try running AdAware
again and remove the recommended items.


Then, start up Spybot Search & Destroy. Pull down the "Help" menu and
select "About". You should see
Spybot Search & Destroy 1.3
Latest detection update: 2004-06-23.
If your settings for either of these do not match, click the "Update"
icon menu on the left-hand side of the screen, and then click on
"Search for Updates" near the top of the page.  You'll need to exit
Spybot and restart it to check the "About" information page. If this
doesn't work, you may need to uninstall Spybot, and then download and
install the latest version from
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?page=mirrors

Once you have the latest Version and Detection Update, try running
Spybot again and remove the recommended items.


*** IMPORTANT ***
Each time you run Spybot and/or AdAware, be sure to download the
latest updates first!
*****************

Then shut your computer down, restart, and check to see if you're
still having the problem.

If this doesn't resolve your problem, please Post a Clarification
stating that, and I'll see what I can do for you.

Regards,

aceresearcher

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Request for Answer Clarification by wrxwally-ga on 02 Jul 2004 10:16 PDT

I've double checked tht the versions of AdAware and SpyBot were up to
date, displaying the numbers suggested in the original answer. I still
can't get google to be the default search like I one had. Any other
ideas? Thanks

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 02 Jul 2004 11:04 PDT

Have you checked with Microsoft lately to be sure that you have
installed any critical new security-related Windows pdate patches that
have been released?
You can find out if there are any available by going here:
http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp

Install any critical patches it may tell you that you need. Then
reboot your computer.

Download, install, and run CoolWebShredder (scroll down to find it):
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/downloads.html

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 09 Jul 2004 14:58 PDT

Hi,

I just wanted to check whether you've gotten your problem resolved.

ace

---

Request for Answer Clarification by wrxwally-ga on 09 Jul 2004 15:22 PDT

Well, of course I have all the updates, latest stuff, etc.  Still
don't know why it didnt' work, but this pc is a couple of years old,
and oh well, time for a format...that took care of the problem.  Now,
if I can just get hooked up for gmail.
 Thanks for all your help

---

Clarification of Answer by aceresearcher-ga on 09 Jul 2004 18:30 PDT

Thanks for the update. I'm sorry that you had to resort to a hard
drive reformat, but hopefully your system will run like a song now.

Be sure to run Spybot and AdAware on a regular basis.  ;-)

Happy surfing!

ace