Upon opening IE7 the Yahoo home page is shown. No matter what URL I enter the only site that is shown is Yahoo. No matter what I change my default home page in the Internet Options dialog box, Yahoo is all that is shown. I simply can’t use IE. How do I cure this ill? Should I just forgo IE and go with another browser?
It’s going to take a bit of troubleshooting to find the right fix for this problem as it’s uncertain whether you have a browser hijacker or a problem with your Internet Explorer. A fact to note as well is whether or not you elected to set your home page to Yahoo at one point or another using a link from Yahoo. You should try some or all of the following suggestions to try and fix the problem that you are having.
Troubleshooting Internet Explorer: Possible Browser Hijack
Browser hijackers will take control of Internet Explorer and set the home page to a particular website, refusing to allow the user to change it. In some cases, this change comes as the result of a worm or infection received through an instant messaging service, a website visit, or an e-mail attachment. Your best strategy to remove it is to make use of a good anti-virus/anti-spyware application. If you already have such a program, check for available updates for it first so that you improve the chances of removing any infections. If you don’t have an application to remove malware, I can recommend Anti-Virus PLUS for you.
How to Reset/Repair Internet Explorer
Since it is possible that your Internet Explorer is experiencing a minor malfunction, resetting it could do away with the problem. In order to reset Internet Explorer, you can follow these steps:
- Open “Internet Explorer.”
- Select the option for “Tools.”
- Select “Internet Options.”
- Select the option for “Restore Advanced Settings.”
- Select the option for “Reset.”
Troubleshooting Internet Explorer: No Add-ons
If you have recently included any add-ons to your Internet Explorer browser, they could be interfering with your use of it. Try running it without the add-ons by going to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Internet Explorer No Add-ons. If it works properly and lets you use it to access other web pages, then try use one add-on at a time until you find the one that is creating the problem.
Changing Internet Explorer Home Page
The first strategy that should be used to change the home page in Internet Explorer is to use these directions:
- Open “Internet Explorer.”
- If you can select a website that you wish to use for your home page, do it at this point.
- Open “Tools”
- Select “Internet Options.”
- Select “General.”
- Select “Use Current Page.”
IE Browser vs. Mozilla Firefox Browser
You can certainly use another web browser if you prefer over Internet Explorer. I personally use Mozilla Firefox and have been very happy with it. I have been exposed to a lower incidence of spyware applications/viruses since I have started to use it as my primary browser. You can get more information on downloading and customizing it from the link above.
