Home+page+not+the+one+it+should+be

Homepage has been changed without your permission (usually in Internet Explorer). Most of the time, a trip to the **Tools** menu, **Internet Options** choice will let you reset the page. However, sometimes it's an even bigger problem. On occasions each time you reboot your computer, the homepage switches back to an unwanted site and no amount of screaming seems to help. 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 click Yes, it's a done deal.. However, some will modify this question to something like:- "Do you like freebies?" When you click Yes to this, it secretly changes the homepage on you. Most of the time, the same dialogue box that is asking you if you like freebies (or whatever) will also say something to the effect that it is going to reset your homepage. Fortunately, when your homepage is switched in the ways outlined above, going to **Tools**, **Internet Options** will let you set your page back to whatever you want (of course, you'll need to know the address of your homepage). 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 Internet Explorer. But, as long as you keep your browser up to date, this shouldn't be a problem. If it does get switched through this security hole, it is generally, a script is placed in the **Startup** menu (Start, All Programs, Startup) that will reset the homepage each time Windows loads. Deleting it should let you switch back to your homepage permanently as well. Oh, and make sure you update Internet Explorer if you are not in the habit of doing it. That is 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 reset your homepage. You may be able to disable this through their Options area, but don't hold your breath on that. Your best bet is to disable or get rid of any program you catch doing this. Okay, that's all good and well, 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 (whose software you just installed), you probably aren't going to need too much mental energy to figure out who did it. On the other hand, if you have no clue where the homepage in question came from, you'll need to look back on recently installed programs. Did your homepage change right after you installed a particular program? If so, that's where you should start looking. It seems that most of the time, these types 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 and then see if it stays put. Oh, 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").
 * Home page not the one it should be**