Google and Service Pack-3

[Stu]

Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as well as
other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it returns
some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on "Preferences"
then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to Google
and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences" thing
again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to Windows
XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've gone
through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks correct.
Has anyone ever heard of this?

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the problem?

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Stu wrote:
> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as well
> as
> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
> returns
> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
> "Preferences"
> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to Google
> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences" thing
> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
> Windows
> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've gone
> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks correct.
> Has anyone ever heard of this?

 

[Stu]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

I just tried that, but It didn't help. Could I be missing some setting in
IE that the update automatically changed?


"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:Oz%23v%23dUEJHA.768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the problem?
>
> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>
>
> Stu wrote:
>> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as well
>> as
>> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
>> returns
>> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
>> "Preferences"
>> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to
>> Google
>> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
>> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences" thing
>> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
>> Windows
>> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've gone
>> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks correct.
>> Has anyone ever heard of this?
>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party firewall
(if any)? Were any of these applications running in the background when you
installed and/or uninstalled WinXP SP3?

Assuming you're now running WinXP SP2, uninstall any/all third-party
toolbars (e.g., Google; Yahoo; Windows Live; MSN; Skype; Roboform), reboot,
and see if the behavior persists.
--
~PA Bear


Stu wrote:
> I just tried that, but It didn't help. Could I be missing some setting in
> IE that the update automatically changed?
>
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:Oz%23v%23dUEJHA.768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the problem?
>>
>> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
>> "Windows
>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>
>>
>> Stu wrote:
>>> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as
>>> well
>>> as
>>> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
>>> returns
>>> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
>>> "Preferences"
>>> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to
>>> Google
>>> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
>>> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences"
>>> thing
>>> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
>>> Windows
>>> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've gone
>>> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks
>>> correct.
>>> Has anyone ever heard of this?

 

[smlunatick]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

On Sep 7, 10:49 pm, "Stu" <stuma...@mindspring.com> wrote:
> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as well as
> other search engines).  When I search for something using Google, it returns
> some obscure, but remotely related sites.  If I then click on "Preferences"
> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to Google
> and things are working correctly.  Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences" thing
> again.  All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to Windows
> XP pro.  Did something get set wrong during the installation?  I've gone
> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks correct.
> Has anyone ever heard of this?

I know that Google works well with SP3 since I am using it with SP3
now. You need to check the "add-ons" you are using in IE.

 

[Stu]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

First, let me say thank you for trying to help me with this situation. I
uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus. I have no toolbars, I find them to be too
many commercials and not very helpful. I still have the strange behavior.
When I went into "Add/Remove Programs", I saw something I'm not familiar
with. Microsoft.net Framework 2.0. I was going to remove it, but I got a
warning message that said other programs may rely on it to work, so I didn't
remove it. Do you think this could be something that could cause my
problem?

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:OlnT76cEJHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
> anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
> firewall
> (if any)? Were any of these applications running in the background when
> you
> installed and/or uninstalled WinXP SP3?
>
> Assuming you're now running WinXP SP2, uninstall any/all third-party
> toolbars (e.g., Google; Yahoo; Windows Live; MSN; Skype; Roboform),
> reboot, and see if the behavior persists.
> --
> ~PA Bear
>
>
> Stu wrote:
>> I just tried that, but It didn't help. Could I be missing some setting
>> in
>> IE that the update automatically changed?
>>
>>
>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:Oz%23v%23dUEJHA.768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the problem?
>>>
>>> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249
>>>
>>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
>>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
>>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
>>> "Windows
>>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
>>> --
>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>>
>>>
>>> Stu wrote:
>>>> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as
>>>> well
>>>> as
>>>> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
>>>> returns
>>>> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
>>>> "Preferences"
>>>> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to
>>>> Google
>>>> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
>>>> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences"
>>>> thing
>>>> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
>>>> Windows
>>>> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've
>>>> gone
>>>> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks
>>>> correct.
>>>> Has anyone ever heard of this?
>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

Have you downloaded and run the Norton Removal Tool yet? If not, do so
immediately:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

[Norton applications are notorious for not uninstalling cleanly!]

What anti-virus application is installed now? Is the Windows Firewall
enabled?

Don't uninstall anything else, especially any .NET Framework versions!
--
~PA Bear


Stu wrote:
> First, let me say thank you for trying to help me with this situation. I
> uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus. I have no toolbars, I find them to be too
> many commercials and not very helpful. I still have the strange behavior.
> When I went into "Add/Remove Programs", I saw something I'm not familiar
> with. Microsoft.net Framework 2.0. I was going to remove it, but I got a
> warning message that said other programs may rely on it to work, so I
> didn't
> remove it. Do you think this could be something that could cause my
> problem?
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:OlnT76cEJHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
>> anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
>> firewall
>> (if any)? Were any of these applications running in the background when
>> you
>> installed and/or uninstalled WinXP SP3?
>>
>> Assuming you're now running WinXP SP2, uninstall any/all third-party
>> toolbars (e.g., Google; Yahoo; Windows Live; MSN; Skype; Roboform),
>> reboot, and see if the behavior persists.
>> --
>> ~PA Bear
>>
>>
>> Stu wrote:
>>> I just tried that, but It didn't help. Could I be missing some setting
>>> in
>>> IE that the update automatically changed?
>>>
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:Oz%23v%23dUEJHA.768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the
>>>> problem?
>>>>
>>>> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249
>>>>
>>>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>>>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat
>>>> and
>>>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go
>>>> to
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
>>>> "Windows
>>>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
>>>> --
>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Stu wrote:
>>>>> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as
>>>>> well
>>>>> as
>>>>> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
>>>>> returns
>>>>> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
>>>>> "Preferences"
>>>>> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to
>>>>> Google
>>>>> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use
>>>>> "Advanced
>>>>> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences"
>>>>> thing
>>>>> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
>>>>> Windows
>>>>> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've
>>>>> gone
>>>>> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks
>>>>> correct.
>>>>> Has anyone ever heard of this?

 

[smlunatick]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

On Sep 8, 6:15 pm, "Stu" <stuma...@mindspring.com> wrote:
> First, let me say thank you for trying to help me with this situation.  I
> uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus.  I have no toolbars, I find them to be too
> many commercials and not very helpful.  I still have the strange behavior.
> When I went into "Add/Remove Programs", I saw something I'm not familiar
> with.  Microsoft.net Framework 2.0.  I was going to remove it, but I got a
> warning message that said other programs may rely on it to work, so I didn't
> remove it.  Do you think this could be something that could cause my
> problem?
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote in messagenews:OlnT76cEJHA..4744@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>
> > What anti-virus application or security suite is installed?  What
> > anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)?  What third-party
> > firewall
> > (if any)?  Were any of these applications running in the background when
> > you
> > installed and/or uninstalled WinXP SP3?
>
> > Assuming you're now running WinXP SP2, uninstall any/all third-party
> > toolbars (e.g., Google; Yahoo; Windows Live; MSN; Skype; Roboform),
> > reboot, and see if the behavior persists.
> > --
> > ~PA Bear
>
> > Stu wrote:
> >> I just tried that, but It didn't help.  Could I be missing some setting
> >> in
> >> IE that the update automatically changed?
>
> >> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABear...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >>news:Oz%23v%23dUEJHA.768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >>> Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the problem?
>
> >>> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
> >>>http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249
>
> >>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> >>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
> >>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.  Go to
> >>>http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173| select
> >>> "Windows
> >>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
> >>> --
> >>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> >>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> >>> AumHa VSOP & Adminhttp://aumha.net
> >>> DTS-Lhttp://dts-l.net/
>
> >>> Stu wrote:
> >>>> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as
> >>>> well
> >>>> as
> >>>> other search engines).  When I search for something using Google, it
> >>>> returns
> >>>> some obscure, but remotely related sites.  If I then click on
> >>>> "Preferences"
> >>>> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to
> >>>> Google
> >>>> and things are working correctly.  Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
> >>>> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences"
> >>>> thing
> >>>> again.  All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
> >>>> Windows
> >>>> XP pro.  Did something get set wrong during the installation?  I've
> >>>> gone
> >>>> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks
> >>>> correct.
> >>>> Has anyone ever heard of this?

..Net Frameworks are updates from Microsoft. They should be there
since MS i attempting to give a "standard" "programming" platform for
other application providers. I know that Nero requires a .Net
Framework as well as ATi Catalyst Control Center.

 

[Stu]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

Well, I did the removal tool from Symantec, no change. So I went back to a
restore point from before I installed even SP-2!! Still no change in
behavior. I'm considering reloading XP-Pro, I don't know what else to do
I'll let you know the results.

Stu

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:#g#c9TeEJHA.224@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Have you downloaded and run the Norton Removal Tool yet? If not, do so
> immediately:
> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
>
> [Norton applications are notorious for not uninstalling cleanly!]
>
> What anti-virus application is installed now? Is the Windows Firewall
> enabled?
>
> Don't uninstall anything else, especially any .NET Framework versions!
> --
> ~PA Bear
>
>
> Stu wrote:
> > First, let me say thank you for trying to help me with this situation.
I
> > uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus. I have no toolbars, I find them to be
too
> > many commercials and not very helpful. I still have the strange
behavior.
> > When I went into "Add/Remove Programs", I saw something I'm not familiar
> > with. Microsoft.net Framework 2.0. I was going to remove it, but I got
a
> > warning message that said other programs may rely on it to work, so I
> > didn't
> > remove it. Do you think this could be something that could cause my
> > problem?
> >
> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:OlnT76cEJHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> >> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
> >> anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
> >> firewall
> >> (if any)? Were any of these applications running in the background
when
> >> you
> >> installed and/or uninstalled WinXP SP3?
> >>
> >> Assuming you're now running WinXP SP2, uninstall any/all third-party
> >> toolbars (e.g., Google; Yahoo; Windows Live; MSN; Skype; Roboform),
> >> reboot, and see if the behavior persists.
> >> --
> >> ~PA Bear
> >>
> >>
> >> Stu wrote:
> >>> I just tried that, but It didn't help. Could I be missing some
setting
> >>> in
> >>> IE that the update automatically changed?
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
> >>> news:Oz%23v%23dUEJHA.768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >>>> Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the
> >>>> problem?
> >>>>
> >>>> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
> >>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249
> >>>>
> >>>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available
for
> >>>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat
> >>>> and
> >>>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go
> >>>> to
> >>>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
> >>>> "Windows
> >>>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
> >>>> --
> >>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> >>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
> >>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
> >>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> Stu wrote:
> >>>>> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as
> >>>>> well
> >>>>> as
> >>>>> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
> >>>>> returns
> >>>>> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
> >>>>> "Preferences"
> >>>>> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to
> >>>>> Google
> >>>>> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use
> >>>>> "Advanced
> >>>>> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences"
> >>>>> thing
> >>>>> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
> >>>>> Windows
> >>>>> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've
> >>>>> gone
> >>>>> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks
> >>>>> correct.
> >>>>> Has anyone ever heard of this?
>

 

[Stu]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

Hello again.

I copied the URL for both the "strange behavior" and the correct behavior
for a search for 'ExMark Explorer'. This is a type of commericial lawn
mower. If someone wouldn't mind trying both URL's and see if they don't
return different results.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=exmark+explorer&btnG=Google+Search
This is the one with the strange results.
http://www.google.com/search?q=exmark+explorer&btnG=Google+Search
This gives the right results. As you can see, there are a few extra
"digits" in the strange one.

Stu

"Stu" <stumann1@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:H%Xwk.23704$3A4.21852@newsfe04.iad...
> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as well
as
> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
returns
> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
"Preferences"
> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to Google
> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences" thing
> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
Windows
> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've gone
> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks correct.
> Has anyone ever heard of this?
>
>

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

Repost:
> What anti-virus application is installed now? Is the Windows Firewall
> enabled?

Stu wrote:
> Well, I did the removal tool from Symantec, no change. So I went back to
> a
> restore point from before I installed even SP-2!! Still no change in
> behavior. I'm considering reloading XP-Pro, I don't know what else to do
> I'll let you know the results.
>
> Stu
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:#g#c9TeEJHA.224@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Have you downloaded and run the Norton Removal Tool yet? If not, do so
>> immediately:
>> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
>>
>> [Norton applications are notorious for not uninstalling cleanly!]
>>
>> What anti-virus application is installed now? Is the Windows Firewall
>> enabled?
>>
>> Don't uninstall anything else, especially any .NET Framework versions!
>> --
>> ~PA Bear
>>
>>
>> Stu wrote:
>>> First, let me say thank you for trying to help me with this situation. I
>>> uninstalled Norton Anti-Virus. I have no toolbars, I find them to be
>>> too
>>> many commercials and not very helpful. I still have the strange
>>> behavior.
>>> When I went into "Add/Remove Programs", I saw something I'm not familiar
>>> with. Microsoft.net Framework 2.0. I was going to remove it, but I got
>>> a
>>> warning message that said other programs may rely on it to work, so I
>>> didn't
>>> remove it. Do you think this could be something that could cause my
>>> problem?
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:OlnT76cEJHA.4744@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>> What anti-virus application or security suite is installed? What
>>>> anti-spyware applications (other than Defender)? What third-party
>>>> firewall
>>>> (if any)? Were any of these applications running in the background
>>>> when
>>>> you
>>>> installed and/or uninstalled WinXP SP3?
>>>>
>>>> Assuming you're now running WinXP SP2, uninstall any/all third-party
>>>> toolbars (e.g., Google; Yahoo; Windows Live; MSN; Skype; Roboform),
>>>> reboot, and see if the behavior persists.
>>>> --
>>>> ~PA Bear
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Stu wrote:
>>>>> I just tried that, but It didn't help. Could I be missing some
>>>>> setting
>>>>> in
>>>>> IE that the update automatically changed?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
>>>>> news:Oz%23v%23dUEJHA.768@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> Does uninstalling WinXP SP3 via Add/Remove Programs resolve the
>>>>>> problem?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
>>>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat
>>>>>> and
>>>>>> e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go
>>>>>> to
>>>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
>>>>>> "Windows
>>>>>> XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
>>>>>> AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
>>>>>> DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Stu wrote:
>>>>>>> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as
>>>>>>> well
>>>>>>> as
>>>>>>> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
>>>>>>> returns
>>>>>>> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
>>>>>>> "Preferences"
>>>>>>> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to
>>>>>>> Google
>>>>>>> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use
>>>>>>> "Advanced
>>>>>>> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences"
>>>>>>> thing
>>>>>>> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
>>>>>>> Windows
>>>>>>> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've
>>>>>>> gone
>>>>>>> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks
>>>>>>> correct.
>>>>>>> Has anyone ever heard of this?

 

[Daave]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

"Stu" <stumann1@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:OEjxk.1990$f43.217@newsfe02.iad...

> I copied the URL for both the "strange behavior" and the correct
> behavior
> for a search for 'ExMark Explorer'. This is a type of commericial
> lawn
> mower. If someone wouldn't mind trying both URL's and see if they
> don't
> return different results.
>
> http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=exmark+explorer&btnG=Google+Search
> This is the one with the strange results.
> http://www.google.com/search?q=exmark+explorer&btnG=Google+Search
> This gives the right results. As you can see, there are a few extra
> "digits" in the strange one.

I'm running XP Home, SP2 with IE7 (version 7.0.5730.13).

Although the results are identical for me, the links in the first are
blue while the links in the second are red. This might be a function of
AVG antivirus, but I'm not sure.

Why not use quotation marks? Your results will be much fewer but more
accurate (at lwast they should be).

Oh, I just remembered! I am using a different address for Google these
days (to eliminate the annoying behavior of terms popping up in the
search box:

http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=0

The results are idetical still.(And they're in red, FWIW.)

Have you cleared your cache?

How about a different browser? Off By One is a great one to test with:

http://offbyone.com/offbyone/

(Interestingly, using OB1, the links are read and blue! They're blue
except for the search terms, which are in red.)

And, as PA Bear pointed out, you need to rule out malware of *all*
sorts. Which programs are you running?

Finally, what are your "Global Preferences"? Do you clear your cookies
frequently? Are cookies enabled?

 

[Stu]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

Sometimes we overlook the obvious... I deleted TIF's and everything is
working fine!! I tried to increase the amount of disc space used, since I
seemed to have filled it up in just a few days, but it won't let me go past
31454 mb. This is only about 1/4th of the way across the slider bar. Is
this normal? I have a 320 gig hard drive, although I just looked at the
properties of c:\ and it only shows it to be 127 gig capacity. Oh No!! a
new problem?

"Stu" <stumann1@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:H%Xwk.23704$3A4.21852@newsfe04.iad...
> Since installing Service Pack-3, I'm having trouble with Google, (as well
as
> other search engines). When I search for something using Google, it
returns
> some obscure, but remotely related sites. If I then click on
"Preferences"
> then "save Preferences" (without making any changes), it returns to Google
> and things are working correctly. Similarly, if I try to use "Advanced
> Search", all I get is a blank screen, unless I do the "Preferences" thing
> again. All this seems to have occurred since I installed SP-3 in to
Windows
> XP pro. Did something get set wrong during the installation? I've gone
> through all the "Internet Options" in IE-6, and everything looks correct.
> Has anyone ever heard of this?
>
>

 

[Daave]

Re: Google and Service Pack-3

"Stu" <stumann1@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:KWlxk.930$cV2.486@newsfe01.iad...

> I have a 320 gig hard drive, although I just looked at the
> properties of c:\ and it only shows it to be 127 gig capacity.
> Oh No!! a new problem?

In another post, you stated:

> So I went back to a restore point from before I installed even
> SP-2!!

Are you running at Gold (pre-SP1)?

Look here:

"The 127gb limit and how to fix it":
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/?tag=hdd_lim