Interestingly over last few days I have experienced same problem, not sure why this problem has just started or the cause? Like casl03 I have run AV, AS etc., nothing detected.
My Internet Options Home page is set as my ISP URL so initially thought my ISP server was down (since all other URLs respond OK)? But problem is intermittent, 80% time I receive the Page cannot be displayed message then default myway page URL appears.
Also checked Registry Editor, HKCU/Software/Microsoft/Internet Explorer/Main the data value for Default_Page_URL is the DELL myway page, but data value for Start Page (as is Internet Options setting) is correct, that is, my ISP home page URL? Finally, assume myway has always been on my PC so not sure why it would now start causing Home Page URL problems?
Probably a red herring, but only unusual thing was received an InstallShield auto update about DELL Media Experience CinePlayer, after install obtained strange warning message “This Update is not designed for the application version currently installed”? Strange to get this AFTER being asked to install?
BellBoy - did you recently update a version of ZoneAlarm? If so, that is the culprit...
Message Edited by hrova on 07-08-200610:06 PM
Steps if you have ZoneAlarm 6.5 (taken from JRosenfeld).....
Zone Alarm free firewall v 6.5.xxx? locks the home page, with no option to unlock it (the Pro version does have the option). As its services are not loaded in safe mode, it would not interfere in safe mode, so starting in Safe Mode is one way to change the page.
An alternative is to uncheck load ZA on startup, shut it down, restart; then you can change the home page in normal mode. (make sure XP firewall is on before connecting to the internet). After changing home page, you can restart ZA from start/programs.
Thanks, I had read Jrosenfeld reply to the lakehaven post. Found it interesting since just upgraded ZAP to v 6.5.722 (previous 6.5.xxx versions had McAfee compatibility & stability issues).
I have contacted Zone Labs (normally very good at replying to tech queries). Will post here if anything to report from my ZA query.
Still waiting on reply from Zone Labs. ZAP has numerous features relating to blocking & locking, e.g. engaging Internet Lock & pass-lock permissions but I don’t see any new feature that specifically locks or unlocks IE6 Option Settings Home Page URL. Unless Jrosenfeld post is referring to a Control feature only available in ZoneAlarm Security Suite & not in ZAP?
I have never had to add my ISPs DNS or DHCP servers to the trusted zone
In any case the Home Page problem has ceased & I may have found cause?
I did some IPAddress (IPA) investigations, noted ISP had changed (as normal) my dynamically assigned IPA, in particular the Subnet Mask value (255.255.255.0) that caused similar problems during August 2005. Subnet Mask has now reverted to previous higher IPA group span value & I have no more Home Page URL problems.
ZAP used to give an Add to Zone warning prompt when a new IPA was detected, haven’t seen this prompt for a while, even though ISP has changed my IPA many times?
I was thrilled to read the comment about Zone Alarm locking the Home Page. I have been fighting this for days and I have the latest Zone Alarm.
I resolved this by going to Safe Mode and changing the Start Page there. I should have just done that anyway but hadn't. The changed Start Page has held for several days so I guess I'm OK.
I guess this doesn't prove that it was Zone Alarm that caused the problem but at least I found a way to resolve the problem.
Ok,I tried the safe mode but since I'm still new at this I wasn't able to change back to normal mode, so, once in safe mode, how do I go back to normal mode? Sorry, I know it's a stupid question but...
Zone Labs replied, yes there is a new function (under Program Control) called "Change IE Home Page" which has various option settings, default is ASK, which means you would get a warning prompt if some program was trying to change your Home Page. And I’ve tried the other options, but it makes NO difference. It’s part of ZAP OSFirewall function.
Anyway I have concluded that it’s not a program that is changing my Internet Option setting Home Page URL but is simply; when IE6 browser cannot find it, the browser locates & then displays the default page URL. If data value for Default_Page_URL is the DELL myway page URL, then that’s what you see. Therefore this fault will occur if something was blocking the Home Page URL or problems with Home Page URL DNServer.
Sent query (twice) to ISP but still waiting on reply, since problem returned today when ISP changed my IP Address again which included problematic Subnet Mask value 255.255.255.0. Unfortunately my ISP is hopeless at answering tech queries (but the do answer purchase questions, apologies for the cynicism)
ok so I have tried shutting down Zone Alarm and set my home page, get all back together and POOF STILL at that
http://www.google.com/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-inc&channel=us home page. I tried goin into safe mode and changing the home page and STILL restart and get that
http://www.google.com/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-inc&channel=us. I feel trapped by Dell into using thier own home page. During one of my chats the person had said that we would have to change the system registry. I asked him to guide me though the steps but I had to answer a few questions like my address & Phone number and then all of a sudden he decided that he did some research on this topic and they think it is due to spy ware. But I have run spyware programs and have done everything that everyone has suggested and still am stuck with
http://www.google.com/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-inc&channel=us as my home page with no hope of chaning it.:smileymad:
Are you sure that your Home Page URL is being changed? The reason you are getting the default page URL (DELLs myway page) may be as indicated in my last post.
Two methods to check that your Home Page setting is correct:
1. From Internet Explorer screen (simple check)
Click Tools/Internet Options/General tab indicates Home Page URL setting
2. From Registry Editor (bit more involved)
Click Windows Start button, click Run (just above Log Off key icon), in the Open dialog box type in the word regedit then click OK button, this will take you to Registry Editor.
Do NOT make any data value editing changes unless you are an advanced PC user or know exactly what you are doing. (Purpose here is just to allow you to check relevant entries)
On the LHS pane click [+] next to following folders to open the relevant folder path
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Internet Explorer
Now click on the folder called Main the RHS pane of this folder indicates Names & Data values.
Look for the Name Default_Page_URL data value should be the DELL myway page URL.
Now scroll down & look for the Name Start Page data value should be your Home Page URL, as shown in Internet Explorer options.
If registry data values are correct? Then it’s a problem with your Home Page URL Server or server network addressing process, confirmed if you receive the "Page cannot be displayed" error message followed by the default DELL myway page appearing.
dunedin
2.7K Posts
0
July 8th, 2006 21:00
BELL BOY
1.1K Posts
0
July 9th, 2006 00:00
Interestingly over last few days I have experienced same problem, not sure why this problem has just started or the cause? Like casl03 I have run AV, AS etc., nothing detected.
My Internet Options Home page is set as my ISP URL so initially thought my ISP server was down (since all other URLs respond OK)? But problem is intermittent, 80% time I receive the Page cannot be displayed message then default myway page URL appears.
Also checked Registry Editor, HKCU/Software/Microsoft/Internet Explorer/Main the data value for Default_Page_URL is the DELL myway page, but data value for Start Page (as is Internet Options setting) is correct, that is, my ISP home page URL? Finally, assume myway has always been on my PC so not sure why it would now start causing Home Page URL problems?
Probably a red herring, but only unusual thing was received an InstallShield auto update about DELL Media Experience CinePlayer, after install obtained strange warning message “This Update is not designed for the application version currently installed”? Strange to get this AFTER being asked to install?
casl03
7 Posts
0
July 9th, 2006 03:00
Ok, did that but still start IE with the Dell Start Page here is the website I ALWAYS get: http://www.google.com/ig/dell?hl=en&client=dell-inc&channel=us
I want to set my own start page in IE, still need HELP!!!!!!:smileysad:
hrova
2 Intern
•
2.2K Posts
0
July 9th, 2006 04:00
Message Edited by hrova on 07-08-200610:06 PM
Steps if you have ZoneAlarm 6.5 (taken from JRosenfeld).....
Message Edited by hrova on 07-08-200610:08 PM
BELL BOY
1.1K Posts
0
July 10th, 2006 00:00
hrova
Thanks, I had read Jrosenfeld reply to the lakehaven post. Found it interesting since just upgraded ZAP to v 6.5.722 (previous 6.5.xxx versions had McAfee compatibility & stability issues).
I have contacted Zone Labs (normally very good at replying to tech queries). Will post here if anything to report from my ZA query.
Message Edited by BELL BOY on 07-09-200608:23 PM
BELL BOY
1.1K Posts
0
July 10th, 2006 20:00
Still waiting on reply from Zone Labs. ZAP has numerous features relating to blocking & locking, e.g. engaging Internet Lock & pass-lock permissions but I don’t see any new feature that specifically locks or unlocks IE6 Option Settings Home Page URL. Unless Jrosenfeld post is referring to a Control feature only available in ZoneAlarm Security Suite & not in ZAP?
I have never had to add my ISPs DNS or DHCP servers to the trusted zone
In any case the Home Page problem has ceased & I may have found cause?
I did some IPAddress (IPA) investigations, noted ISP had changed (as normal) my dynamically assigned IPA, in particular the Subnet Mask value (255.255.255.0) that caused similar problems during August 2005. Subnet Mask has now reverted to previous higher IPA group span value & I have no more Home Page URL problems.
ZAP used to give an Add to Zone warning prompt when a new IPA was detected, haven’t seen this prompt for a while, even though ISP has changed my IPA many times?
Message Edited by BELL BOY on 07-10-200604:29 PM
mrzippy55
4 Posts
0
July 10th, 2006 22:00
I was thrilled to read the comment about Zone Alarm locking the Home Page. I have been fighting this for days and I have the latest Zone Alarm.
I resolved this by going to Safe Mode and changing the Start Page there. I should have just done that anyway but hadn't. The changed Start Page has held for several days so I guess I'm OK.
I guess this doesn't prove that it was Zone Alarm that caused the problem but at least I found a way to resolve the problem.
I hope this works for others.
mrzippy
BELL BOY
1.1K Posts
0
July 11th, 2006 01:00
Well Zone Labs have replied, will post results tomorrow, had enough for one day.
casl03
7 Posts
0
July 11th, 2006 13:00
dunedin
2.7K Posts
0
July 11th, 2006 14:00
BELL BOY
1.1K Posts
0
July 12th, 2006 23:00
Info to anyone still interested in topic?
Zone Labs replied, yes there is a new function (under Program Control) called "Change IE Home Page" which has various option settings, default is ASK, which means you would get a warning prompt if some program was trying to change your Home Page. And I’ve tried the other options, but it makes NO difference. It’s part of ZAP OSFirewall function.
Anyway I have concluded that it’s not a program that is changing my Internet Option setting Home Page URL but is simply; when IE6 browser cannot find it, the browser locates & then displays the default page URL. If data value for Default_Page_URL is the DELL myway page URL, then that’s what you see. Therefore this fault will occur if something was blocking the Home Page URL or problems with Home Page URL DNServer.
Sent query (twice) to ISP but still waiting on reply, since problem returned today when ISP changed my IP Address again which included problematic Subnet Mask value 255.255.255.0. Unfortunately my ISP is hopeless at answering tech queries (but the do answer purchase questions, apologies for the cynicism)
casl03
7 Posts
0
July 13th, 2006 02:00
hrova
2 Intern
•
2.2K Posts
0
July 13th, 2006 06:00
Did you uninstall all Google products first, using the info. in this link, steps 2 through 6?
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&dn=1094103
Once you have done that, then change the home page in safe mode.
If that doesn't work, I am stumped....
dunedin
2.7K Posts
0
July 13th, 2006 11:00
BELL BOY
1.1K Posts
0
July 13th, 2006 23:00
casl03
Are you sure that your Home Page URL is being changed? The reason you are getting the default page URL (DELLs myway page) may be as indicated in my last post.
Two methods to check that your Home Page setting is correct:
1. From Internet Explorer screen (simple check)
Click Tools/Internet Options/General tab indicates Home Page URL setting
2. From Registry Editor (bit more involved)
Click Windows Start button, click Run (just above Log Off key icon), in the Open dialog box type in the word regedit then click OK button, this will take you to Registry Editor.
Do NOT make any data value editing changes unless you are an advanced PC user or know exactly what you are doing. (Purpose here is just to allow you to check relevant entries)
On the LHS pane click [+] next to following folders to open the relevant folder path
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Internet Explorer
Now click on the folder called Main the RHS pane of this folder indicates Names & Data values.
Look for the Name Default_Page_URL data value should be the DELL myway page URL.
Now scroll down & look for the Name Start Page data value should be your Home Page URL, as shown in Internet Explorer options.
If registry data values are correct? Then it’s a problem with your Home Page URL Server or server network addressing process, confirmed if you receive the "Page cannot be displayed" error message followed by the default DELL myway page appearing.