Did you lose control of your internet browser? Has your homepage been reset to some wacky site that you have never heard of before? Unfortunately, this kind of thing happens to the best of us. The good news is, however, that Windows XP makes it easy for you to take back the control that you once had over your web browser, the startup homepage, your email settings, and the instant messenger.
This can be easily accomplished by resetting the factory settings for your internet programs on your computer. Your homepage will be reset to the page that your computer originally was set up to display. All your internet settings will return to default. This means you’ll need to check the security settings and decide which level is best for your personal computing needs. So, let’s get cracking.
Click on the Start button. Move your mouse pointer to All programs. A slide-out menu will open containing all your user related computer programs. Click on the Set Program Access and Defaults program. Click on Computer Manufacturer. Click OK.
Click on your browser (Internet Explorer/ Fire Fox). The home page will now display with the manufacturer’s settings. If you want, you can change the home page later. First, double-click on your Instant Messenger program (on the task bar). The Instant Messenger will work just as it did when it was installed with your computer settings (If not, then you might have to set your computer to an earlier Restore Point). Your email settings are restored to the factory settings. Check your Outlook program or whichever email program you first started using on your computer.
Now that your home page has been returned to normal, you may wish to make a few adjustments to your internet options (unless you want to see the manufacturer’s web site every time you open your browser). So, let’s get started to seeing things done your way.
First, open your internet browser (Internet Explorer/ Fire Fox).
Fire Fox browsers start here. Locate the Tools menu, click on it, and select Options. Click on the Main tab. Ensure that the Startup section is set to Show my home page. In the Home Page textbox, type the address you want your browser to load for your home page each time you visit the web. Set your options for Downloads, and then click on the OK button.
Internet Explorer browsers start here. Click on the Tools menu. Select Internet Options. Ensure that you’re looking at the General tab. In the Home Page section, type in the text box the web address you want to see when each time you visit the web. Visit the Security tab to make changes to the security level for your computer. Visit the Privacy tab to protect your privacy when you access the web. Click on the OK button when you have finished making your adjustments.
Hit the Ctrl + r keys on your keyboard to refresh the browser page. You will see your chosen home page on the screen, just like you had it before. You are good to go!
