Sorry guys for not having re-read the computer FAQ or following the directions. An up-to-date Norton anti-virus indicated the download was safe and it did not occur to me that this problem could be malware–shows what I know.
Currently running Malwarebytes and it has already found 43 incidences of malware.
Avoid the iobit stuff they love to bundle other crap.
Look for a program called adw cleaner…look for the download link at bleepingcomputer.com. remove whatever it finds then try to reset home page again.
the suggestion of malwarebytes is a good one but run tfc by oldtimer first, this will dump all temp folders reducing the number of files to scan…sometimes by several hundred thosand files.
I had the same issue when I installed AdAware. What a pain in the ass to get rid of. Add/Remove programs didn’t work. Instructions on forums didn’t do it. It was always launching update prompts after I deleted it manually or when I clicked on a file in whatever Windows Explorer is called in Windows 8 now (File Explorer, I guess).
If XP allows you, go back to an earlier date setup. That often removes imbedded scripts. I just ran into an annoying pop-up ad virus and eliminated it by stepping back in time. I tried various security software to no avail.
I see that the OP’s problem is solved, but I’m sharing this anyway – Should I Remove It? is a free download that (1) tells you what software/programs are on your computer, (2) describes what the programs do, and (3) will Uninstall for you without even having to go to the Control Panel. It also gives a percentage of users who’ve removed programs, in case you’re still not sure.
This is often a good way to remove viruses, but you need to know when you were infected. Also, malware often deletes all the backups, so it won’t work.
I had the exact same problem a month ago and I did the same thing. You have to identify the name of the application first, then remove it with Add/Remove programs.
These things get inserted when you install new software, and you need to know what they’re called in order to remove them.
These bastards are running a typical bait and switch: they run a scan that takes about 5 seconds, generate a list of problems and then tell you need to pay them to remove the problems.
Oh, and uninstalling the goddam thing looks like it’s going to be a real problem. Clicking “uninstall” in the control panel brings up a screen asking I want to allow the program you are trying to uninstall to make changes on my computer!!! Naturally I declined, and that cancelled the uninstall, apparently. I have now clinked allow changes to be made and am hoping the goddam thing goes away.
Oops- I got that allow changes box again. Clicked yes allow again. Piss me off.