Problem, Can't edit/change IE home page

I can't edit/change my IE home page. Have tried regedit and changing it thru the IE Properties panel. It imediately changes back to 'RCN'. The two entries I edit in the Registry are "Local Page" and "Start Page". I'm running XP Professional w/ SP2 & the latest Microsoft patches. Run Symantec Anti Virus and Firewall and Ad-Aware w/ VX2 Cleaner Plug In. I have performed 'all' the steps in the 'Read Me First Before Asking For Support' document. Still have the same problem. Trend Micro scan ran w/ no problems. Couldn't run the Symantec Security Check, it just wouldn't run. I did do a full anti virus scan w/ no problems. Ran Spybot, CWShredder, Kill2me, and AboutBuster, McAfee AVERT Stinger, no problems found. Can someone provide another direction? I appear to be about out of options.

 

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I have attached the HJT log file.

 

Your HJT log is clean!

You have some restrictions as per the entry below added from Spybot S&D. You will need to disable these restrictions.

As far as everything else you look clean to me. Are you having any further problems?

O6 - HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel present

 

Thanks for the feedback. No other 'problems'. But can you give me any direction on the 'restrictions in the IE Control Panel'?? I've searched every option under IE Properties and don't see where I have something set that would prevent me from editing the Registry. Any suggestions??

 

These restrictions are added from Spybot S&D. They are located in Spybot S&D not the in IE Properties. Load Spybot S&D, boot into Advanced Mode and remove the restrictions. Go into Tool, IE Tweaks, and uncheck "Lock IE start page setting against user changes (current user)."

 

Went to SB S&D as directions. None of the lock boxes were checked. I don't think SB S&D is causing my problem. I had this problem before I installed SB S&D. The issue may be in the IE Control Panel / Properties, but I don't know where. I've looked at every setting I can find and don't see anything that I think would cause the IE Home Page to be locked. I'm still scratching my head.

 

Its from Spybot S&D, was any of those 3 boxes checked?

Also, scan with HJT and have check those O6 entries, remove them and see if they come back.

 

I removed the HJT 06 entries. The06 entries didn't come back. But I still can't change my IE Home Page. I tried regedit and IE Tools to change the home page. Can anyone think of anything else I can try??

 

Not running spywareblaster.

Followed path HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\InternetExplorer\ControlPanel
BUT, under InternetExplorer, don't have 'ControlPanel'. In the right panel just have (Default) Type=REG_SZ. Data=(value not set)

I'll try the link to Microsoft and see if that is any help.

BTW, THANKS for the suggestions. Keep them coming. I'll be sure to let everyone know when (if) I get this resolved without removing IE and re-installing.

 

Just tried the link to Microsoft support. The link won't work. ???

 

The problem is solved. It was Ad-Watch. It was preventing me from editing the registry and the way I had it configured, it wasn't notifying me, ie asking me if I really wanted to apply the change to the registry.
THANKS to everyone who was trying to help me. You guys are GREAT.

 

Well..I learned something today LOL!

Should have considered this as a possibility. Dang, now I dont like Adwatch.

LOL!

Glad you got it fixed