Vista Tutorial - Internet Explorer Search Box

**Brink**

How to Change the Internet Explorer Search Box Settings in Vista

Information

This will show you how to use, setup, and change the default search provider for the Internet Explorer Search box.

Tip

To add or remove the Iternet Explorer Search box for all user accounts, see: How to Add or Remove the Internet Explorer Search Box in Vista

NOTE

The keyboard shortcut to open and take you to the Internet Explorer Search box is: CTRL+E

RELATED LINKS:

EXAMPLE: Internet Explorer Search Box

Here's How:

1. To Search the Web -
A) Type what you want to search for and press Enter or click the magnifying glass button. (See example screenshot above)

2. To Use and Change the Search Box Options -
A) Click on the drop down arrow for the search box options. (See screenshots below)
NOTE: See steps 3, 4, and 5 below for an explanation of each option.

3. To Search for text on the current webpage -
A) Click on Find on this Page. (See screenshot above)
NOTE: You can also press CTRL+F to see this box.

4. To Add a Different Search Provider -
A) Click on Find More Providers. (See screenshot below step 2)
NOTE: This wil take you to a Microsoft website where you can choose from a list of different seach providers. (EX: Google)

5. To Change Search Defaults -
NOTE: This allows you to set or remove a default search provider that you have already added from step 4.
A) Click on Change Search Defaults (IE7) or Manage Search Providers (IE8). (See screenshot below step 2)

B) To Change Default Search Provider - Click on a search provider to highlight it and click on the Default (IE7) or Set as default (IE8) button. (See screenshot below)

C) To Remove a Search Provider - Click on a search provider to highlight it and click on the Remove button. (See screenshots below)

6. To Search a Site from the Search Box -
NOTE: If you are on a site and the arrow next to the magnifying glass turns orange, then that site can be searched from the search box or added as a provider.
A) Click on the orange arrow. (See screenshot below)

B) Check the site. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: For example, Vista X64 Forums.

C) You can now type something into the search box and press Enter for it be searched on the website.

7. To Add a Site as the Default Search Provider -
NOTE: If you are on a site and the arrow next to the magnifying glass turns orange, then that site can be searched from the search box or added as a provider.
A) Click on Add Search Providers. (See screenshot below)

B) Click on the Site you want to add.
NOTE: For example, Vista X64 Forums.

That's it,
Shawn

**chuah_hl** · 10-06-2008

Hello,
Though after I have removed the search providers, Mail.RU, it will still come up again after I restore advanced settings and reset Internet Explorer settings. I have already uninstall the program. Is there another way to get rid of it?

**Brink** · 10-06-2008

Hello Chuah_hl,

You might check to see if you have some security or spyware program installed that has the option to prevent the Search provider from being changed. If you do, then you will need to disable that option first before you can remove the search provider in step 5C above.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

**chuah_hl** · 10-07-2008

Hello,

I have checked, but I didn't find anything that stops me from removing my Mail.RU, which is a program that my friend installed, but I uninstalled after she has her own computer. I have tried to remove the search provider many times, but it still comes back everytime after I reset my Internet settings. I hope you can help me with this problem. Thank you.

**Brink** · 10-07-2008

Double check the settings of security/privacy/antispyware programs for the option to lock homepage, lock IE control panel, lock IE settings, etc.

Spybot (Advanced Mode) Tools> IE Tweaks
Spybot- Teatimer
Ad-aware Pro
Norton AV (Web Browsing > Spyware protection)
McAfee AV or Antispyware
Spyware Blaster
Spysweeper
Zone Alarm- free and pro.

In addition, see if Merging (right click and Merge) this REG download can help you. It restores the settings in the registry back to the default Live Search search provider for IE7.

Default_Search_Provider.reg

Hope this helps,
Shawn

**chuah_hl** · 10-07-2008

Hello,

My problem is solved! Thank you very much!

Oh, thanks for the quick reply too, I really appreciate it!

**Brink** · 10-08-2008

Your welcome Chuah_hl. I'm happy to hear that it is sorted out now.

Shawn

10-06-2008
chuah_hl Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Vista Home Basic 32bit 6 posts	Re: Internet Explorer Search Box Hello, Though after I have removed the search providers, Mail.RU, it will still come up again after I restore advanced settings and reset Internet Explorer settings. I have already uninstall the program. Is there another way to get rid of it?
My System Specs

10-06-2008
Brink Administrator Join Date: Apr 2007 Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 (7600) x64 25,806 posts	Re: Internet Explorer Search Box Hello Chuah_hl, You might check to see if you have some security or spyware program installed that has the option to prevent the Search provider from being changed. If you do, then you will need to disable that option first before you can remove the search provider in step 5C above. Hope this helps, Shawn
My System Specs

10-07-2008
chuah_hl Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Vista Home Basic 32bit 6 posts	Re: Internet Explorer Search Box Hello, I have checked, but I didn't find anything that stops me from removing my Mail.RU, which is a program that my friend installed, but I uninstalled after she has her own computer. I have tried to remove the search provider many times, but it still comes back everytime after I reset my Internet settings. I hope you can help me with this problem. Thank you.
My System Specs

10-07-2008
Brink Administrator Join Date: Apr 2007 Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 (7600) x64 25,806 posts	Re: Internet Explorer Search Box Double check the settings of security/privacy/antispyware programs for the option to lock homepage, lock IE control panel, lock IE settings, etc. Spybot (Advanced Mode) Tools> IE Tweaks Spybot- Teatimer Ad-aware Pro Norton AV (Web Browsing > Spyware protection) McAfee AV or Antispyware Spyware Blaster Spysweeper Zone Alarm- free and pro. In addition, see if Merging (right click and Merge) this REG download can help you. It restores the settings in the registry back to the default Live Search search provider for IE7. Default_Search_Provider.reg Hope this helps, Shawn
My System Specs

10-08-2008
Brink Administrator Join Date: Apr 2007 Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 (7600) x64 25,806 posts	Re: Internet Explorer Search Box Your welcome Chuah_hl. I'm happy to hear that it is sorted out now. Shawn
My System Specs

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