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I'm trying to change my default browser for IE to Google. Following the instructions in the Help, it says to click the Search button on the toolbar, then 'Customize' and choose from the options displayed. But every time I click the customize button, it starts trying to go to some other IP address, which I don't have access to from my company, and locks up my IE. Any clue? Thanks in Advance

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Dani AI

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Brief expert note (thread dated Apr 29–30, 2004). reported that clicking the Search toolbar’s “Customize” caused Internet Explorer to try contacting an IP blocked by the company and then hang. correctly pointed out two practical workarounds: a registry import to set the search provider, and installing the browser toolbar — both of which require local administrator rights or IT assistance.

Practical troubleshooting steps that avoid repeating links already in this thread:

  • Start IE with add-ons disabled to isolate the problem: run iexplore -extoff. If the Customize action works with add-ons off, disable or remove the offending add-on via Tools → Manage Add-ons.
  • Check Event Viewer (Application and System logs) after a hang to identify the faulting module or ActiveX control.
  • If the Customize UI is trying to reach an external site that the corporate network blocks, have IT either allow that outbound address or apply the desired search-provider settings centrally (Group Policy or a signed registry import). Local registry imports require admin rights; use reg import <filename>.reg only with verified files.
  • As a last resort on older IE installs, a settings reset (Tools → Internet Options → Advanced → Reset) can remove corrupted state that causes hangs.

Clarification and cautions: in this 2004 context “change default browser for IE to Google” most likely meant setting Google as IE’s search provider, not installing a separate browser (Chrome was released later). Editing the registry or importing .reg files should be done with caution and only from trusted sources or by IT on managed machines. When corporate controls are involved, the safest route is to request an IT rollout rather than forcing local changes.

Member Avatar for nucking_futs

You can download from google that will change it for you. You will need to be a local administrator for this to work though.

You can also add the google toolbar and skip the search button. This is my personal preference, but to each their own.

Google toolbar:

Member Avatar for BlackDice

thanks!! - bdiamond

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