Why do the Internet Explorer option settings change on its own?

The following Internet Options settings have been changed and/or have become restricted:

- The homepage address URL link.
- Internet Explorer starts and automatically opens new windows.
- Internet Explorer option settings cannot be changed.
- Favorites option settings cannot be changed.
- The deleted icon reappears again when Windows is restarted.

This symptom could be due to the following reasons:
1. Virus may have infected the computer
2. Installation of certain 3rd party software

Please perform the steps below to see if the symptom is resolved.

Step1: Set the Home Page address.
If a specific Web page is accessed, the Web page (start page, home address) that appears first when Internet Explorer is started may be altered. If an unintended Web page address is set as the start page, refer to the detailed solution below and change the start page setting.
1. Start Internet Explorer, click the Tools tab and then click Internet Options.
2. Enter the Home Page address and click OK.

If the problem persists, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Check through the Internet Explorer Settings.
First, delete all the temporary files, history and cookies and reset the Web settings.
Follow the steps below to reset the Web settings:
1. Start Internet Explorer, click the Tools tab and then click Internet Options.
2. Click the Programs tab and then click Reset Web Settings.
3. Select the Also reset my home page option, click Yes and then click OK.

If the problem persists, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3: Delete uncessary programs.
Some unnecessary programs might be installed when browsing some particular Web pages. These programs may cause the start page address to be changed to unexpected Web page address when Internet Explorer is restarted.
If this happens, delete unnecessary programs by:
1. Deleting unknown programs using the Add or Remove Programs function.
2. Check memory-resident programs and delete unknown programs, if any.

If the problem persists, proceed to Step 4.

Step 4: Disable Java.
Check if the symptom occurs when Java is disabled.
Note:
On some Web pages, problems such as data is not shown normally or login authentication cannot be carried out occur if the settings of Java are not enabled.
If this happens, enable the settings only when browsing the relevant page or register the Web page to the trusted site.

If the problem persists, proceed to Step 5.

Step 5: Check if the computer is infected by viruses.
Check if the computer is infected by viruses by using the pre-installed anti-virus software or other reliable softwares. (Ensure that the anti-virus has the latest updates.)
For the details of anti-virus software, refer to Help or contact with the anti-virus software developer.

If the problem persists, proceed to Step 6.

Step 6: Check if the problem disappears when System Restore is carried out.
Use the System Restore function and perform a restore on the computer.

For more information, please refer to the following solution in Microsoft's technical support website.
Article ID: 320159
Title: Home Page Setting Changes Unexpectedly, or You Cannot Change Your Home Page.
Last reviewed: 12th Dec 2003

Article ID: 827315
Title: Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by third-party software
Last reviewed: 10th June 2004

Additional Information
(Please copy and paste the title into the Search: Knowledge base solution: search box.)

Title: How to change the home page that appears when Internet Explorer is launched?