Error Message re Administrator

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  • Start date Start date
G

Guest

When I click on TOOLS, and then INTERNET OPTIONS to amend my choices, I
receive the following error message:

THIS OPERATION HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT ON THIS
COMPUTER. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR.

I am the designated System Administrator, as there is no one else who uses
my Home PC. I have tried every possible choice that I can think of in
Control Panel, and can't find anywhere to "release" this error. In fact, I
have no idea as to why it has now applied itself to this issue as I have been
able to use this function of I.E. without any problems in the past. I have
not downloaded any new software, nor applied any update that would impact
this, other than an update to RealPlayer.

I await a solution, if possible and thanks so much,
 
Use Regedit.exe and search for NoBrowserOptions and remove it.
It is most likely to be here (but not necessarily)
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Restrictions
If you are unfamiliar with Regedit, then ensure you know how to
restore your Registry in case of error and it is a good to export any
key before deleting.

Check the startup (Start-Run-MSCONFIG-Startup tab) for any unknown
items if it is reset on reboot.

You might try this snippet from Mike Burgess first if you use SpyBot:
'Did you by chance run SpyBot's Immunize feature?
If so, you can unlock by unchecking the option to "Protect IE Control
Panel" '

....Alan
 
Hi Rocky :-)

First, try clearing your TIF's and see if that helps:

Safely Delete the Temporary Internet Files
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/delcache.htm

If still no joy;

You may have a hijacker, malware, spyware or parasites on your system
causing this problem. Thus, in addition to running your updated anti-virus
program, you should do the following to be sure none of these are present on
your system. Although you may have already run one or more of the programs,
please do so again according to the instructions below. Some variants of
malware can replicate themselves over and over if not removed properly.
Please follow all instructions carefully to be sure your system is
thoroughly cleaned:

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Be sure to run CWShredder, Ad-aware and Spybot.
If these steps do not resolve your problem, please post back to this thread
with the details and any error messages.
(or Spybot - Search and Destroy DSO Exploit Fix 1.3.1 TX)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4392.html
Also be sure to use the HijackThis. Please do not post your log to this
newsgroup, but to the SpywareInfo or the Aumha HiJackThis forums
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30, to allow the experts there to
evaluate your log and advise you of the necessary steps to clean your
system.

CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

Also, get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
Also, with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also
From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
also ....
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)

or ........

Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip

Also.........

Courtesy of Jim Byrd -

Download Sysclean.com, from Trend Micro, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp along with the latest pattern
file, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp
Be sure to read the "How-to" info here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/tsc/readme.txt
You might also want to get Art's updater, SYS-UP.Zip, here for future
updating of these: http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg/.
(If you download and use the updater from the beginning, it will
automatically handle downloading the other files. Place them in a dedicated
folder after appropriate unzipping, and then run. This scan may take a long
time, as Sysclean is VERY extensive and thorough

and......

NOTE: If you can not download these programs from the Internet, if your PC
has CD read capabilities, go to another computer with CD-ROM burning
capabilities. Create a folder on the hard drive of the other computer called
HOLD, download the programs to that folder, then burn that folder to a CD.
Copy the HOLD folder to your HD and then install the programs from there
and run them. After you have IE access again, update all programs where
possible to get the latest definitions and run them again in Safe Mode to be
sure there are no lingering items on the system.

also...........

Additional information on how to protect your PC:
The Parasite Fight http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
More security tips at http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
Bugs, Glitches & Stuffups: http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm

If these steps do not resolve your problem, please post back to this thread
with the details and any error messages.

Hope this helps

Jan :)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Please reply to the newsgroup so others may benefit.
Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
 
Allan: Your solution worked when I removed "NoBrowserOptions" from the
Registry and I can now open Tools/Internet Options. However, when I do, the
first item under the General Page Tab - "Home Page - You can change which
page to use for your home page - is available, except the Page URL within the
Address slot is greyed out as are the tabs, Use Current - Use Default - Use
Blank. How can I restore these so that they are useable to amend the Home
Page URL? Thanks.

PS: How can I print your recommendations? Short of Highligting them,
copying and pasting them into a blank email I can't find a way to print your
solutions. Thanks,
 
Hi Rockky,

I am afraid you have me on both your questions. I have not followed
home page hijacking problems for some time but I would start with this
search of previous responses:

http://groups.google.com/groups?q="home+page"+mvps+greyed&hl=en&lr=&scoring=d

As to printing, I don't use (and won't use) the web interface you are
posting with, so I cannot answer. I suggest you use a proper
newsreader instead.
I am sure you have OE.
Outlook Express Newsreader-Setting up
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/outlookexpressnewreader.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/community/newsgroups/setup.asp
http://insideoe.tomsterdam.com/resources/communities.htm#setupmsnews


....Alan
 
Hi Rocky :-)

You may have a hijacker, malware, spyware or parasites on your system
causing this problem. Thus, in addition to running your updated anti-virus
program, you should do the following to be sure none of these are present on
your system. Although you may have already run one or more of the programs,
please do so again according to the instructions below. Some variants of
malware can replicate themselves over and over if not removed properly.
Please follow all instructions carefully to be sure your system is
thoroughly cleaned:

Dealing with Unwanted Spyware and Parasites:
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
Be sure to run CWShredder, Ad-aware and Spybot.
If these steps do not resolve your problem, please post back to this thread
with the details and any error messages.
(or Spybot - Search and Destroy DSO Exploit Fix 1.3.1 TX)
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4392.html
Also be sure to use the HijackThis. Please do not post your log to this
newsgroup, but to the SpywareInfo, or the Aumha HiJackThis forums
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=30, to allow the experts there to
evaluate your log and advise you of the necessary steps to clean your
system.

CAUTION!!!!! Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs
below, download a copy of LSPFIX from any of the following sites:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
(if your OS is Win2k or XP) The process of removing certain malware may kill
your internet connection. If this should occur, this program, LSPFIX, will
enable you to regain your connection.

Also, get a copy of WINSOCKXPFIX available at:
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
and
WinsockXP Fix- WinXP
http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
Also, with instructions, at
http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm
also
From LavaSoft- all versions of Windows-
http://digital-solutions.co.uk/lavasoft/whndnfix.zip
also ....
(NOTE: It is reported that in XP SP2, the command netsh winsock reset
will fix this problem without the need for these programs.)

or ........

Winsock Fix Utility
http://www.dfwonline.net/files/WinsockFix.zip

Also.........

Courtesy of Jim Byrd -

Download Sysclean.com, from Trend Micro, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp along with the latest pattern
file, here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/download/pattern.asp
Be sure to read the "How-to" info here:
http://www.trendmicro.com/ftp/products/tsc/readme.txt
You might also want to get Art's updater, SYS-UP.Zip, here for future
updating of these: http://home.epix.net/~artnpeg/.
(If you download and use the updater from the beginning, it will
automatically handle downloading the other files. Place them in a dedicated
folder after appropriate unzipping, and then run. This scan may take a long
time, as Sysclean is VERY extensive and thorough

and......

NOTE: If you can not download these programs from the Internet, if your PC
has CD read capabilities, go to another computer with CD-ROM burning
capabilities. Create a folder on the hard drive of the other computer called
HOLD, download the programs to that folder, then burn that folder to a CD.
Copy the HOLD folder to your HD and then install the programs from there
and run them. After you have IE access again, update all programs where
possible to get the latest definitions and run them again in Safe Mode to be
sure there are no lingering items on the system.

also...........

Additional information on how to protect your PC:
The Parasite Fight http://www.aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
More security tips at http://www.aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
Bugs, Glitches & Stuffups: http://www.mvps.org/inetexplorer/Darnit.htm


If these steps do not resolve your problem, please post back to this thread
with the details and any error messages.

Hope this helps

Jan :)
Smiles are meant to be shared,
that's why they're so contagious.

Please reply to the newsgroup so others may benefit.
Replies are posted only to the newsgroup for the benefit or other readers.

How to make a good newsgroup post:
http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
 
Rocky said:
Allan: Your solution worked when I removed "NoBrowserOptions" from
the Registry and I can now open Tools/Internet Options. However,
when I do, the first item under the General Page Tab - "Home Page -
You can change which page to use for your home page - is available,
except the Page URL within the Address slot is greyed out as are the
tabs, Use Current - Use Default - Use Blank. How can I restore these
so that they are useable to amend the Home Page URL? Thanks.

PS: How can I print your recommendations? Short of Highligting them,
copying and pasting them into a blank email I can't find a way to
print your solutions. Thanks,
Click to expand...

From http://www.fjsmjs.com/IE/homepage.htm

If you have SpyBot S&D installed, go to the "Immunize" section.
Is "Lock IE Start Page Settings" ticked?
If so, uncheck it.

If that is not the problem, get and run these programs (if you test after
each one you can stop when the problem is gone):
Ad-Aware:
http://www.lavasoftusa.com
Once installed make sure to update via online before scanning!
and
Spybot - Search & Destroy -
http://security.kolla.de/
http://security.kolla.de/index.php?lang=en&page=download
http://spybot.eon.net.au/
http://www.tomcoyote.org/SPYBOT/
Once installed make sure to update via online before scanning!
and
BHO Demon: http://www.spywareinfo.com/downloads/bhod/

Until the problem is solved.


If you still have problems, some ISP's provide a customized version of IE.
Some Web pages will also reset your home page and do this. One of the
customizations they might make is to disable the ability to change the home
page, so that you are forced to use their home page. You can re-enable this
by making a small change in the Windows registry.

In Regedit, navigate to this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control
Panel

In the right-hand pane, right-click the "HomePage" value, then select
Modify. Change it to: 00 00 00 00

Also change either or these to zero 0 instead of 1 if present:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
- DWORD "NoSetHomePage"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet
Explorer\Restrictions] - DWORD "NoSetHomePage"=dword:00000001

If you don't have this key, browse to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main

and in the right hand pane, double click "Local Page" and set equal to
"C:\WINDOWS\System\blank.htm" (no quotes) which will hopefully set your Home
Page to blank and then allow you to subsequently modify it using Internet
Options.

Exit regedit and reboot.

When you reboot, you should be able to change the home page again.

Some pages will also download a program which keeps changing it back. Go to
Start | Run and type:
msconfig
and press <Enter> or click OK. Go to the Startup tab.
See if you can identify any suspicious programs. If you can, uncheck it, If
you can't, change the home page to what you want and then uncheck one and
then reboot. Try IE. If the Web page changed, change it back and then try
msconfig again, rechecking the last one and unchecking the next. Keep doing
this until you find the culprit.


You might also want to look at this little program. I haven't tried it, but
I've read encouraging reports:

http://www.pjwalczak.com/spguard/

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP, IE/OE
Please respond in Newsgroup only. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
 
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