....or it could have just been a major Windows update.
Unless you've noticed other, more insidious changes.
It sounds like your IE was reset back to factory specs. This is a good
thing, and beats the heck out of the alternatives.
The first thing a decent technician will do, is clean out toolbars and
startup programs to get your system back to a maintainable state.
As long as you are able to change the home page, and your system is reacting
to your commands, and not doing anything wrong,
I'd say keep an eye on it for changes, and don't worry too much.
Keep your OS happy, (virus and malware scans) and you'll be happy.
"Kayman" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:13:59 -0600, angel3 wrote:
Hello..I have noticed some unusual changes to my computer to which I
have had no choice lately, so I went to my system restore and it would
not restore my files..I picked a few restore points and no luck..My
google toolbar is gone, my home page changed to MSN page. Anyone have
any ideas as to what is going on?
It's probably a case of malware infection 
1.Clear the (IE) temporary Internet files and the history cache.
Click Start==Run... then type (or copy/paste) "inetcpl.cpl" (w/out
quotation marks) into the box, then click the 'OK' button.
In Internet Properties panel 'General' tab, under 'Browsing history',
click
'Delete...'button, in 'Delete Browsing History' panel, click the 'Delete
all...'button then place a checkmark into the box beside 'Also delete
files
and settings stored by add-ons', Click 'Yes' and exit the Internet
Properties panel by clicking the 'OK' button.
2.Clean HDD
Delete files using Disk Cleanup (if on Vista)
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...139d91033.mspx
3.Download/execute:
Malwarebytes© Corporation - Anti-Malware
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam/program/mbam-setup.exe
--and--
Kaspersky® AVPTool
http://avptool.virusinfo.info/en/
Direct:
http://downloads5.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/AVPTool/
--and--
Dr.Web CureIt!® Utility - FREE
http://www.freedrweb.com/cureit/
--and--
SuperAntispyware - Free
http://www.superantispyware.com/supe...freevspro.html
NOTE:
Kaspersky® Virus Removal Tool, Dr.Web CureIt!® and the free version of
Malwarebytes© and SuperAntispyware are not capable for real-time
protection
of your computer.
Kaspersky® AVPTool, Dr.Web CureIt!® have no update feature (so they don't
turn into full blown scanners). As soon as your computer is cleaned you
are
supposed to remove these tools from your operating system.
K/AVPTool; To uninstall/move this program 'enable self-defense' must
be
unchecked!
The free version of Malwarebytes© and SuperAntispyware have an update
feature, keep them installed in addtion to your resident AV/A-S
applications and scan frequently.
After the software is updated, it is suggested scanning the system in Safe
Mode.
How do you boot to Safe Mode?
By pressing/tabbing F8 (or F5 on some keyboards) during re-boot.
A description of the Safe Mode Boot options in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=315222
Start your computer in safe mode (Vista)
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Win...904a11033.mspx
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...utorial61.html
Alternatively:
Click Start==Run... then type (or copy/paste) "msconfig" (without
quotation marks), click OK. Then click onto BOOT.INI tab and 'check'
/SAFEBOOT then OK and click Restart. To go back to Normal Mode, you must
access the System Configuration utility again and click the General tab
then click/check the radio button 'Normal Startup'- load all device
drivers
and services'.
4.Download and execute HiJack This! (HJT)
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en...ols/hijackthis
Please, do not post HJT logs to this newsgroup.
Fora where you can get expert advice for HiJack This! (HJT) logs.
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0
http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/index.php?showforum=27
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/i...hp?showforum=7
http://www.5starsupport.com/ipboard/...p?showforum=18
http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/in...showf orum=29
NOTE:
Registration is required in any of the above mentioned fora before posting
a HJT log and read the 'stickies' (instructions/guidelines) for the
respective HJT forum.
5.Routinely practice Safe-Hex.
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html
Additional references:
How to optimize or reset Internet Explorer 7
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936213
Applies to: Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista
How to use Reset Internet Explorer Settings (RIES)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737
Read: "What you must know"
Applies to: Windows Internet Explorer 7 for Windows XP and
Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista
How to repair the operating system and how to restore the operating system
configuration to an earlier point in time in Windows Vista
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936212
Good luck