can't change Internet Options in IE

[sde]

Win2k Pro

I'm trying to figure out this problem on my father's computer. I'm running it as an administrator ( as he normally does too ) , but he must have downloaded a nasty that screwed things up.

I can not change the home page. I can't do anything when I go to Tools -> Internet Options

When I try to choose Internet Options, i get this message:

This option has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator.

anyone know how to fix this?

oh yeah, .. also, all his directories in the control panel are blank. all i can see is the directory icon. =/

[abc123]

lol

i can't remember about the ie thing but with the control panel there is a whole set of files called *.cpl in c:\windows\system32

if they are renamed or deleted, all your control panel icons wil go away, so hopefully they have just been renamed, maybe to *.aaa or something

examples are:
main.cpl
access.cpl
desk.cpl
powercfg.cpl

etc, there will be a large list somewhere.


although i guess for ie you can look in the reg because you'll be able to change it there.

start->run->regedit
localmache->software->microsoft->ie->main->homepage

[sde]

it's really weird, i can just drag the url to the home page icon and it changed it.. but the tools->internet options just doesn't work.

i even upgraded him to ie6 and it is still the same.

As far as the control panel thing goes, after toolin around a little bit, it just started working. not sure how.

thanks for the advice.

[lynger]

hi: )
What OS are you running.. Win2000? if you are... try running gpedit.msc and search the control for the internet explorer options. I f not, im not sure but i guess you can find some IE options in the control pannel Administration/User.
goodluck!!