How to Stop Redirecting Windows XP

Redirecting is a process that occurs in Internet Explorer. The process literally redirects you to an unwanted or wrong Web page while you are browsing the Web. Redirecting typically occurs due to malware infection or a faulty add-on. It can hinder your browsing experience and slow down your Windows XP computer. Note that you may require administrative rights on your computer to complete this task.

Instructions

1. Restart your Windows XP computer. Type administrator's password during startup procedure to log in.

2. Click the "Start" button and point to "Programs." Click the "Accessories" folder. Point to "System Tools." Click "Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)." This will launch Internet Explorer without any installed add-ons. Go to the next step if you still receive the error message.

3. Reset Internet Explorer settings. Click the "Tools" menu and select "Internet Options." Click "Advanced" tab. Click "Reset" under "Reset Internet Explorer settings." Click the "Reset" button again. Click "Close." Restart your Internet Explorer Web browser.

4. Disable "META Refresh" in Windows XP. The META HTML coding is often responsible for redirections. Launch Internet Explorer. Click the "Tools" menu and select "Internet Options." Click the "Security" tab. Click the "Custom level..." button. Scroll down to "Miscellaneous." Click the "Disable" radio button underneath "Allow META Refresh." Click "Apply." Click "OK." Restart your Web browser.

5. Click the "Start" menu and select "Run..." Type "MRT" and press "Enter" key. This will launch a built-in Windows XP software called "Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool." Click "Next" when you see the Welcome screen. Choose "Full Scan." Click "Next" to start the scanning. The tool will display a list of malicious software (if any) after the scanning is complete. Take note of these software.

6. Click the "Start" menu and select "Control Panel." Click "Classic View" in the left pane. Double-click "Add or Remove Programs." Scroll down the list and locate the software that were identified in the last step. Single-click the software and click "Remove."

7. Restart your computer to end the task.

References

• Microsoft: How to reset Internet Explorer settings
• PC Hell: How to Manually Run the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool
• Microsoft: Internet Explorer add-ons: frequently asked questions
• Make Tech Easier: How to Disable Web Page Auto-Refresh For Various Browsers
• Microsoft: Is Internet Explorer slow? 5 things to try