Default search in IE 6

This is from an XP box, so it may be different if you have a different version of Windows:

Click on the search button on the toolbar.

In the search companion window, click on change preferences.

Click on change internet search behavior.

Select your desired default search engine.

NOTE: many web sites that set themselves up as your default search engine do so by installing software that automatically changes the search engine back to theirs.

To get rid of this type of spy-ware, download and run either AdAware from www.lavasoft.de
or Spybot Search and Destroy from www.download.com

Chas

Or if you want to try a better browser ,similar with IE but with 100s f more functionallity try MyIE2 from http://www.myie2.com.
The best browser ever.As for your problem,also there are programs like Restrictions or Sysem mechanic that can lock your IE settings and prevent virus and hackers changing it.
look at any download site.i prfer the list of lists ,at http://lists.gpick.com/