FZ4000 & internet homepage?

Okay, I keep setting a different browser homepage for my new computer and apply it in internet options, but everytime I turn on the computer, it reverts back to that Sony/Aol page. How do I get rid of the thing?

Larry

 

Step 1: Clean install
Step 2. Install Firefox

 

or semi-clean for the more faint of heart. I did the semi-clean b/c I do not have a Vista disk and the semi-clean procedure posted by NinjaNoodles is excellent.

 

Welcome to the Church of the Clean Install, sometimes called the NotebookReview.com Sony forum.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to do a clean install to get a new VAIO running well. You do need to uninstall a bunch of crapware, though, and in your case, the first thing you should do is open up Programs and Features and remove anything called "AOL". (There are a bunch of other apps you could get rid of for good measure, but I won't list them all here.) Then open up IE, and if you still have an AOL start page, go under the Home menu and hit Remove > Remove all. Then close IE, open it again, and set your new start page.

If that doesn't fix the problem at hand, report back and let us know.

 

Removed all the aol stuff. Deleted default browser sony.aol.com homepage. Did everything I can, and it still won't let me free of sony.aol.com. You know I don't hate the crapware as much as this not allowing me to make changes. I've never encounterd a problem like this before, and it ticks me off.

Larry

 

Now that you've deleted AOL, have you tried going to Internet Options > Advanced and clicking "Reset Internet Explorer settings"? I would then restart the computer and check to see if your start page is changeable now.

What you're describing is virus-like behavior. I just bought an FZ4000 myself about a month ago and I had that start page initially, but I was able to get rid of it quickly after deleting some bloatware. Deleting their "free" anti-virus and anti-spyware software might help, too, especially if keeps reminding you to activate. Also the VAIO setup assistant (or whatever it was called) isn't helping you out at this point, either.

 

The semi-clean install took care of this for me.

 

I don't have the courage or expertise to perform such a task. As I've said, I don't mind the crap so much, but I sure would like to select my own homepage and not be forced to use theirs.

Larry

 

Larry - actual Ninja's semi-clean is REALLY easy. You just need to press some keys at the right time and then decide what apps (nothing critical, just apps) you want to reinstall. I actually got rid of most of the Vaio apps.

Find it (search "semi-clean") and then read it a few times. Remember, you can always go back to the original with the recovery if something goes wrong. Take my word for it - I had to go through a clean install 4 times on the Dell 1720 I had a few weeks ago. At one time, I had NO software on it at all and it was locking up. Just stuck with it and all was well.

Never fear when Recovery is near!

 

I'd like to say that despite the hassle, this is one of the finest laptops I've every owned. It's built, fast and quiet. The screen is superb. I'll put up with a little bad...this computer is really good. Thanks for the help.

By the way..I did get my Logitech Edge keyboard up and running with the installed bluetooth. I am an idiot and did not follow directions.

Larry

 

Yeah I agree with everyone. Either do a clean install or get Firefox. Way better than IE.

 

Okay, I did this and things looked hopefull. I restarted my computer and it took me to Microsofts welcome to IE 7 page. Before I could do anything, Sony stole it back once again. As if to say: How dare you try to change what Sony has so generously given you.

Larry

 

Now using Firefox. Problem solved, but no thanks to Sony.

Larry