Today I ran some anti-virus/malware programs and stupidly used ComboFix (which I never previously used unsupervised) and now my browsers aren’t adhering to my saved preferences.
I’ve uninstalled ComboFix but the status is the same. I’m certain this is the root of the problem.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Do you have any system restore points, just search for system restore in start menu. 
Hi,
I only have the ComboFix restore point, which hasn’t worked. Windows doesn’t display any others. Why I don’t know…
I’ve also resorted to using Windows file back-up to restore any files but no change.
OK. Thats weird.
Maybe you have the restore points disabled in Control Panel.
Maybe a Malware remover can help you cause they work with it to clean computers.
Ive notified essexboy about this but it can take some time till he arrives so please be patient.
Okay, thank you. 
did combofix remove anything?
if you have combofix log, attach it
while waiting …run OTL and attach diagnostic log …not copy and paste http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=53253.0
OTL logs, as requested.
As I already erased ComboFix, I no longer have the log. However, I’m currently in the process of recovering it. It I manage to find it, I’ll post it ASAP.
Many thanks.
ComboFix log could not be found, unfortunately…
OK. Good luck!!! ;D
Hi, there is no apparent malware. So the first suggestion would be to set all browsers to default
For IE go Control Panel > Internet Options > Advanced
Select Reset and OK out
Does that cure IE ?
Hi,
Did as asked but no change, I’m afraid…
OK next phase
Download Windows Repair (all in one) from this site
Install the programme then run
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/waio%20start.JPG
Go to step 3 and allow it to run SFC
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/73555776/waio%20step3.JPG
On the start repairs tab click start
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/73555776/waio%20startrep.JPG
Select the following items and tick restart system when finished
Okay, I followed your instructions but no change, I’m afraid…
OK lets now upgrade IE
Download and install IE10 from here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/internet-explorer/ie-10-worldwide-languages
Okay, done, but those three tabs are still showing up…
What do you mean by three tabs ?
Sorry, I forgot to mention this:
Firefox won’t start with my designated homepage. Everytime I open Firefox, I get three tabs - Welcome to Firefox tab, Firefox start page and a tab concerning a Firefox extension being updated. I did get a fourth tab, about another Firefox extension being updated, but removed it. It no longer appears now.
The preferences are set to default and they won’t save the changes made to them (well, they initially seem to), thus having the same problem every time I open Firefox.
So it is just a firefox problem ? You probably have it set to open multiple tabs at start, now I have not used FF for many a year so I am not sure how to clear that. Mayhap someone who uses it can
This may help http://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/959413
I also have Chrome and it doesn’t seem to save my preferences either (but I don’t use it very often).
Multiple tabs at start? Would this be in Options? I don’t ever recall setting it to this. Because, if it is, it won’t save the changes.
Just checked.
No, I’ve always set that option to ‘Only show my homepage’ but now it’s not saving the changes.