In need of computer help...

Just a quick one for anybody with a better grasp of technology than myself (everyone )

My laptop has always used Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 9. However, recently, my browser has changed to Opera 9.80 without any warning. Sites such as Youtube/Gmail etc aren't compatible and are not working fully. I have tried resetting internet explorer's settings which works until I have to restart the computer; then I'm back to Opera 9.80! When I try to download internet explorer it says I have the latest version installed.

I also checked which version of windows I'm running, and it's XP! Why is this? I should be running Windows 7.

Slightly confused so any help would be appreciated!

try another one, i use firefox, i'm on windowz 7 and you tube works fine on it

Uninstall all browsers except for Internet Explorer.

Then download Malware Bytes and Spybot Search & Destroy.

Run both of them, see what it finds. Had a similar problem with a browser toolbar that would not go away last year.

In the end I had to go into the registry and delete values to stop it from running. DO NOT DO THIS YOURSELF!

Editing/Removing registry values can mess up your system.

Report back with Malware Bytes and Spybot S&D's findings.

I was going to suggest running spyware/antivirus as mentioned above, but for reference this is how you should be able to change the default browser.

Click on start (blue windows icon in bottom left)

In the box at the bottom type in 'default programs' and press enter.
You should then see this:

default.jpg

Next click on 'Set your default programs'

internetdefault.jpg

Click on Internet Explorer, and choose 'Set this program as default'.

That should solve the internet explorer issue.
I'm not sure what to suggest with regards to XP. Where does it say that's what you are running?

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Internet Explorer is set as my default browser but isn't running.

If I google 'What browser am I using?' or something like that then it tells me I'm using Opera 9.80. I've never downloaded this browser or changed from IE9. Very strange.

The same applies for windows, If I google 'What Windows am I using?' it says XP.

Ahhhhhh.

what OS does it say your using when you right click on my computer and click up properties though.

what OS does it say your using when you right click on my computer and click up properties though.

It says Windows 7, but the Windows website says XP

What does it say on something like this?

http://www.thismachine.info/

What does it say on something like this?

http://www.thismachine.info/

That says Opera 9.80 and Windows XP

that's strange, i'd go with what others have said, run some spyware and virus tests in safe mode

that's strange, i'd go with what others have said, run some spyware and virus tests in safe mode

Hasn't detected anything suspicious. Confusing.

Possible temporary solution, using control panel create a new user account with full admin permissions, it's a slight pain having to set up your desktop as you'd like it again but it might well work for you.

have you looked in control panel/ programmes? might find it in there, or something on list that shouldnt be there! if what you are having trouble with is in programmes delete it!

Whilst we're on computer troubles.

My screen randomly flashes black with a blue box in the right hand corner saying HDMI. I'm using my TV as a screen and obviously it has a HDMI cable connected to it. Anyone had this problem and can find a solution?

have you looked in control panel/ programmes? might find it in there, or something on list that shouldnt be there! if what you are having trouble with is in programmes delete it!

Yeah it's nowhere to be seen!

have you looked in control panel/ programmes? might find it in there, or something on list that shouldnt be there! if what you are having trouble with is in programmes delete it!

Yeah it's nowhere to be seen!

Try my solution mate

have you looked in control panel/ programmes? might find it in there, or something on list that shouldnt be there! if what you are having trouble with is in programmes delete it!

Yeah it's nowhere to be seen!

have you tried restore? sets pc back to earlier time before problem started! just choose date before then