A piece of software called Browser Address Error Redirector, or Google AFE on older systems, has to be uninstalled to make the redirection behavior go away for good.
Removing the Google Toolbar from a new Dell system doesn't completely take away Google's effect on a PC. Ulevitch thinks this borders on placing spyware on new computers, for the sake of boosting the razor-thin margins in Dell's PC business.
This is the first time I have heard of the AFE remaining after removing the toolbar.
wildbest
2:35 pm on May 23, 2007 (gmt 0)
Unfortunately, this is not the only thing you have to remove manually. There is a Browser Helper Object (BHO) named "Google Toolbar Notifier BHO" that must be removed or disabled as an add-on as well.
hannamyluv
2:40 pm on May 23, 2007 (gmt 0)
There is also the issue that the directions supplied by G on how to remove this little beauty are wrong and don't work. I have seen many complaints about that.
herb
4:02 pm on May 23, 2007 (gmt 0)
May 22 2007
Eric Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, said gathering more personal data was a key way for Google to expand and the company believes that is the logical extension of its stated mission to organise the world’s information.
“The goal is to enable Google users to be able to ask the question such as ‘What shall I do tomorrow?’ and ‘What job shall I take?”
remember this from two years ago...
Google personalised search, allows users to give Google permission to store their web-surfing history, what they have searched and clicked on, and use this to create more personalised search results for them
Yes, and they should go after Adobe [google.com] next.
blend27
12:26 am on May 24, 2007 (gmt 0)
Dell should realy start sending a clean copy of the OS enstead of BUNDLED Version.
mcavic
12:59 am on May 24, 2007 (gmt 0)
Actually, my Dell XPS did come with a clean copy of OEM XP. I think everyone should buy from the Small Business section of their site.
bwnbwn
1:26 pm on May 24, 2007 (gmt 0)
mcavic You took the words out of my mouth I bought one from the small business side and it was bare bones didn't need to reformat it has been a good one.
blend27
5:47 pm on May 24, 2007 (gmt 0)
Which XP version did you get, PRO, or other like Media Center?
mcavic
6:27 pm on May 24, 2007 (gmt 0)
I got an XP Pro machine to replace my Media Center notebook. I miss the Media Center, but it's not a big deal.
rohitj
3:52 am on May 29, 2007 (gmt 0)
The software that comes shipped on your Dell, that might seem annoying, is also what helps Dell keep their prices low. I would rather buy a computer with some trial and toolbar software than pay an extra $100. A format takes 40 minutes if it really is that annoying.
