how do i get rid of the useless search window that opens up on the left hand of my page every time i open a web browsing page? (i mean how do i make sure it NEVER appears in the first place) (yuo know, the one that says 'search', 'new', 'next' and 'customise' but i cant find a 'turn off this crap feature' option in customise

You should be able to open a single IE window and click Search to close the search window. Then click File - New - Window and open a second one. If it has an open search window, click Search to close it also. Then hold the "Ctrl" key down and click the X to close first the second window and then the first window. Then they should open with search closed, as long as you do not open them. If they open again, then you may have a browser hijacker on your system and need to remove it. Now if you want to get hardcore about it, do the above, and then remove the Search button so you can not open search again. In IE, click View, Tool Bars, Customize, in the right side window select the "Search" option and click the Remove button. (Just don't ever forget how to add it back.)

well it seem s i have been hijacked then. Ive installed the google toolbar, which i like cos its got a pop up killer. but it has taken over this window (i think)and the above wont work any ideas?

google toolbar wont hijack you but other spyware will. try d/ling spybot search and destroy,update it,run it,d/l ad-ware do the same. d/l cwshreader update it run it. if still haveing a problem post in security virus forum.