Windows 7: google search issues

when i search using google, i only get lists for the results, nothing about pictures, videos, etc.

also, even tho i'm logged into my google account, i can't seem to get safesearch to go off, even tho when i change it it says my settings are saved.

i just did a fresh install of Windows 7 so this is new.

thanks.

Hey mate, when you open google, do you get this or something like it?:

If not, try logging out and exit browser, then log back into google. Sometimes you need to enter search terms before you can change settings. After that, the option to change to video/picture/etc is on the left side and the top of the browser window. Change safe mode by clicking the cog wheel to the far right of the window, towards the top. Then change search settings.

If that doesn't work, try deleting your cookies and try again.

Alternatively, you could try Bing, which some suggest is just as good as Google.

if i go to google and search there, i get the right results. it's when i search from the address bar that i get the odd listings, where it even says safe search is on, even tho it is off when i go thru google.

how do i modify the search settings from the address bar?

thanks.

Well mate, what web browser are you using? Assuming it is IE9, you would go to the cog wheel on the actual browser at the top right corner (tools), click it and select Manage Add-ons. To the left, select Search Providers, and make sure Google is set as the default. Delete all others. If you want to add the Google Search provider, find it here: Internet Explorer Gallery

You cannot select Google 'pictures' or 'videos', or otherwise modify the search from the browser search bar. You will have to go to the google webpage. It may be a safety feature that it automatically selects safe search from the browser search bar over personalized settings. If that is the case, you won't be able to change it.

Alternatively, you can type the phrase you are searching for, and when google search pops up, select Images for [phrase]. You could also try the google toolbar, but I usually recommend against any sort of toolbar, and I'm not sure if it would help.
Also, you could either set Google as your homepage or a favorite if you prefer a fast way to shoot over to the search engine.