IE Browser ver 10 - Getting rid of an automatic search page

I have changed versions of IE browser attempting to get rid of the following page. It comes up automatically each time I open IE. I'd prefer to have IE open to a blank home page, which used to work, but for some reason this search page keeps reappearing, no matter what I do.

I've run a full system scan, thinking this might be some type of malware but my system is clean. I don't know how I picked this up but I'd like to rid myself of it. Does anyone recognize this and if so, how do you remove it? I've added a couple of spaces in the URL to keep it from showing as link.

http:// www. default-search.net/?sid=503&aid=100&itype=n&ver=13986&tm=516&src=hmp

My thanks for your time.

MEL

You can reset Internet Explorer settings.

There's a Microsoft Fix-it that automatizes it : http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=9646978
Or you can do it manually as described here : How to reset Internet Explorer settings

My sincere thanks to each one who took the time to reply. I believe, by using your suggestions and helpful links, that I've managed to safely remove that ugly start page from my IE Browser. I have marked this as solved for now and hope I am correct with my assessment. If not, I will come back and let everyone know.

For the person who asked what I had used to scan with; I used BitDefender to do a full system scan and then Trojan Remover. In all the years I've used a personal computer, I've had little experience with this type of thing and didn't even know what it was, much less how to resolve the problem. You are all FANTASTIC! Thank you ever so much for your assistance.

MEL

A tag along makes sense and is most likely how I obtained this item as I did recently download some utility type programs in preparation for a computer change. SlimDrivers, SlimCleaner, BackRex Outlook Backup and a website copier, thinking I should archive my website. I have already used Revo Uninstaller to uninstall the web copier software as I couldn't figure out how to use the software.

I did, just today, download and installed the Adwcleaner software suggested in one of the links. I try to remember to scan each install file before running it and then watch and read each screen during the setup but I could have missed doing this on a file. Should a file scan on an installation file pick up this type of malware? Will the offending program keep replacing this ugly file or is it most likely a one time situation caused during the installation of a program?

The few times I look for small utilities, I try to download from CNET, as I thought the files would be relatively safe there.

MEL

maryeleek said:

Should a file scan on an installation file pick up this type of malware? Will the offending program keep replacing this ugly file or is it most likely a one time situation caused during the installation of a program?

If the installer is bundled with adware or anything not really marked as malicious then your main AV will most likely not say anything. You might have more luck with other software like Malwarebytes/Super Anti Spyware and co. which extend their scan to things like adware/PUP and such.

maryeleek said:

The few times I look for small utilities, I try to download from CNET, as I thought the files would be relatively safe there.

Don't download on CNET unless you're absolutely required to do so... CNET Download is quite famous for bundling most of its software with junk even without the consent of developers/authors.
CNet's Download.com secretly installs adware with open/free downloads - Boing Boing
CNET's Download.com Adware Installer Bundled with Popular Apps - Advisory
Download.com Caught Adding Malware to Nmap & Other Software

You could try Ninite (quite safe but low choice of apps), Softpedia or Major Geeks for something with a better policy concerning adware.
But you're much better off not to pass by repositories like this in the first place, and go directly to the developer's site (just google the software's name).