How to Change Default Web Browser

Most of the web browsers tend to hijack the default browser status after installation.But at times we prefer using the old web browser.Here comes the question “How do I change my default Web browser?”, Well there are two methods for doing it.The first is using the Windows feature ”Set Program Access and Defaults” (SPAD).This is available on Windows XP Service Pack 1 or 2, Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 or 4 & Vista, The second one is by changing the “check default browser status” in the respective browsers. Let us start with the first method

Using Set Program Access and Defaults :-

This is accessible from the right pane of the start menu, Start > Set Program Access and defaults or from control panel, Start> control panel > add or remove programs , and Set Program Access and Defaults.

Access Set Program Access and Defaults via Start menu.

Here you select custom which is the most flexible of all, this allows us to choose the default applications for different works, a mixture of Microsoft and non-Microsoft products.

Choosing the Custom default application option( Here i choose IE )

Then Press Ok, Now your default browser option is saved and the default browser for your system changes

Even though this is illustrated for changing the default browser options , You can extend it to others also, like choosing  your default e-mail program, media player, instant messaging program, and Java virtual machine.

The second method, by “check default browser status” in the respective browsers .

Some might  have previously turned off the default browser prompt, It is necessary to turn it on. You can do it by selecting the following options in internet explorer, Firefox, and Opera respectively

1.Internet Explorer – Click on Tools >> Internet Options >> Programs tab. Select the Tell me if Internet Explorer is not the default browser check box.

2.Firefox – Click on Tools >> Options >>General. Select the Firefox should check to see if it is the default browser when starting check box.

3.Opera – Click on Tools >> Preferences >> Default Application. Select the Check if Opera is default browser on startup check box.

Then restart the browser and select it as the default browser when prompted. To avoid the repeated message prompts from other browsers, uncheck the same option in others.