Q and A: Why are my Google searches defaulting to German?

Dear Kalena...

Sometime ago, my google searches have been returning results as if my geographical location is in a German(?) speaking country. I don't know what happened or how to correct it. Pls. advise.

Thank you,
Ruben

Kalena's Answer:

Dear Ruben

Google tries to customize search results to a searcher's personal preferences or regional location. You don't say where you are located, but I assume it is NOT in a German speaking country. When you enter a search query, Google will try to determine your location by IP address, search query content and/or search URL used e.g. google.com.au or google.com etc.

It might be that your ISP is assigning you an IP address that suggests to Google you are based in Germany. Make sure you go to www.google.com to conduct your searches and if it redirects you to another version of Google, click on the small link on the bottom right that says "Go to Google.com".

Have you (or someone using your computer) used Google Advanced search or Toolbar search recently? This may have changed your default search preferences. Try re-setting those by going to the Advanced Search page. Try dumping your browser's cache and temporary Internet files too. It might be a caching issue.

If none of this works, it might be some type of spyware that has invaded your system. Best get a reliable spyware removal tool such as AdAware or Spyware Doctor.

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Q and A: Does the SEO toolbar pose a privacy risk?

Dear Kalena...

My XoftSpy has been turning up "SEO Toolbar", three hits, and says they constitute "moderate risk." Should I remove them?

Peter

Kalena's Answer:

Dear Peter

I am assuming that XoftSpy is anti-spyware software of some kind? I've not heard of the SEO Toolbar, is it part of a search engine marketing software package you bought recently? If so, it might collect information about your search history in order to personalize your use of the software. This is fairly standard procedure for toolbar plug-ins (e.g. the Google Toolbar does it). This might be considered a moderate privacy threat by XoftSpy, hence the warning.

If you are concerned about what type of information the toolbar manufacturers are collecting about you, I suggest you write to the software manufacturer and ask them to clarify. Then you can make an informed decision about whether to remove or keep the toolbar.

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Q and A: Has someone changed my Gmail password?

Dear Kalena...

Few days back I tried signing-in my Gmail account but I was gettin the error "Enter the correct password" as if someone changed my original password and the worst thing is I even forgot my secondary email's password.

I sent my information (not once) to the Help Center page of Gmail but didnt get any response from them. Can you tell me how long they take? And is there anything else you can suggest ?

Bye
Ali

Kalena's Answer:

Dear Ali

This is not technically a search-related question, but I'll give it a crack. Here are a few things to try first:

• Try logging in to your Gmail account again and make sure you have caps lock or number lock off.
• Try a few alternate versions of the password you remember.
• Look on your hard drive or desk for somewhere you might have recorded your password.
• Check your computer for spyware and viruses.
• Try to remember if you gave anyone else your password or if anyone has used your computer recently and may have changed it.
• If none of this works, research Google's Help Center thoroughly for the answer.
• If you've already sent an email (or more) to Google, be patient! They have millions of people emailing them every day. You need to give them some time. Good luck!

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Q and A: Something keeps redirecting my searches. What is it?

Dear Kalena...

Something is redirecting my searches to sites I don't want and suggesting links I don't want. What could cause that?

PB

Kalena's Answer:

Dear PB

Sounds like you have a serious case of spyware on your hands. Better invest in some spyware removal tools, pronto!