IE 7 update please help

After reading the earlier thread on problems with IE 7, which I was running, I decided to update IE 7. Now that I updated everytime I type something into IE 7 it opens firefox, my default browser, and uses that browser instead. Can someone give me advice on how to fix this? I can't get updates from microsoft now! I also can't load some webpages correct that require IE. Damn I wish I would have just stuck with IE 6! I can't even find in on microsoft's website for avail download. Please help. TIA

Dan

 

try tools, internet options, search, settings

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspx

 

Please clarify. I see no search under internet options. I see settings, but that's it?

 

Goto start - Control Panel - Network and Internet Connections - Internet Properties - Programs tab and make IE the default web browser

 

yes

 

Thanks, but I don't want IE as default. I like firefox better, some websites don't like firefox though.

 

Why did you bother to update to IE 7 then

 

Because there is a known security issue in the previous IE 7 and I have to IE for some things.

 

Great, so what do I check under settings? I'm sorry, but are we playing a guessing game here It is set to automatic.