The Next Web

Is Microsoft forcing Bing on IE6 users?

By Martin Bryant
June 2, 2009
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bingfailAfter surprising the world by launching four days early, it seems Bing’s first day may not have gone as smoothly as it could. Despite Microsoft claiming they wouldn’t be forcing Bing on anyone, it appears some users are stuck with it anyway.

We’re getting word that a number of Internet Explorer 6 users are loading up their browsers to discover that the default search engine, which they had set as Google, has been changed to Bing. What’s more, when they try to change it back they’re being blocked from doing so thanks to a Microsoft Live Search message that reads: “Oops This isn’t the page that you wanted”.

We can’t recreate the problem ourselves but the evidence coming in includes tweets saying:

really hating the new MS Bing which continues to make itself my default search provider despite being removed from the list!!! #fail

Is mad that IE6 default search engine is changed and now stuck on bing… I want my google back!

Meanwhile over on the Google Support forum more complaints about this problem are coming in. One user claims the problem is down to the way IE6 handles non-URL formatted text entered into the address bar.

The only fix at present would appear to upgrading your browser, something the web design community would cetainly thank you for. IE6 is a notoriously quirky browser that mishandles lots of modern web code. This latest problem, which does not seem to affect those with Google Toolbar installed, is one more argument for replacing that out-of-date browser.

Microsoft may be trying to improve its image but this bug is reminding people of their poor history with web software. That’s not a good first impression for their latest attempt to steal Google’s search crown.

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  • i'm sorry, but i have to ask... why is anyone still using IE6 anyway?
  • Angela
    A number of web based applications we use for company-wide systems will only run on IE - but there's no need for it to stay at 6... bar that a company-wide upgrade across millions of computers - if held off - might save a few hundred jobs!
  • Reading some of the comments here it seems as if people think that it is okay for Microsoft to take Google away from people as an incentive to upgrade to IE7? That would be a very weird strategy: "Unless you upgrade to a better browser we are going to force Bing on you and take away Google".
  • Aren't you happy? This also gives Bing a bad name among 'the higher' or 'better' users who don't use IE6
  • Greg
    The more reasons to dump IE6, the better.
  • I'm sure they didn't do it on purpose...
  • Yeah!! 3 hoorays for MS.
    Now nobody wants to stick with it.
  • Are you saying that they changed a setting on an application someone had on his/her pc? I didn't know Microsoft had control over software installed on someone else's machine!
  • John Baughman
    So what about us that are pawns to policy that are not allowed to upgrade beyond IE6 lest we are fired from our jobs?

    I'd love nothing more than as I, a lowly web developer, be allowed to work with tools that actually HELP me do my job rather than hinder me. But alas, I'm a slave to policy.

    If Microsoft forced people to upgrade wouldn't that be the same as GE saying your 10 year old refrigerator which is running ok MUST be upgraded NOW! May be good for the economy if we could all afford, and had the luxury, to upgrade every year. Your jeans are outdated, you are now forced by Jinco to buy a new pair!

    I personally, hate all browsers for differing reasons. But, IE6? Whoa. Too many reasons to count.
  • Afford to upgrade? You know it's free right?
  • John Baughman
    Yeah, yeah, yeah... But I can't afford to lose my job. Considering the "employer" there could be criminal charges brought if they so felt the need.

    But the point is still, GE *coming into your home* and forcing you to upgrade. Would you let them? Say you got an upgrade "discount". What then? If you have an inherent *reason* to be using the same browser, why be forced to upgrade? What about Windows? What if Win98 still met your needs? Why upgrade?

    Why be *forced* to do something you don't want to do? Kinda like Communism isn't it? Freedom to use what ever piece of insecure software you want to use to let hackers/ID thieves/etc. steal from you is your prerogative and your right.

    I still hate IE6 and use IE8 & Safari 4 (Beta) at home.
  • John Baughman
    Um, it was more than 50% each time. Had to be, even with Florida. Especially for 2nd term. Sorry, but you started the political thread...
  • John Baughman
    Or Safari.
  • John Baughman
    Actually, in IE6 you could type a word in the address bar and the browser would then search for the word once it couldn't find the domain name. Works only part time though. Sucky browser, that IE6.
  • This looks like, Microsoft is trying every possible way to be a serious competitor for Google, but the story lines suggest us a different case altogether. As we can also see Microsoft(Bing) is quietly executing their(google)strategy.
  • it seems like Microsoft is having a search engine identity crisis
  • Thanks for giving valuable information.
  • Ellen Teague
    I want microsoft to leave me and my computer alone. I do NOT (repeat DO NOT) want their stinking BING. I am perfectly happy with the way I have my computer set up and DO NOT appreciate being hijacked by MS with what they want me to have. Who do they think they are? I do not give them permission to choose for me. I'm even considering switching to an Apple. I want my hijacked computer settings back. Google NOT Bing! Yiiiiiii! Is there some way we could sue MS in a class action suit to make them quit this practice? Geez, I hate this. Just leave my life and my computer alone.
  • Anonymous
    aga bnbr
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