Let's see what my friend has to say, when he comes around. Hold on there.

During a Windows update and configuration, the blue screen of death popped up (like it did during the last ComboFix & RootRepeal scans), and the computer would not restart, not even into Safe Mode.

A startup file must of become corrupted. The startup repair utility couldn't fix the problem.

My only option was to restore the computer to the original factory settings. This involved reformatting the c: partition and reinstalling the original software from the d: partition.

Many updates later, I'm back in business.

Due to the reformat, the search engine result redirect problem is now gone. Good riddance!

I think the corrupted file prevented the rootkit scans from working. Otherwise you would have fixed my search engine result redirect problem sooner.

Anyway, thank you for all your help. I'll be back if any future PC problems pop up.

Cheers!