I have an IE issue too, although it isn't as bad.
I did a spyware removal because I got a nastsy application that kept renaming itself everytime I rebooted. Now I can't use the IE web browser to Search anymore. I get the standard:
The page cannot be displayed
The page you are looking for is currently unavailable. The Web site might be experiencing technical difficulties, or you may need to adjust your browser settings.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please try the following:
Click the Refresh button, or try again later.
If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly.
To check your connection settings, click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Connections tab, click Settings. The settings should match those provided by your local area network (LAN) administrator or Internet service provider (ISP).
If your Network Administrator has enabled it, Microsoft Windows can examine your network and automatically discover network connection settings.
If you would like Windows to try and discover them,
click Detect Network Settings
Some sites require 128-bit connection security. Click the Help menu and then click About Internet Explorer to determine what strength security you have installed.
If you are trying to reach a secure site, make sure your Security settings can support it. Click the Tools menu, and then click Internet Options. On the Advanced tab, scroll to the Security section and check settings for SSL 2.0, SSL 3.0, TLS 1.0, PCT 1.0.
Click the Back button to try another link.
Cannot find server or DNS Error
Internet Explorer
message. My other browsers work fine. Since when was IE considered spyware?
EDIT:
Just tried Bonk's suggestion "You try a "Tools...Internet Options...Advanced Tab...Restore Defaults Button"?"
It restored the Explorer icon on my desktop (the one they don't let you throw away), but still no Search function.