Instructions
1.
Step 1
Open the Start Menu, then the Control Panel, and then click on "Add/Remove Programs" or "Uninstall a Program." Look for Search Settings in the list that follows. If it appears (it usually doesn't), select and delete it.
2.
Step 2
Open the Start Menu, then go to Accessories, then System Tools, and finally click on "Internet Explorer (No Add-ons)" if the option exists. Once in Explorer, click on the Tools menu and then Manage Add-ons. Find Search Settings among the list and select Disable (or Remove if possible).
3.
Step 3
Open Firefox if you have it installed. Select the Tools menu, then Add-ons. Search for Search Settings among the add-ons listed. If it's there, click the Uninstall button.
4.
Step 4
Download the free Windows Installer CleanUp Utility (see Resources below). Install, then open the utility. Look for Search Settings among the programs listed, select it, and then press the "Remove" button.