14 DAY TRIAL // Google signed a deal with Dell and Gateway, two of the most famous computer producers, to include its software solutions in the newly created systems. It seems that among other products, the search giant also implemented quite an anonymous solution, codenamed Browser Address Error Redirector, that is entirely created by the search giant. Basically, this function redirects the user to a separate page powered by Google every time the Internet user types a wrong website address. By default, the Internet Explorer browser included in Windows returns you a page created by Microsoft that informs you about the unavailability of the website and offers several alternatives.
Well, this page is somehow similar because it is powered by Google and it also offers website alternatives depending on the address typed by you. What is weird is that Google is also providing a search box, obviously offered by the company and also some sponsored links distributed through its well known AdSense advertising platform. If you didn't know, Mountain View company can provide a different flavor of Google AdSense especially for the parked domains.
According to blogger Ionut Alex, Google provides a simple description of the browser's function: "this page is meant to provide you with helpful related content, including web search results and paid advertisements, based on the meaning of the web address/keyword query that you typed. This program can be uninstalled from the Control Panel Add/Remove Programs. Look for the application named "Browser Address Error Redirector". Older versions may be called "GoogleAFE".
In the past, when MSN Search wasn't yet updated to Windows Live Search and Internet Explorer was available only in the version 6.0, Microsoft provided a similar page for the wrong web addresses typed in the browser. Although the software giant didn't provide alternative websites, you were able to search the Internet using the MSN Search technology.