How do I LOCK ON Google's safe search feature, without the need to be signed in?  
  Safe Search Lock  
   
  Menu Support  
   
HOME
DOWNLOAD NOW!
INSTALLATION TEST
BUY / REGISTER
SupportSUPPORT
ENQUIRIES
USEFUL LINKS


 
SafeSearchLock Internet Safety Tool Support Typically SafeSearchLock requires ZERO configuration; simply download, install and go!

However we have put together some simple 'how to' guides covering SafeSearchLock's available options and a few useful tips that may help you avoid (or resolve) any potential issues.

PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS AREA AND ALSO OUR HOME PAGE FAQ's THOROUGHLY BEFORE GETTING IN TOUCH.

Tip: Following installation the default password is akumenta


Getting Started with SafeSearchLock (v1.0 / v1.1 original versions)
IMPORTANT installation / performance notes re Windows User Accounts
Quick Installation Overview
Trial Mode & Registration
Setting your personal password
How to EXIT the utility
Optional Settings
Setting the "Start with Windows" Option (and protecting multiple users on a shared computer)
Setting the "Site Logging" Option
Useful Information
Anti-Tamper Features
Important Notes on FIREWALLS & ANTIVIRUS Software
Important Notes on WINDOWS PARENTAL CONTROLS
MICROSOFT CONTENT ADVISOR & any other web filtering products
Operating System & Web Browser Compatibility
Automatic Updates & Service Provider Compatibility
GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING


An important note before you begin Important installation / performance notes regarding Windows User Accounts

As with all security software, you MUST be logged into a Windows user account with 'administrator status' in order to successfully install SafeSearchLock. Equally, SafeSearchLock's settings can only be managed from an administrator account (e.g setting your password or changing preferences).

Tip: To check Windows user account status go to "Start", "Control Panel", "User Accounts". Generally, if you only have one Windows user account on your home computer, that account will likely already have administrator rights. If you have multiple Windows user accounts setup then at least one or more of these accounts will have administrator status.


Children (or any secondary users) should ideally use a 'standard' Windows user account, where they (and your computer) will be better protected. This is particularly important if you are protecting older more tech savvy children.

Tip: If you are logged into Windows as an administrator you can setup accounts for other people and also manage their admin rights. Simply go to "Start", "Control Panel", "User Accounts".

For further support regarding the subject of admin rights on your PC, please consult your IT support representative, Microsoft or your operating system manual for further help)
.


SafeSearchLock includes support for multiple Windows user accounts as standard.

Tip: If you are running multiple Windows user accounts on your computer, using your admin account simply set the Start with Windows option within SafeSearchLock. It will then automatically protect ALL users on that machine.

 




SafeSearchLock Quick Installation OverviewQuick Installation Overview:

Note: Please be sure that your computer is connected to the Internet and that you are using a Windows user account with admin rights before proceeding (not a restricted user account)...

Step 1 - Download the SafeSearchLock utility

Step 2 - Run the installation file & follow any prompts (you must be connected to the Inernet)

Step 3 - Grant Firewall Permission if necessary: If you are running any 'Firewall' software on your computer, then when you run SafeSearchLock you should be prompted to allow the program Internet access. At this juncture you MUST grant SafeSearchLock permanent and unhindered access the Internet. (Click here for more tips on Firewalls).

OK, SafeSearchLock will now be running in trial mode (see next topic!)



Tip: Following installation the default password is akumenta (see "Setting Your Password" for more)

Tip: To access SafeSearchLock's controlls at any time, simply click on its icon SafeSearchLock taskbar icon in your taskbar.

It's worth noting that by default, Windows Vista and Windows 7 have a tendancy to hide icons from the taskbar which aren't regularly clicked. There will usually be a small arrow shown if this is the case which can be clicked to show the hidden icons:

Hidden icons in Vista and  Windows 7

Tip: If you are running multiple Windows user accounts on your computer, simply set SafeSearchLock to "Start with Windows". It will then protect ALL user accounts (see "Optional Feature Settings" for more)

NB. If your computer is not connected to the Internet, or SafeSearchLock cannot access the Internet for any reason, the program will remain in a special dormant mode (with no icon being displayed) until this is resolved. (See "Firewalls and Antivirus" for more)




SafeSearchLock Trial Mode & RegistrationTrial Mode & Registration:

Upon initial installation SafeSearchLock will be running in 'trial mode'. This means that you will have 20 minutes to try it out. (If your trial time expires, you will be notified and SafeSearchLock will close down).

Please use this trial period to make sure that the utility fully meets your expectations (and also that it works perfectly with your computer system and web browser packages).


Quick test to check that SafeSearchLock is working correctly with your web browserQuick test: Once installed, to check that SafeSearchLock is working correctly with your web browser, simply visit the following web address:

www.safesearchlock.com/test


Registration (if you are happy and wish to continue using SafeSearchLock):

Step 1 - Access the application (by clicking on the SafeSearchLock taskbar icon icon in your taskbar), click "Purchase from Web site" and fill in your details as prompted (a simple and secure online process via PayPal).

Tip: Be very sure to enter your correct email address during the online registration process or you will not receive your registration key!

Purchase a SafeSearchLock registration code


Now check your email for your personal registration key
You should normally receive this within minutes (or a little longer if the server is busy)

PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR REGISTRAION KEY SOMEWHERE SAFE!
IF YOU NEED TO REINSTALL IN THE FUTURE, OR REQUIRE SUPPORT, YOU WILL NEED IT.




Step 2 - Access SafeSeachLock again and click "Trial Mode. Enter Registration". Enter your registration key into the box (exactly as received in your email).

Enter your SafeSearchLock registration code

Click OK and activate!


Now simply click "OK" and your installation will be fully activated

(Next set your personal password)




Setting your SafeSearchLock PasswordSetting your Password:

SafeSearchLock and all of its settings are password protected (crucially this includes the ability to turn it off). So to ensure that ONLY YOU can deactivate it or change any preferences, you should set a password of your own choice immediately after installation. IMPORTANT! PLEASE MAKE A SECURE NOTE OF YOUR CHOSEN PERSONAL PASSWORD. If you forget it, you will not be able to exit SafeSearchLock. By design, this will be a considerable dilemma to resolve!

Tip: Following initial installation the default existing password will be akumenta



To set or change your password
(following installation or at any time):

Note: You MUST be using a Windows administrator account to do this (see top of page)



Step 1 - Access the application (by clicking on the icon SafeSearchLock taskbar icon in your taskbar), then (a) enter your EXISTING password into the box labeled "Password" and (b) click "Login". (If you've just installed the utility, the existing password will be "akumenta")

 

Change your SafeSearchLock password - step 1




Step 2 - Choose your NEW password and (a) enter it into the box labeled "Password" and (b) again into the the box label "Repeat", then (c) click "Set Password". NB. Passwords are CAPS sensitive.

 

Change your SafeSearchLock password - step 2

You'll then receive a confirmation message - just click "OK":

Change your SafeSearchLock password - step 3


IMPORTANT: DO NOT FORGET YOUR PERSONAL PASSWORD.
PLEASE IMMEDIATELY MAKE A NOTE OF IT SOMEWHERE SAFE.






SafeSearchLock Optional Feature SettingsOptional Feature Settings:

To change any settings you must first enter your password and click "Login"

Note: You MUST be using a Windows administrator account to access these settings (see top of page)


"Start with Windows" - Tick this option, (followed by "OK"), if you want SafeSearchLock to automatically run whenever your computer boots up, or when anyone logs into their particular Windows user account.

Tip: Running multiple Windows user accounts? Tick "Start with Windows" and SafeSearchLock will protect ALL users on your computer.

Tip: Even if you click "Quit Program", if "Start with Windows" is selected, SafeSearchLock will still automatically start next time you boot your computer (or if you log into a new Windows user account).

Tip: If you experience any difficulties setting "Start with Windows" first check that you are using a Windows user account with admin status, then see the first item on our (troubleshooting notes)




Start with Windows option



"Log all web access" - Tick this option, (followed by clicking "OK"), if you are a little technically minded and wish SafeSearchLock to generate a simple text log of all websites that are visited whilst the utility is running. (Upon installation this option is initially set to OFF).


Log all web access option

Tip: If logging is enabled you will find the subsequent logfiles located on your hard drive where you made your SafeSearchLock installation:


Log file location will typically be:
C:\Program Files\SafeSearchLock\logs or C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeSearchLock\logs

Log files will be named in the following format: access-<yr-month-day>.log


(You can view these log files using any basic text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad)

Privacy: Please rest assured that Safe Search Lock does not pass on any Internet activities to us or any other party. If "Log all Web access" is enabled then all URL's visited will simply be recorded locally on your PC for your personal access / review.

NB. Log files older than 90 days will be automatically deleted to stop them growing exponentially.




SafeSearchLock Anti-Tamper FeaturesAnti-Tamper Features:

SafeSearchLock employs various defensive anti-tamper features designed to prevent unauthorised disabling by more tech savvy children. This just means that whilst SafeSearchLock is running you will find that some Windows features of a more 'sensitive nature' will be unavailable. The most obvious feature being blocked will be Windows Taskmanager. This is normal behavior and indeed a feature of the software.

NB: For the most effective anti-tamper protection children should be using a 'standard' Windows user account, not an administrator account (see top of page). This is particularly important if you have older tech savvy children.

Obviously we can't go into too many details here as we don't want to offer potential tips to any unauthorised minors attempting to disable the utility! Essentially though, if you find any functionality being blocked that you wish to access, simply quit SafeSearchLock and all privileges will be restored until the next time you start the application.




How to EXIT SafeSearchLockHow to EXIT the Utility:

(a) Simply enter your personal password, (b) click "Login" and then (c) "Quit Program"!

Tip: If you have "Start with Windows" ticked within your options when you quit the application, it will still automatically start up next time you boot up your computer (or if you log into a new Windows user account).

 

How to exit the SafeSearchLock application




SafeSearchLock Firewalls & Antivirus SoftwareFirewalls & Antivirus Software:

SafeSearchLock is digitally signed, safe and trusted software that requires unhindered internet access in order to do it's job. So if you are using a Firewall you must ensure that SafeSearchLock is not blocked.

Firewalls: Under normal circumstances, following installation of SafeSearchLock (and possibly when you first log-in to alternative Windows user accounts) your Firewall should notify you that the utility is asking for Internet access, in which case you must grant permission for it to do so.

Allow SafeSearchLock unobstructed Internet access through your  FirewallTip: Depending on your Firewall, you may be prompted to permit the utility to "act as a server" or "as a proxy"; please do so. (If the application is blocked by your Firewall it will not work!)

Tip: If asked, don't forget to also instruct your Firewall to remember any permissions granted so you're not prompted again in the future.

If you have a Firewall installed but haven't seen any notifications, it may be the case that you have Firewall notifications turned off. If you are experiencing problems you may need to manually add SafeSearchLock to your list of allowed applications within your Firewall settings.

Antivirus: SafeSearchLock is digitally signed, reputable and trusted software from reputable trusted people designed to perform a commendable task. If downloaded from this website, you can be entirely confident that SafeSearchLock is absolutely virus free (and also absolutely free from any other kind of 'nasties'). Thankfully, since launch, we've not experienced any issues with any antivirus software, however, as with all new software it's worth noting that there is always a small potential for antivirus software to throw up an erroneous pop-up a warning. This would be called a "false positive" result and should be disregarded.

Tip: In the unlikely event that your antivirus software does ask you to 'quarantine' or delete SafeSearchLock you should decline and tell it to 'skip' or leave the file alone and if possible, report it as a "false positive" result to the software vendor.




SafeSearchLock Windows Parental Controls (& other content filtering products)

Windows Parental Controls, Microsoft Content Advisor
& any other website filtering software:

Each time SafeSearchLock starts up it must be allowed to automatically check for any necessary service provider compatibility updates from this site. If it is unable to do this, performance will be affected. Accordingly, SafeSearchLock is digitally signed, safe and trusted software that requires unhindered internet access in order to do it's job. So if you are using any form of web filtering or parental control software you must add www.safesearchlock.com to any associated "White List" or "Approved Sites" list.

Windows Parental Controls: Where a child has their own individual Windows user account in which you have activated the Windows Parental Controls "Web Filter" function, you MUST add www.safesearchlock.com to your Parental Control "Website Allow List".

Tip: To do this simply go to the Parental Controls window for your child's user account, click "Windows web filter" followed by "Edit the allow and block list" and type www.safesearchlock.com into the "web address" box, finally followed by clicking the "Allow" button. You can find out more about Windows Parental Controls via our Useful Links Page.

Microsoft Content Advisor: In a similar fashion to above, if you are using Microsoft Content Advisor or indeed ANY OTHER website filtering products alongside SafeSearchLock, be sure to add www.safesearchlock.com to any respective "Approved Sites" list or "White List" so that SafeSearchLock may function properly.




SafeSearchLock Operating System & Web Browser CompatibilityOperating System & Web Browser Compatibility:

SafeSearchLock is not a limited "browser specific add-on", instead it installs on your computer and works with ANY modern web browser and ANY Windows operating system. Better still, it even works if you have several different web browser packages installed and / or multiple Windows user accounts in use. It's not complicated, over bloated, invasive or resource hungry.

To see for yourself we encourage all users to download and try out a free trial of SafeSearchLock. Once installed you'll have 20 minutes to play with it and make sure it works perfectly on your system. If you're happy, you can then easily register / fully activate your already installed trial version.

(Whilst it may be an objective in the future, we do not yet currently provide SafeSeachLock for other operating systems such as Mac OS, Linux, Android or iOS)


Quick test to check that SafeSearchLock is working correctly with your web browserQuick test: Once installed, to check that SafeSearchLock is working correctly with your web browser, simply visit the following web address:

www.safesearchlock.com/test


 

Note on Windows 8 Compatibility: Windows 8 works perfectly alongside SafeSearchLock providing you use your standard desktop screen to access your web browser.

However, with SafeSearchLock installed, you may find that you can no longer browse the internet from the 'metro' screen (the feature with all the coloured boxes).

This unfortunate limitation is solely a result of known bug / defect in Windows 8. Microsoft have been aware of this issue with their operating system since February 2012 which will potentially hamper millions of users world wide (not just SafeSearchLock users), however we and many others are still awaiting an appropriate update / fix. Please keep an eye on our website and twitter feed for the latest news on this.






SafeSearchLock Automatic Updates & Service Provider Compatibility:Automatic Updates & Service Provider Compatibility:

SafeSearchLock is designed to work with numerous leading search engines and other key online service providers. (See home page for current list). This functionality relies upon a special set of rules which are automatically assessed and, if necessary, updated each time you start the application

Tip: See related tips on Firewalls , Parental Controls , MS Content Advisor or other content filtering software.

We may look to add further service providers to this compatibility list in the future, so if you have a suggestion please let us know. Though please also bear in mind that hypothetically, we may also be compelled to remove service providers from this list without notice (temporarily or permanently). We have to say this as potentially any one of these service providers could suddenly make unanticipated changes to their 'functionality' without notice, possibly effecting the way in which SafeSearchLock is intended to work.

Whilst this is not something that we can predict, we will endeavor to keep a track of such hypothetical changes for you and respectively update your copy of SafeSearchLock via our free and friendly automatic update system if and when necessary.

(In other words, if Google or another service provider suddenly changes the way they activate their safe search function, we will do our very best to address this promptly and send out an automatic update to your copy of SafeSearchLock so that it continues to work with this service provider).

However, should any service provider change their functionality significantly outside of their 'current working model', it may be the case that we can no longer support them with the current version of SafeSearchLock. Should such a scenario ever be reached we'll let you know just as soon as we can. (Also see T&C).

SafeSearchLock General Troubleshooting:General Troubleshooting:

" I'm experiencing difficulties when I select SafeSearchLock's Start with Windows option "

Tip: Don't panic! You are likely running 'Windows User Account Control' (UAC) which can sometimes be inappropriately obstructive. Simply quit SafeSearchLock then right-click its desktop icon (or program listing) and from the options displayed select Run as administrator to restart it. You may then successfully set SafeSearchLock to start with Windows.

Here's the process in a little more detail:

1. First make sure you are logged into a Windows administrator account, and if SafeSearchLock is running, enter your password and click "Quit Program".

2. Right click the SafeSearchLock shortcut icon on your desktop and select "Run as administrator".

*If you do not see a SafeSearchLock shortcut icon on your desktop, instead go to "Start", "All Programs", "SafeSearchLock" and just right click the program icon there as described above.

(You may also then be prompted by Windows UAC saying "Do you want to allow the following program to make changes to this computer". Click "Yes" or "Continue").

3. SafeSearchLock will now be running. Simply enter your password and you may now successfully tick "Start with Windows". Just click "OK" and you're done.

To explain: This is an issue solely brought about by a well intended but widely criticized Microsoft feature called UAC (User Account Control), found in Vista and Windows 7. With this running SafeSearchLock needs to be granted admin rights before UAC will let you set the "Start with Windows" option. You will not experience this issue if you do not have UAC turned on.


" I've started SafeSearchLock but nothing has happened; there's no icon SafeSearchLock taskbar icon in the taskbar "

Tip: Whenever you run SafeSearchLock, either manually or automatically on-boot, it will first seek to confirm that your computer has an active Internet connection. Until it does, SafeSearchLock will remain in a special dormant mode.

If you have started SafeSearchLock but nothing appears to have happened and you don't see an icon in your taskbar, this is likely because you computer is not currently connected to the Internet (or possibly you have a Firewall , Parental Controls , MS Content Advisor or other content filtering software blocking the program's access to the web).

It's also worth noting that by default, Windows Vista and Windows 7 have a tendancy to hide icons from the task bar which aren't regularly clicked. There will usually be a small arrow shown if this is the case which can be clicked to show the hidden icons:

Hidden icons in Vista and  Windows 7


" SafeSearchLock isn't working with Firefox, but it seems to be fine with other browsers "

Tip: Ordinarily SafeSearchLock will work with all browsers without any configuration, but occasionally it may be necessary to reset the connection settings within Firefox, if they have ever been changed from their default configuration:

To do this, first quit SafeSearchLock (or it's anti-tamper features will prevent the next action!). Then, in Firefox, select "Tools", "Options", "Advanced", then next to "Configure how Firefox connects to the internet" click "Settings" and make sure it is set to "Use system settings"

Start SafeSearchLock up again and you should see that it is now working successfully with Firefox.

 


" I CAN see the icon SafeSearchLock taskbar icon in my taskbar, but SafeSearchLock doesn't appear to be working with my web browser; Strict Safe Search isn't being activated in Google etc "

Tip: If you have installed and started SafeSearchLock, and you can see the SafeSearchLock taskbar icon icon in your Windows taskbar (bottom right of your screen), but the utility appears not to be working with your particular web browser, then it may be the case that your web browser package is simply out of date. To resolve this simply run a quick browser update. (You will usually find an "Update" option via your web browsers "Help" button).

Of course it's always good practice to keep your web browser up to date anyway, as it helps keep 'malware' and other 'nasties' off your PC!


" In Internet Explorer sometimes images are broken, or pages are missing when I click a link "

Tip: We have found this to be a rare and intermittent issue exclusively effecting Internet Explorer under certain conditions. If you experience this behavior simply hold down your "CTRL" key and click "Refresh" to view any effected page.

Alternatively, to completely resolve this issue please download and try another leading web browser such as Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, or Opera.


" I can't access Windows taskmanager and some other admin features whilst the utility is running "

Tip: Yes, this is normal behavior and an anti-tamper feature of the software. If you wish to access any of the Windows admin features being blocked simply enter your password and quit SafeSearchLock. For more see our notes on anti-tamper features.


" My registered installation is suddenly saying that my registration code has not been recognised! "

Tip: In extremely rare circumstances, if SafeSearchLock starts up whilst your computer has an active but intermittent or problematic internet connection you may receive an error message stating that your registration code has not been recognised and that your installation will revert to trial mode (despite having a fully registered version running).

Don’t be alarmed, simply click OK on the error message, access the application's user interface, enter your personal password and quit the program. Then go to "Programs" and simply run SafeSearchLock again; this time, (if your internet connection issues have been resolved), the utility will initialise without issue, confirming your valid registration.


" SafeSearchLock appears to have stopped working with one particular web service provider "

Tip: If you are experiencing problems with just one particular service provider (e.g. Perhaps Safety Mode is suddenly no longer being enforced in YouTube) then the chances are they have unexpectedly changed their systems and we need to look into it.

Accordingly, every time SafeSearchLock starts it will automatically check to see if it requires a rules update from us. So your first step here should be to shutdown and restart the utility. (Or fully log out and then back into your Windows account). If this does not remedy the issue please be patient, we are no doubt working on an appropriate update which should be provided automatically in due course. Please also see our important notes on Automatic updates and Service Provider Compatibility.


" When I enter my password I see a message suggesting that I need to be logged in as a Windows Administrator and I can't access SafeSearchLock's controls "

Tip: Yes, this is a security feature. You will see this message if you access SafeSearchLock’s controls whilst using a non admin Windows user account. You can only change SafeSearchLock's settings whilst logged into a Windows account with admin status. Please read our important notes on Windows user accounts.


" My search engine's 'Search Settings' page says that 'Strict Filtering' is not selected "

Tip: Yes, that's OK, don't be perturbed by the information being displayed on any site's respective 'search settings' pages.

Whilst SafeSearchLock is running, some compatible service providers may incorrectly report that their 'family' or 'strict safe search' settings are not selected when you view their respective configuration or search preference pages. This is normal behavior as SafeSearchLock essentially overrides any settings on these pages. So even if your children tamper with a site's search safety preferences, it will have no effect.

To check that SafeSearchLock is running correctly simply carry out any Google search (standard or image search), and consequently to the right of the search bar you will clearly see that "SafeSearch Strict" tab is being displayed. If you click this tab and try to reduce Google's safety setting you'll see that you cannot. Or click here to run our installation test.


" I can see more than one SafeSearchLock icon showing as running in my taskbar! "

Tip: How did you manage that? Don't worry, if you have more than one icon SafeSearchLock taskbar icon showing in your taskbar (usually bottom right of your screen) then somehow you must have started the application more than once. That's going to get rather confusing, so simply click all instances of the utility, wait a few moments and start it again (be careful to run it just once).


" I'm experiencing problems whilst running Avast Antivirus and ZoneAlarm Firewall"

Tip: Zonealarm no longer works harmoniously alongside Avast Antivirus as they both now include various (some might say superfluous) features which may conflict. So if you have experienced problems since updating either Avast or ZoneAlarm, you will likely have to remove one of them. If you are looking for a free and simple alternative to Zonealarm, you could do much worse than try TinyWall


" I completed the registration process but never received a key "

Tip: Once you have purchased a registration you should receive an email containing your key. Normally, you should receive this within seconds or at least a few minutes. (Though you may have to allow longer if the server is significantly busy). However, in the unlikely event that you do not receive a key, first please check your junk mailbox to see if the email has been wrongly identified as spam. If you still have no success then contact us with your full registration details and we'll look into it for you Don't worry, be happy


" I've forgotten my password "

Tip: By design, forgetting your chosen personal password is a significant predicament to say the least! Please complete our contact form using your original registration email address, supplying your full name, address and registration key so we may establish that you are the computer's legitimate administrator or responsible parent / guardian (and not an unathorised minor attempting to disable the utility!). Unfortunately we do sometimes receive bogus requests for password help, so if you cannot supply these details and any additional details then requested, then it is very doubtful that we can help you.





 
   
         
 
© Akumenta 2011+

  HOME : DOWNLOAD : INSTALLATION TEST : SUPPORT : ENQUIRIES : USEFUL LINKS : TERMS & CONDITIONS