I want to change the home page for users from the original one set in GP but it's failing to apply the change (although RSOP gives the new homepage!).

Also if I apply a favourite via GP and then amend it, it sticks stubbornly to the original version.

Server 2008 and XP workstations with IE8.

I saw a possible workaround using Remote Server Administration Tools for Windows 7 but I don't have a Windows 7 machine. Any suggestions please?