problem launching internet explorer

when i try launch internet explorer using Shell "explorer.exe http://www.google.com/" with an "=" in the address string (ie http://www.google.com/search?q= ), i think vb tries to use the text after the = as a directory and not as a web address, and gives the error "not a valid path". Does anyone know a way around this, or an alternative method,
thanks

Provide complete path for IEXPLORE.EXE

Shell ("C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE www.google.com")