Replace default search box in SharePoint 2010 with custom one

Question

On every new SharePoint 2010 site you get the default search box (In the MasterPage) that allows you to just do a normal search.

I would like to replace this with some item that will allow you to pick Advanced or People Search first before you search.

Is it possible to replace/alter the default search box in the MasterPage?

Answer 1

Do search scopes cover your requirements?

• Manage search scopes (SharePoint Server 2010)
• Help, SharePoint 2010 stole my search scope dropdown!

You can also configure the landing page for the search box so you could direct the user to an advanced search page if you like.