It could be the work of one of your add-ons, or even add / mal-ware. Look thru your add-ons list and make sure you know what each one is there for. Also, check the programs that are on your computer Windows > Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Go thru the list and use a web search to check any that you don't know what they are.

Troubleshoot Firefox Issues Caused By Malware {web link}

I have double checked all the add ons and I know what all of them are and have used all of them before. The interesting thing is that this is happening on two different computers. Each PC has a different security programs running and neither program has found any Malware/Spyware or other issues. Considering it is happening on two different machines and on both Firefox and on Comodo IceDragon, it leads me to believe their may be an issue with Firefox itself. It could be one of the add ons but only add on I have that should touch the search bar is Add to Search Bar 2.5 and I have used that for years without problems.

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} While you are in safe mode; Press the <Alt Key> to bring up the tool bar. Then Tools > Options > Advanced > General. Look for and turn off Use Hardware Acceleration.

Poke around safe web sites and see if there is still a problem. Then restart.

The problem does not occur each time I hope Firefox. In fact I can go weeks before it happens. Therefore, restarting in safe mode and poking around will not help find anything as whatever is causing the problem probably will not occur during that period of time. This problem only started when I upgraded to Firefox 29. I only recently installed Comodo Ice Dragon on the other machine and do not have any history to say that it did or did not work with it previously. I did turn off hardware acceleration on one machine.

Hmmm . . . . This is troubling. Did you run the mal-ware scans?

• This add-on will not solve your problem.
• But it can help put things back.

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.

• And its brother;

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

I have run FEBE before and did not like it very well. I have resorted to keeping my ownbackup of the files, but I still don't like having to periodically restore them. At this stage I know how to put a bandaid on the problem when it happens. What I want is a way to stop it from happening.

Yes I have run scans - this is happening on two different PCs. Each one has different pieces of protection software running and neither turned up a problem.