Mozilla will shut down Pocket’s services on July 8, 2025. At that time users will no longer be able to access the Pocket website, apps and API. You can export your saved items and API data until October 8, 2025 before they are permanently removed. For more information, see this article.

Avatar for Username

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Can I delete all default search engines but google for all users?

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 12 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

catesr
catesr

I work for a school district which uses web filtering both in network and out. We have been running across a situation where our students are able to switch search engines from Google to Yahoo in order to see inappropriate material. We have been working with our outside web filtering vendor to stop this from happening but so far no resolution to the problem. As I am getting ready to image about 600 computers for next fall I, the staff, the admins and especially the Parents (I am sure) would like this to not be the case.

My question is this. Is there any way to modify the search preferences in the Firefox app so that all the students can use to search is Google? Can I do it to the app itself or is this another case where the settings are all stored in the users profile?

Thanks

I work for a school district which uses web filtering both in network and out. We have been running across a situation where our students are able to switch search engines from Google to Yahoo in order to see inappropriate material. We have been working with our outside web filtering vendor to stop this from happening but so far no resolution to the problem. As I am getting ready to image about 600 computers for next fall I, the staff, the admins and especially the Parents (I am sure) would like this to not be the case. My question is this. Is there any way to modify the search preferences in the Firefox app so that all the students can use to search is Google? Can I do it to the app itself or is this another case where the settings are all stored in the users profile? Thanks

Chosen solution

Look into creating user.js and locking the settings so the local user can't change it. This should help! https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/d.../A_brief_guide_to_Mozilla_preferences

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (3)

SAI157
SAI157

Chosen Solution

Look into creating user.js and locking the settings so the local user can't change it. This should help! https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/d.../A_brief_guide_to_Mozilla_preferences

catesr
catesr Question owner

Thanks for the help. Your a lifesaver.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator

You can remove the default search engines except Google in the browser\searchplugins folder in the Firefox program folder.

You cam use a mozilla.cfg file in the Firefox program folder to lock prefs or specify new (default) values.

Place a local-settings.js file in the defaults\pref folder where also the channel-prefs.js file is located to specify using mozilla.cfg. 

pref("general.config.filename", "mozilla.cfg");
pref("general.config.obscure_value", 0);

These functions can be used in the mozilla.cfg file: 

defaultPref();	// set new default value
pref();		// set pref, allow changes in current session
lockPref();	// lock pref, disallow changes

See: