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Certain websites and links are getting routed to the Yahoo error handler site, even when I search with Google.

Joneo
Joneo
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Certain websites and links are getting routed to the Yahoo error handler site, even when I search with Google. Seems to happen with only some sites, but the same ones repeatedly. It is happening with .org, .com and .gov sites. I know the sites aren't down; sometimes if I catch it fast enough I can stop loading the page and it will hold...perhaps a bug? I am a real novice at computers, so simple, non-technical language would help me best. Mac OS X 10.6.8 I am using the most recent version of Firefox. Hope I have provided enough information. Thanks

Certain websites and links are getting routed to the Yahoo error handler site, even when I search with Google. Seems to happen with only some sites, but the same ones repeatedly. It is happening with .org, .com and .gov sites. I know the sites aren't down; sometimes if I catch it fast enough I can stop loading the page and it will hold...perhaps a bug? I am a real novice at computers, so simple, non-technical language would help me best. Mac OS X 10.6.8 I am using the most recent version of Firefox. Hope I have provided enough information. Thanks

All Replies (2)

guigs
guigs
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Hello,

The Refresh feature (called "Reset" in older Firefox versions) can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your bookmarks, history, passwords, cookies, and other essential information.

Note: When you use this feature, you will lose any extensions, toolbar customizations, and some preferences. See the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article for more information.

To Refresh Firefox:

  1. Open the Troubleshooting Information page using one of these methods:
    • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click help Help-29 and select Troubleshooting Information. A new tab containing your troubleshooting information should open.
    • If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting Information page.
  2. At the top right corner of the page, you should see a button that says "Refresh Firefox" ("Reset Firefox" in older Firefox versions). Click on it.
  3. Firefox will close. After the refresh process is completed, Firefox will show a window with the information that is imported.
  4. Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.

Did this fix the problem? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Many Mac users have become "infected" with extensions from Spigot and Conduit, some of which can cause this problem.

If you are reluctant to do a full Refresh, try this as the first step: remove or disable any Spigot or Conduit extensions, and any unrecognized/unwanted extensions, on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Command+Shift+a
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, remove or disable.

Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.

That hopefully will restore control of your default search engine and stop the "missing page" redirects, but there might be some other settings to clean up. Please update us on your progress.