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Via Health ads and Google searches

kreilick
kreilick
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I have used Firefox for many years but it recently has been taken over by Via Health and Google. I am unable to delete the ads and when I search for a topic, Google returns several questions (pertinent to the search topic) instead of finding the web site. Its an endless loop of question. Please advise how to delete via health ads and google unusual behavior. I have had to switch to MS edge to conduct any search.

I have used Firefox for many years but it recently has been taken over by Via Health and Google. I am unable to delete the ads and when I search for a topic, Google returns several questions (pertinent to the search topic) instead of finding the web site. Its an endless loop of question. Please advise how to delete via health ads and google unusual behavior. I have had to switch to MS edge to conduct any search.

All Replies (1)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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One possible culprit would be an extension. You can view, disable, and often remove unwanted or unknown extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a (Mac: Command+Shift+a)
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
  • type or paste about:addons in the address bar and press Enter/Return

In the left column of the Add-ons page, click Extensions. On the right side, find the "Manage Your Extensions" heading.

If there is at least one extension before the next heading -- "Recommended Extensions" -- please continue:

Then cast a critical eye over the list below that heading. Any extensions Firefox installs for built-in features are hidden from this page, so everything listed here is your choice (and your responsibility) to manage. Anything that mentions search, looks suspicious, or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove). For your privacy and security, don't let mystery programs linger here.

Any improvement?

Note: if your Add-ons page is blocked, please investigate in Firefox's Safe Mode:

In its Safe Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, any userChrome.css/userContent.css files, and some other advanced features to help you assess whether these are causing the problem.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox. (On Mac, hold down the option/alt key instead of the Shift key.)

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
  • (menu bar) Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?