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how do I stop my search engine from changing despite all my efforts to keep it as google?

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  • 16 have this problem
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  • Last reply by Helper7677

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A Java update snuck a make Yahoo default search engine past me and now I cannot get rid of it. I've tried to manage it, delete it, uninstall Java, and uninstall firefox and reinstall it. Noting I do seems to matter. I want google back.

A Java update snuck a make Yahoo default search engine past me and now I cannot get rid of it. I've tried to manage it, delete it, uninstall Java, and uninstall firefox and reinstall it. Noting I do seems to matter. I want google back.

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You must be watchful when installing, do not just click "Next", read first. See the image below for the check box you must un-check during Java installation.

In the following article, try the 3rd item, "Uninstall from Windows Control Panel" to un-install Yahoo.

You MAY need to reset a preference:

  1. Enter about:config in the address/URL bar and press the Enter key
  2. f you see a warning, accept it (Promise that you will be careful)
  3. Filter = keyword.url
  4. Below the Filter, right-click on keyword.URL and choose "Reset"
  5. Restart Firefox (File > Restart Firefox)
  6. See:


Other issues that need your attention

The information submitted with your question indicates that you have out of date plugins with known security and stability issues that should be updated. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post. You can also see your plugins from the Firefox menu, Tools > Add-ons > Plugins.

  • Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 11.5
    • Several updates behind
    • Security update released 2011-02-08
  • Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape "9.4.1"
  • Shockwave Flash 10.1 r102
    • Security update released 2011-02-08
  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Shockwave for Director
    • NOTE: this is not the same as Shockwave Flash; this installs the Shockwave Player.
    • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below (Desktop is a good place so you can find it).
    • When the download is complete, exit Firefox (File > Exit)
    • locate and double-click in the installer you just downloaded, let the install complete.
    • Restart Firefox and check your plugins again.
    • Download link and more information: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Shockwave+plugin+with+Firefox
  3. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use the links below to avoid getting the troublesome "getplus" Adobe Download Manager and other "extras" you may not want
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the appropriate link below
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/
        • Choose your OS
        • Choose the latest #.x version (example 9.x, for version 9)
        • Choose the highest number version listed
          • NOTE: 10.x is the new Adobe Reader X (Windows and Mac only as of this posting)
        • Choose your language
        • Download the file, SAVE it to your hard drive, when complete, close Firefox, click on the installer you just downloaded and let it install.
        • Windows: choose the .exe file; Mac: choose the .dmg file
    • Using either of the links below will force you to install the "getPlus" Adobe Download Manager. Also be sure to uncheck the McAfee Scanner if you do not want the link forcibly installed on your desktop
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.
  4. Update the Flash plugin to the latest version.
    • Download and SAVE to your Desktop so you can find the installer later
    • If you do not have the current version, click on the "Player Download Center" link on the "Download and information" or "Download Manual installers" below
    • After download is complete, exit Firefox
    • Click on the installer you just downloaded and install
      • Windows 7 and Vista: may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
    • Start Firefox and check your version again or test the installation by going back to the download link below
    • Download and information: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
      • Use Firefox to go to the above site to update the Firefox plugin (will also install plugin for most other browsers; except IE)
      • Use IE to go to the above site to update the IE ActiveX
    • Download Manual installers.

Modified by Helper7677