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how to make my default search engine to google global

moshingbananas
moshingbananas

I'm experiencing the problem below,

http://content.screencast.com/users/moshingbananas/folders/Default/media/94cd02e0-ec5b-4a7b-87c7-d65ba43d8ad0/search%20page%20on%20firefox.jpg

and the results will always lead to the following,

http://content.screencast.com/users/moshingbananas/folders/Default/media/a9d67d96-7825-445d-a788-a2295747426e/icq%20SERP.jpg

Therefore, is there an option whereby I can change it according to my needs?

Appreciate any form of advise.

I'm experiencing the problem below, http://content.screencast.com/users/moshingbananas/folders/Default/media/94cd02e0-ec5b-4a7b-87c7-d65ba43d8ad0/search%20page%20on%20firefox.jpg and the results will always lead to the following, http://content.screencast.com/users/moshingbananas/folders/Default/media/a9d67d96-7825-445d-a788-a2295747426e/icq%20SERP.jpg Therefore, is there an option whereby I can change it according to my needs? Appreciate any form of advise.

Chosen solution

Check if setting this hidden option helps:

  1. Open a new tab and in the address bar, type about:config and then press Enter
  2. Click the I'll be careful, I promise button
  3. In the Filter text box at the top, type keyword.url
  4. You will be presented with the setting for keyword.url.
  5. Right click on it and select Modify
  6. Paste the following address: http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=
  7. Click OK
Read this answer in context 👍 11

All Replies (4)

dynamite
dynamite

Chosen Solution

Check if setting this hidden option helps:

  1. Open a new tab and in the address bar, type about:config and then press Enter
  2. Click the I'll be careful, I promise button
  3. In the Filter text box at the top, type keyword.url
  4. You will be presented with the setting for keyword.url.
  5. Right click on it and select Modify
  6. Paste the following address: http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=
  7. Click OK
moshingbananas
moshingbananas Question owner

Thanks, buddy!

The ICQ is gone.

Though, the funny thing is that when i tried typing in any random words, they immediately brought me into the site itself (and not the Google SERP).

Why is this so?

(Once again, thanks much!)

dynamite
dynamite

You're welcome!

The URL that I provided above is for Google's Browse By Name feature. It means that if Google finds a site matching your search term, it will take you directly to it; else, it will show the search results page. If you want to always perform a Google search, set the value of keyword.url to: http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&q=

See these articles for more information:
Location Bar Search
Google's browse by name in Firefox

moshingbananas
moshingbananas Question owner

Awesome, it works.

Thanks again.