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for the search engine, is there way to change the default search engine

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for the search engine, is there way to change the default search engine instead of changing it each time i open firefox. (ie: mine is currently yahoo and i want to use google)?

for the search engine, is there way to change the default search engine instead of changing it each time i open firefox. (ie: mine is currently yahoo and i want to use google)?

Chosen solution

Type about:config in the Location (address) bar and press the "Enter" key. When you see a warning, click I'll be careful, I promise! button.

  • Preferences that have been modified are shown as bold (user set).
  • Preferences can be Reset to the default or changed via the right-click context menu.
  • http://kb.mozillazine.org/About:config

-> In the Filter bar, type keyword.URL

-> In the Filter bar, type browser.search.defaultenginename

  • right-click the preference browser.search.defaultenginename and choose Reset from the menu
  • OR choose Modify -> type Google
  • click OK

-> In the Filter bar, type browser.search.selectedEngine

  • right-click the preference browser.search.selectedEngine and choose Reset from the menu
  • OR choose Modify -> type Google
  • click OK

-> Close the about:config tab and Restart Firefox.

Check and tell if its working.

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All Replies (5)

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mha007: I followed your instructions exactly but when I reopened Firefox the Yahoo bar came back. It was like the about:config didn't save my changes. Am I missing a step?

Modified by kmaher

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Perform the suggestions mentioned in the following article:

Check and tell if its working.

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I think it was something with my computer. I got a pop up notification on my taskbar about toolbar options and when I unchecked something it worked! Thanks so much!

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Maybe that popup notice was from the Yahoo Toolbar, which may be installed? Some third-party programs and plugins, such as the Java plugin, may install it if you are not careful. Ref:

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Thank you for the detail of your answer. I followed the instructions and was able to change my default search engine back to Google. Thanks again!

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