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Searches Executed on Wrong Web Site

sdougjr
sdougjr
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When I initiate a search in Firefox, why do I get transferred from Mozilla to Yahoo to execute the search, and how can that be corrected? This happens whether my entry is in the address bar or the search bar. Thx, Doug

When I initiate a search in Firefox, why do I get transferred from Mozilla to Yahoo to execute the search, and how can that be corrected? This happens whether my entry is in the address bar or the search bar. Thx, Doug

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jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Hi Doug, I assume your regular search engine is Google or some other site other than Yahoo. If your default search engine setting is still showing your preferred site, then most likely either an extension or external malware is hijacking your searches.

(1) Check the internal setting, see: Change your default search settings in Firefox

If that is all good and the problem continues, then...

(2) Test in Firefox's Safe Mode

If your infection is similar to others reported in the past several weeks, you will need to restart Firefox in its Safe Mode in order to access the Add-ons page. Here's how -- use 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. A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Do searches work normally in Safe Mode?

If searches are still hijacked in Safe Mode, the problem likely is external to Firefox. See: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.

(3) Investigate Extensions

Open the Add-ons page using 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.

Click the blue slider switch to disable all extensions that you can live without for 4 hours, and if you find anything suspicious -- you do not remember installing it, you do not know why you have it -- click the ••• menu button and remove it. For your privacy and security, don't let mystery programs linger here.

After you close Firefox and start it up again, can Firefox search normally?