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Changing the preferred Default Search from Yahoo to Google

  • 3 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by philipp

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Even though the Google image appears in the Default Search Engine choice in Options...all searches are being run through Yahoo.

Even though the Google image appears in the Default Search Engine choice in Options...all searches are being run through Yahoo.

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could you give us more information about your setup?

thank you

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All Replies (3)

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Hi, a common reason for this is an extension hijacking your searches.

Could you test 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 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.

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.)

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

Do Google searches work normally?

Extension Check (while still in Safe Mode)

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? Anything suspicious or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable -- click the blue slider switch -- or remove. For your privacy and security, don't let mystery programs linger here.

When you exit Firefox and restart it normally, can you still use Google?

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Thanks. Nothing suspicious showed up but I did have one extension that where it was suggested that it be removed. Restarted in regular mode...conducted a search and the Yahoo search popped up again.

Roy

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Chosen Solution

could you give us more information about your setup?

thank you