You may need to delete a possible user.js (likely caused by adware installed by you or by another program) in your profile folder and use the search reset tool.

• https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/firefox/addon/searchreset/

If the searchreset doesnt work, try the method below.

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save#w_user-js-file-overriding-preferences

I tried both links and still could remove Google from being my default search engine. Exasperated, I removed Google totally which I had not wanted to do. I still do not understand why there is no button under the manage search engines in which to set a default search engine!

Install the google search plugin again.

• http://mycroftproject.com/google-search-plugins.html

Try to delete the search.json file and possible search-metadata.json and search.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder to reset the search engines to the default.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox

Firefox will rebuild the search.json file from the default search engines in the "browser\searchplugins" folder in the Firefox program folder and the searchplugins folder in the Firefox profile folder.

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

• Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder (Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder)

You can check for problems with preferences.
Rename or delete the prefs.js file and possible numbered prefs-##.js files and a possible user.js file to reset all prefs to the default value.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Preferences_not_saved
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Resetting_preferences

Am I reading your question correctly?

My understanding is you do NOT want Google as the default search engine on Firefox. (Apparently you otherwise like Google). The simplest fix is to wait for the next version of Firefox due out within a few days. That allows all the searches to be easilly changed from the search bar.

I note listed under your plugins is Google Update I am guessing that will be gone now you have deleted your Google software.

(You or others may be interested in the add-on. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/keyword-search/ )

I admit I'm not particularly knowledgeable when it comes to computers but have tried the suggestions. I've found that the best solution for me is just to remove Google through the search engine manager, although I'm not happy with that solution.

John99, you are right, I DO NOT want Google as my default search engine and I rarely use it but would like the option of keeping it. It seems as it stands, I cannot set another search engine as my default one. Every time I open Firefox Google is somehow automatically reset as my default search engine. I have not downloaded any programs which would have changed my default to Google and cannot understand why Firefox does not have a button in the manage search engine drop down box to set a search engine as a default. It's something that it seems Firefox should fix to make it user friendly.

Hi again gec1018,
Sorry if I did not explain things well. I will try again and add some additional information.

Where are you searching from the search bar itself ?

• for part names, and a demonstration see http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/central/
  including the video http://videos-cdn.mozilla.net/serv/marketing/firefox4/Browsing-Basics-640.webm

In ordinary circumstances if you use the search bar to do your searches then

1. click on the little down arrow, a dropdown selection appears
2. click on your chosen search engine from that list
3. on your next search and on future searches even after a restart that should remain the default search engine for the search bar.
4. on the next version of Firefox (fx23) other searches will use the same option as the search bar.

SEE

• Use popular search suggestions in the Firefox Search bar
• Search the web from the Address Bar

John, I do use the search bar and dropdown selection to select the search engine I want which works fine until I restart my computer or close the net and reopen it, at which time the google icon comes back up (or it did until I removed it). My selected search engine does not remain the default one.

As I mentioned, I removed google so now the search engine I selected remains the default when I close the net and restart my computer. I just don't understand why this is happening.