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Can't set FF as default browser!

  • 6 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by AnnyBabe

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And yes, I saw the other thread! In order to create a new support forum account, I had to post a new question! So, I couldn't reply in the thread about this issue. Stupid!

At any rate, the solution on the other thread is to UNinstall then REinstall FF! This solution makes no sense to me since I JUST NOW downloaded and installed FF in the first place!!!!! First thing I did was to set it to default browser... it won't work. I have set it in the settings of windows, and clicking the button on the General settings page of FF does nothing!

I hate MS Edge, IE11 doesn't run well, and now this (I've used FF previously without issue). Highly irritated.

And yes, I saw the other thread! In order to create a new support forum account, I had to post a new question! So, I couldn't reply in the thread about this issue. Stupid! At any rate, the solution on the other thread is to UNinstall then REinstall FF! This solution makes no sense to me since I JUST NOW downloaded and installed FF in the first place!!!!! First thing I did was to set it to default browser... it won't work. I have set it in the settings of windows, and clicking the button on the General settings page of FF does nothing! I hate MS Edge, IE11 doesn't run well, and now this (I've used FF previously without issue). Highly irritated.

All Replies (6)

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It so happens that Microsoft is in a way forcing users to use their browser - MS Edge - on Windows 10. It takes some extra few steps to set Firefox as the default browser. This blog post may help you achieve what you want -

https://blog.mozilla.org/futurereleases/2015/07/29/firefox-for-windows-10-how-to-restore-or-choose-firefox-as-your-default-browser/

Do report back your findings.

Modified by user1274573

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Thanks for the replies. I agree, Dhanesh, MS does try to force stuff on us. If I didn't have equipment that won't work with a linux system, I would switch. However, I really do think this may be an issue with the installer. After re-installing for the third time, FF is working properly and is the default browser. The first 2 attempts did not work, and I say the installer because there were some odd things I noticed (I've used FF before). First being that each install I chose to have the FF added to my task bar. After every install, it did not do so. Another thing I noticed is that when UN-installing it never gave me the option to save (or not save) my personal settings. Before the third install I went thru the registry and deleted anything Mozilla, cleaned with CCleaner and then re-started. Like I said, after the third install, FF is now up and appears to be running properly.

In reference to the blog you mentioned... after the first 2 installs, Windows settings DID show FF as being my default, but the FF settings didn't see that. Hence it kept asking me to make it default.

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AnnyBabe said

Before the third install I went thru the registry and deleted anything Mozilla, cleaned with CCleaner and then re-started. Like I said, after the third install, FF is now up and appears to be running properly.

That could have been the deciding factor. Windows registry entries are notorious for messing up with installations. I've experienced it with some other software. Anyway, I'm glad that the problem was sorted. Happy browsing! :)

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I am having the exact same problem described by AnnyBabe. Went through all the processes for making FF default, with the same results he had. For me, this started just a couple months or so ago, just after a FF update installed. I have been reluctant to "refresh", but am about to give it a try. I much prefer FF-- have used it for years. Hate Edge, do not trust IE, and Chrome makes me nuts. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm not out of the woods yet. I am not comfortable poking around in registry, though in simpler days I did it. Win10 makes me nervous; I've had too many things go very wrong with it. I

I noticed that Win10 is set up to favor MS products or products they have agreements with, and thought that is what was happening. AnnyBabe might be right about FF installer, though, based on my similar experience. Has FF taken a look at that?

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I hate to say this, but I ended up going with a different browser completely. After the third install, it ran okay for a few days, but I guess it's just too much for this tablet/pc. Sooo slow, and kept crashing.

Anyhow, I don't feel it prudent to say which browser I went with... I just feel bad, because I really did like FF! I think it's just too much for my smaller/older equipment. Sorry...