MapBeast is a type of virus called AdWare. If this program was installed on your computer you can go into your Control Panel > Uninstall a Program > Right click the program and delete it. Double check that it deletes. If not, you may have to use a third party Anti-Malware program to automatically fix this for you.

While this is working, go to the 3-bar menu (top-right) on your browser -> add-ons -> extensions

And remove those that look suspicious related to your MapBeast/searchmab.

very many thanks, will try all this, John

Please follow this : https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware Keep copies of your log files in case need help from the malware forum/s of your choice. Note only post in 1 malware forum only.

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

ALSO... may have been removed by avg, but extremely grateful for the tips, John