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When I click Firefox on the tool bar, the first tab reads: "search.anysearchmanager.com/?_pg...." a second tab will show Firefox. Is this firefox?

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  • Last reply by FredMcD

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I have used and love Firefox for years. After updating Flash Player I noticed when engaging Firefox from tool bar the initial tab reads:"Any Search" and the search bar is filled in: "search.anysearchmanager.com/?...(many random characters)". It shows as not secure in the security info panel. Clicking a second tab brings me to Firefox. I removed Firefox and re-installed yesterday, but the first tab still comes up as "Any Search". Is this related to Firefox, how do I remove it if it is not? Thank You

I have used and love Firefox for years. After updating Flash Player I noticed when engaging Firefox from tool bar the initial tab reads:"Any Search" and the search bar is filled in: "search.anysearchmanager.com/?...(many random characters)". It shows as not secure in the security info panel. Clicking a second tab brings me to Firefox. I removed Firefox and re-installed yesterday, but the first tab still comes up as "Any Search". Is this related to Firefox, how do I remove it if it is not? Thank You

Chosen solution

You should only download from trusted sources.

Make sure your player is up to date. Flash Player Version: 28.0.0.126

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>


It’s very sad, but many software downloaders/ installers will trick you into installing not only their program, but other programs as well.

You have heard of the fine print in shady contracts, right? Well, some installers you need to look at the itsy bitsy teeny weeny fine print.

You are thinking you are giving the installer permission to install the program you want by using the recommended option. But if you use the Manual Option Instead, you discover all kinds of stuff that you do not even know what it is or what it does.

From now on, everyone needs to Use The Manual Option to put a stop to this.

Note that these programs can also change browser/computer settings.

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Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control> (Mac=<Command>) <Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Remove “ anysearchmanager “ Anything.

Also look for SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch, Findwide Search Engine

Now do the same in the computer’s Programs Folder.

Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the Applications folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

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Thank You for your advise. I did all which you outlined but "Any Search Manager" did not show up anywhere under add-ons or extensions. It was also controlling Chrome and Safari on my system.

It took an hour on the phone with Apple Care, but the culprit was finally found and deleted. It was running 'deep in the background' of my system. It was a front for an entity based in Israel, and NOT secure.

I believe that I was infected by updating 'flash player' without going directly to the Adobe website.

Thank You again for your efforts

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Chosen Solution

You should only download from trusted sources.

Make sure your player is up to date. Flash Player Version: 28.0.0.126

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>


It’s very sad, but many software downloaders/ installers will trick you into installing not only their program, but other programs as well.

You have heard of the fine print in shady contracts, right? Well, some installers you need to look at the itsy bitsy teeny weeny fine print.

You are thinking you are giving the installer permission to install the program you want by using the recommended option. But if you use the Manual Option Instead, you discover all kinds of stuff that you do not even know what it is or what it does.

From now on, everyone needs to Use The Manual Option to put a stop to this.

Note that these programs can also change browser/computer settings.

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All noted well. I have learned a hard lesson. Thank You for your help and council.

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Glad to help. Safe Surfing.