Hi Al, I know how to install that search engine from their site, but it's difficult to think of a reason that it would show up on its own.

Will Firefox let you switch your default search back to your preferred site? This article has steps for that, and also to remove unwanted search engines: Change your default search settings in Firefox.

If your search engine cannot be changed or an unwanted one keeps returning, one possible culprit would be an extension. You can view, disable, and often remove unwanted or unknown extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

• Command+Shift+a (Windows: Ctrl+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 you recall adding recently, or that suspicious, or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove). For your privacy and security, don't let mystery programs linger here.

Any improvement?

jscher2000 - Thank you for the info.

I was able to set the search engine preferences back to what I wanted, and I also uninstalled/removed the unwanted search engine from the list. I restarted Firefox after that and the unwanted search engine has not reappeared - so, I think I'm safe. I may have gotten jumpy because I've had so many spam/fishing emails lately.

Soved for now. Thank you for the quick response.

Sincerely,

— AHD

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.