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How do I change the default search engine when typing items into the address bar?

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I usually search by simply typing my search terms into the address bar. With the latest upgrade to Firefox (5.0) today, now when I attempt a search, it comes up with a Google error page (http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-3540673482024757%3Ac8hkjv-9xef&q=mcmaster+carr&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t). It used to simply search on Google.

Is there a way to change the search engine? Is there at least a way to get it to search properly, even if it continues to use Google?

I usually search by simply typing my search terms into the address bar. With the latest upgrade to Firefox (5.0) today, now when I attempt a search, it comes up with a Google error page ([http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-3540673482024757%3Ac8hkjv-9xef&q=mcmaster+carr&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-3540673482024757%3Ac8hkjv-9xef&q=mcmaster+carr&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t]). It used to simply search on Google. Is there a way to change the search engine? Is there at least a way to get it to search properly, even if it continues to use Google?

Chosen solution

location bar search explains how to change the location bar search engine.

If it keeps resetting after Firefox restart, you may want to try disabling an extension that is causing that. More details: uninstalling add-ons

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location bar search explains how to change the location bar search engine.

If it keeps resetting after Firefox restart, you may want to try disabling an extension that is causing that. More details: uninstalling add-ons

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Following the information on Location bar search, above, I was able to see what was the default string for prior versions. After upgrading the version 5.0, the default was blank. Following the instruction to change, I pasted the string the prior versions had used. This fixed the problem.