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Google not working

  • 2 replies
  • 72 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by rpost2002

rpost2002
rpost2002
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I ran into a curious problem trying to use Google search. Found a solution. But not certain what caused the problem.

When I tried to refine a search (modify text in their search text box) the browser would not refresh on hitting return or their search button. I had to enter the updated search in the Firefox search control (at top right).

The problem did not occur when using IE 8 or Google Chrome. And I did not have the submit problems with other web sites.

I tried re-installing Firefox while maintaining bookmarks, passwords, history, but that did not fix the problem.

However when I completely uninstalled Firefox and then performed a clean installed the Google search page worked as expected.

It is possible that I had some malware, specifically the Flash exploit, as Firefox is my primary browser. I am not certain and only guessing Figure I should pass on my experience in case others run into the same problem.

My solution was: 0. Make certain have all login/passwords for websites. 1. Export my bookmarks to the JSON file. 2. Uninstall Firefox with "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations" checked. 3. Re-install Firefox using fresh download. 4. Import bookmarks 5. Restore Add-ons. 6. Download Flash 10.1 and install (NOTE: Checked for but no additional add-on following this install)

Then Google search pages worked as expected.

I ran into a curious problem trying to use Google search. Found a solution. But not certain what caused the problem. When I tried to refine a search (modify text in their search text box) the browser would not refresh on hitting return or their search button. I had to enter the updated search in the Firefox search control (at top right). The problem did not occur when using IE 8 or Google Chrome. And I did not have the submit problems with other web sites. I tried re-installing Firefox while maintaining bookmarks, passwords, history, but that did not fix the problem. However when I completely uninstalled Firefox and then performed a clean installed the Google search page worked as expected. It is possible that I had some malware, specifically the Flash exploit, as Firefox is my primary browser. I am not certain and only guessing Figure I should pass on my experience in case others run into the same problem. My solution was: 0. Make certain have all login/passwords for websites. 1. Export my bookmarks to the JSON file. 2. Uninstall Firefox with "Remove my Firefox personal data and customizations" checked. 3. Re-install Firefox using fresh download. 4. Import bookmarks 5. Restore Add-ons. 6. Download Flash 10.1 and install (NOTE: Checked for but no additional add-on following this install) Then Google search pages worked as expected.

Chosen solution

Your above posted system details show outdated plugin(s) with known security and stability risks.

  • Java Plug-in 1.4.2_10 for Netscape Navigator (DLL Helper)

Update the Java plugin to the latest version.

If you didn't delete the Firefox program folder then chances that it was malware are less. Most malware would survive deleting only the profile folder and in such cases a new profile could have helped as well.

See Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox problems

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All Replies (2)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

Your above posted system details show outdated plugin(s) with known security and stability risks.

  • Java Plug-in 1.4.2_10 for Netscape Navigator (DLL Helper)

Update the Java plugin to the latest version.

If you didn't delete the Firefox program folder then chances that it was malware are less. Most malware would survive deleting only the profile folder and in such cases a new profile could have helped as well.

See Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox problems

rpost2002
rpost2002 Question owner
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Thanks for pointing that out. I have been negligent about checking that I had up to date plug-ins.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/