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How do I change the default search engine for the location bar in FF 26?

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For some reason, FF 26 suddenly started defaulting to Yahoo when I type into the address/URL bar, despite the fact that my default search engine is set for Google. The search bar correctly defaults to Google, but if I type in the address bar, Yahoo comes up. I have never intentionally reset a search engine to Yahoo, though it's possible it crept in as a stealth invader linked to some sort of install or other. Any hope?

For some reason, FF 26 suddenly started defaulting to Yahoo when I type into the address/URL bar, despite the fact that my default search engine is set for Google. The search bar correctly defaults to Google, but if I type in the address bar, Yahoo comes up. I have never intentionally reset a search engine to Yahoo, though it's possible it crept in as a stealth invader linked to some sort of install or other. Any hope?

All Replies (2)

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They should be the same unless an add-on is changing the behavior. The extensions are the most likely culprits. You can review yours on the Add-ons page, either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a
  • orange Firefox button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Do you see anything Yahoo-related, or anything that refers to address bar or keyword search?

If nothing jumps out at you, you could try to determine whether extensions are relevant at all by testing in Firefox's Safe Mode. That's a standard diagnostic tool to bypass interference by extensions (and some custom settings). More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.

You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using

Help > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

In the dialog, click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Reset)

Any difference?