Why do you use "Ask"? Everytime I use Ask - I have to have my computer repaired.
I have had bad experiences with anything that uses the "Ask" toolbar or anything that has to do with "Ask". Why do you choose to use Ask? When I install anything to do with this I end up having to take my computer (Win 10 laptop) to the Geek Squad to get the Ask product off. At least give us a choice of products - then we could choose for ourselves whether to use Ask or another product. I have been using Firefox for several years - ever since it was the subject of discussion on an NPR program.
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There is 'Ask' the search engine, 'Ask' the toolbar, but also 'Ask' the adware.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.
Firefox does not come with Ask. If you updated the Java plugin lately, that could be the vector for Ask, since you have to uncheck a couple boxes in an intermediate screen to avoid having it installed by the Java installer. It might also be bundled with other free software.
Here's my suggested procedure for tracking down and cleaning up bad add-ons and other hijackers. I know it seems long, but it's really not that bad.
(For Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10; XP is somewhat different)
(1) Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Be suspicious of everything you do not recognize/remember, as malware often uses important or innocent sounding names to discourage you from removing it. Take out as much trash as possible here.
(2) Open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- in the Windows "Run" dialog, type or paste
firefox.exe "about:addons"
In the left column, click Plugins. Set nonessential and unrecognized plugins to "Never Activate".
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions. All extensions are optional; none come with Firefox.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Any improvement?
(3) You can search for remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.
Finally, you should be able to regain control of your home page, default search engine, new tab page, and other settings that often are changed by add-ons like this. Success?