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No default search engines

  • 2 replies
  • 13 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by rickmcm

rickmcm
rickmcm
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I installed freeware that hijacked my search. It removed all of the default search engines and left only bing which was then set to my default. I managed to get bing off the list and added google so I can search. It is not my preferred search tool. I cannot find my preferred search, yahoo, as an add-on. The restore search engines tool is grayed out. I tried a reset add-ons to no avail. I am using Windows 7. Do I need to reinstall firefox?

I installed freeware that hijacked my search. It removed all of the default search engines and left only bing which was then set to my default. I managed to get bing off the list and added google so I can search. It is not my preferred search tool. I cannot find my preferred search, yahoo, as an add-on. The restore search engines tool is grayed out. I tried a reset add-ons to no avail. I am using Windows 7. Do I need to reinstall firefox?

Chosen solution

Actually I figured out where the folder for the default search engines was and replaced it using another copy. The oldfirefox folder I had from the reset was empty.

This used to be a trusted piece of freeware.

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All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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The default search engines are supplied as a part of Firefox, so the easiest way is to reinstall. (Other ways such as trying to download them separately would be kind of challenging.) Here's how I suggest doing it:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your data/settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean. As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.

(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 36.0.4 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

(2) Exit out of Firefox.

(3) Rename the program folder

(64-bit Windows folder names) 

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to 

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(32-bit Windows folder names) 

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to 

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
rickmcm
rickmcm Question owner
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Chosen Solution

Actually I figured out where the folder for the default search engines was and replaced it using another copy. The oldfirefox folder I had from the reset was empty.

This used to be a trusted piece of freeware.