Why keep Findwide off my list of search engines? I have removed it multiple times only to have it reappear multiple times, worse yet as default search engine
I have revised my preferences under "Search" at least a dozen times or more. The "Findwide" search engine is set as the default search engine, so I uncheck it and move my desired default search engine, Startpage, to the default position. I then remove "Findwide" for good measure. The problem is that this does not seem to be permanent. Some time down the road I will do a search only to find that "Findwide" is not only back on my list, it is in the default search engine position, so then I will repeat the procedure until the next recurrence. I have not been able to identify an action on my part that triggers this reversion yet.
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Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control> (Mac=<Command>) <Shift> A)
In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Remove “ Findwide “ Anything.
Also look for SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch
Now do the same in the computer’s Programs Folder.
Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the Applications folder. Linux: Check your user manual.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save
Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.
In addition to the above :
That search.findwide.com is a browser hijacker. Your system details shows 'Findwide Search Engine 1.7' as an extension that you need to remove (as suggested by FredMcD).
But it may have installed more malware : As most malware will be 'hiding' somewhere, you need to run some malware scans.
Further information can be found in this article :
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no
Run most or all of the listed malware scanners.
They all work differently - what one program doesn't pick up, the other might.
Also see : https://www.2-spyware.com/remove-findwide.html#h-mac-os-x
Especially for Mac : https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/
Note that you have the Findwide Search Engine 1.7 extension showing in the System Details list as an installed extension.
cor-el said
Note that you have the Findwide Search Engine 1.7 extension showing in the System Details list as an installed extension.
Indeed the OP does - hence I mentioned it in my post .......