We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

removal of yahoo as default search engine, does not work at all. So I not going to use fierefox 41.0.1 anymore. Sad.

  • 3 replies
  • 6 have this problem
  • 16 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

Consultant777
Consultant777
more options

I have tried using the preferences menu to change yahoo as default search engine and it simply does not let me change it. I use a Macbook air with Yosemite O X version 10.10.3. I have seen many suggestions on cnet, mozilla, etc with the instructions to remove Yahoo as default and none work. Given this situation and the amount of time I have wasted, I will discontinue my use of Firefox and I will other search engines. Until I am able to remove Yahoo as default search engine. Thanks for your help.

I have tried using the preferences menu to change yahoo as default search engine and it simply does not let me change it. I use a Macbook air with Yosemite O X version 10.10.3. I have seen many suggestions on cnet, mozilla, etc with the instructions to remove Yahoo as default and none work. Given this situation and the amount of time I have wasted, I will discontinue my use of Firefox and I will other search engines. Until I am able to remove Yahoo as default search engine. Thanks for your help.

All Replies (3)

user633449
user633449
more options

You can set your search engine to whatever you'd like, using the steps at Change your default search settings in Firefox

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Your Question Details > More System Details shows you are infected with the Spigot extension "Searchme".

Open the Add-ons page using either:

  • Cmd+Shift+a
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then on the right side remove or disable Searchme -- and anything else that you don't need. Bear in mind that all extensions are optional and none are included with Firefox when you first get it.

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.

Does that help you regain control?

This might be the tip of a malware iceberg. When you install free software, you often get unmentioned bundled extras. I don't know how best to "clean" a Mac of such items, but you may want to look into it.

FredMcD
FredMcD
more options

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.