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Stop Yahoo from being default search engine

  • 3 replies
  • 4 have this problem
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  • Last reply by Shadow110

Wildfyreful
Wildfyreful
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I recently got a new laptop and had to re-install a bunch of stuff. At some point, I set Firefox as my default browser. But at another point, suddenly my default search engine went to Yahoo. I hate Yahoo. I went into Firefox preferences to set the default search engine to Google. I even tried this with the add-on. It will not change no matter what I do. Please help. I hate Yahoo because it opens a new tab every time I click on a link. This is obnoxious.

I recently got a new laptop and had to re-install a bunch of stuff. At some point, I set Firefox as my default browser. But at another point, suddenly my default search engine went to Yahoo. I hate Yahoo. I went into Firefox preferences to set the default search engine to Google. I even tried this with the add-on. It will not change no matter what I do. Please help. I hate Yahoo because it opens a new tab every time I click on a link. This is obnoxious.

Chosen solution

Ok. I went in and checked the add-ons. Nothing suspicious and no "Search Web" ad on. But what I did before I did the check is I un-installed and re-installed, then made sure Google was the default engine, and that seems to have fixed the problem.

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All Replies (3)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Do you recall installing an add-on named "Search Web"? That sounds a little suspicious.

You can view, disable, and often remove unwanted or unknown extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a (Mac: Command+Shift+a)
  • Command+Shift+a (Windows: Ctrl+Shift+a)
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
  • type or paste about:addons in the address bar and press Enter/Return

In the left column of the Add-ons page, click Extensions.

Then cast a critical eye over the list on the right side. Any extensions Firefox installs for built-in features are hidden from this page, so everything listed here is your choice (and your responsibility) to manage. Anything suspicious or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove).

Any improvement?

Wildfyreful
Wildfyreful Question owner
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Chosen Solution

Ok. I went in and checked the add-ons. Nothing suspicious and no "Search Web" ad on. But what I did before I did the check is I un-installed and re-installed, then made sure Google was the default engine, and that seems to have fixed the problem.

Shadow110
Shadow110
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Hello,

Glad to hear that your problem has been resolved. If you haven't already, *Please select the answer that solves the problem*. This will help other users with similar problems find the solution more easily. Thank you for contacting Mozilla Support.