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Whenever I attempt to change the search engine in the Forefox Search Bar from Bing to Google I receive the following error message "Firefox can't establish a connection to the server at tbupdate.zugo.com."

What can I do to be able to use a search engine other than Bing?

Whenever I attempt to change the search engine in the Forefox Search Bar from Bing to Google I receive the following error message "Firefox can't establish a connection to the server at tbupdate.zugo.com." What can I do to be able to use a search engine other than Bing?

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I have seen information about this Zugo <dot> com toolbar update back into last year.

  • Some say that it is adware (malware)
  • Some say that it is a associated with a "bot" (malware)
  • Some say it is simply a nuisance
  • Some say that it is installed silently (user does not see the install) from sites offering something for free or from sites requiring installation of an item in order to read information/articles on a site. The site offering the toolbar receives a small payment from Zugo for each installation.
  • Zugo toolbars seem to most often come with Bing search.
  • The link you posted goes nowhere, it appears. It has been reported as a questionable site address by McAfee (Site Advisor).
  • Zugo does have a very commercial looking site offering to design "branded" toolbars for web sites to offer their visitors.

My first suggestion, would be for you to do a thorough scan for malware to see if you can get rid of zugo. If that does not work, I have other information available.

Download, install and update as many of the following as possible until your infections are cleaned.

  1. The free versions of these scanners will detect infections and clean your system; no need to purchase anything
  2. Different malware scanners detect some malware that other scanners do not.
  3. If you are unable to download the malware programs,
    • change the name of the installer program before saving the download to your hard drive, and
    • once installed, go to the installation folder for the program and change the name of the program executable file (i.e., for Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, change mbam.exe to xyz-mb.exe), then update the program and run the scan.
    • you may need to download on an un-infected computer, change the name of the installer program, copy the installer to a CD or USB thumb drive, and transport to your system for installation.
  4. Some stubborn malware will need to be removed in Windows Safe Mode with Networking'. WARNING: Download all the tools first, then disconnect your modem before entering Windows Safe Mode, as your Firewall and AV/AS probably will not load in Windows Safe Mode. See:

If these don't find or can't clear the infection(s), post in one of these forums for specialized malware removal help:

  1. Read and follow their rules for posting
  2. Follow their instructions to the letter
  3. Be patient; you are put in a queue and you will get a response when they get to your post


If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.

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