prevent Firefox from using the "browswer default" search engine every time I have to restart the browser.
I want to use Google as my preferred search engine. I have selected it in preferences as my search engine, and I have deleted all other search engines. However, every time I restart my browser application, Firefox re-adds Browser default" search engine (which is Yahoo!) and selects it, so that I have to go back into my preferences each time I start Firefox to reset my search engine preferences. Please tell me how to make my search engine selection "stick" so I don't have to keep changing this in preferences every time I restart my browser.
I drive a MAC iOS 10.11.6 and Firefox Quantum 64 bit.
Chosen solution
Hi JenneJ, in most of the world, the default search engine in Firefox 57-64 is Google; in no part of the world is it Yahoo. Some malware on your Mac is hijacking your searches in some manner. An extension is the most common vector, but there may be others. Could you try a scan:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/
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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 “ Yahoo “ Anything.
Also remove SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch, Findwide Search Engine
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.
I don't have any Yahoo extensions or add-ons. nor do I have SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch, Findwide Search Engine. I do not use Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, or any such program. I do not have any of said same in my system Applications folder, Internet Add-ons, Preferences or Extensions folder.
This appears to be a Firefox issue, not my system.
@jennej I don't have the problem your describing. And my search is at default with Google as the search engine. I didn't delete any of the other search program. So unless someone is sitting there to see the setting this sounds like you got something else installed or security software that is keeping the default from changing.
Chosen Solution
Hi JenneJ, in most of the world, the default search engine in Firefox 57-64 is Google; in no part of the world is it Yahoo. Some malware on your Mac is hijacking your searches in some manner. An extension is the most common vector, but there may be others. Could you try a scan:
Firefox from mozilla.org does not even come with Yahoo as a search engine option anymore since Fx 57 and later due in part with the legal dispute with Yahoo
Thanks James....That's not helpful, and WestEnd already helped me get it sorted.