config file being infected
Firefox 12.0. Window Vista Business SP2.
My new tab page is being reset to "http://u-search.net/?a=1&e=1".
First I assumed this was a one-off and went into "tools", "options", "general" tab, "home page" and reset it back to my usual preference "about:blank".
The next time I restarted Firefox it had reverted to the u-search entry again.
I've spent the afternoon scouring the net for a solution and was advised, amongst other things, to check various entries in "about:config". Sure enough there were seven different u-search entries (listed below), which I modified back to default settings. Yet the config file entries all reverted back to u-search on restart.
browser.newtab.url : http://u-search.net/?a=1&e=1 browser.search.defaultengine : u-Search browser.search.defaultenginename : u-Search browser.search.defaulturl : http://u-search.net/?a=1&e=2&q= browser.search.order.1 : u-Search browser.startup.homepage : http://u-search.net/?a=1&e=1 keyword.URL : http://u-search.net/?a=1&e=2&q=
Keazen oplossing
It sounds like you got infected with a malicious Third-Party Add-on.
First, update to Firefox 15.0.1. Update Firefox to the latest release
Then, try to Reset Firefox Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings
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Keazen oplossing
It sounds like you got infected with a malicious Third-Party Add-on.
First, update to Firefox 15.0.1. Update Firefox to the latest release
Then, try to Reset Firefox Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings
Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).
- Do not click the Reset button on the Safe mode start window or otherwise make changes.
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes
You can check for problems with preferences and try to rename or delete the prefs.js file and possible numbered prefs-##.js files and a possible user.js file to reset all prefs to the default values.
Thanks very much. I did exactly as prescribed and yes, no sign of u-search.
I do still believe there would be benefit in optionally allowing users to accept or reject changes to the config file(s).
I also believe your prescribed suggestions should be presented prior to other problem users entering their own questions (e.g. this support site already recommended some checks before I asked my question - latest update and Firefox reset could potentially be added to that list, perhaps?)
Thanks again.
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