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Caannot get ask.com from being default search engine. Tried all option found on web

  • 2 replies
  • 9 have this problem
  • 16 views
  • Last reply by Hutch65

SHORTYFUDPUCKER
SHORTYFUDPUCKER
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Ask.com has become the default search engine and I cannot change it. I have removed the toolbar. I have uninstalled the programs from control programs. I have deleted all directories and registry entries I could find. Still the default search engine is ask.com. I have rebooted computer between changes. If I use the default about:home page in firefox it will go straight to ask.com. It is acting like a browser virus?.

Ask.com has become the default search engine and I cannot change it. I have removed the toolbar. I have uninstalled the programs from control programs. I have deleted all directories and registry entries I could find. Still the default search engine is ask.com. I have rebooted computer between changes. If I use the default about:home page in firefox it will go straight to ask.com. It is acting like a browser virus?.

All Replies (2)

Matt_G
Matt_G
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Hi SHORTYFUDPUCKER,

Have you looked at the Search bar - add, change and manage search engines on Firefox Knowledge Base article? What about the Location bar search article? I'm assuming you've tried the steps there.

If that doesn't work you should look at the article How to fix preferences that won't save. I'd also try starting Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. If you don't have the issue while all of your add-ons, extensions, and themes are disabled, you can try adding them back in one by one until you find the culprit. You should look at the Extensions and Themes troubleshooting guide and the Troubleshoot issues with plugins like Flash or Java to fix common Firefox problems article as well.

You could also try creating a new profile.

Hopefully this helps!

Hutch65
Hutch65
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I had this same problem, I corrected it by doing the following:


  1. * Start Firefox in Safe Mode.
  2. * Check the box next to "Restore default search engines."
  3. * Click "Make change and restart"