''Skip this step unless you also have a Yahoo Toolbar'' '''Remove the Yahoo Toolbar''' # "Ctrl+Shift+A" (Add-ons Manager) # Select Puzzle piece on left-side for Extensions List # Find "Yahoo Toolbar" and click on "Uninstall" button, and restart Firefox. ''(if you really need to keep the Yahoo toolbar, you can hide the toolbar instead with customize, and still change all the search defaults as below)'' '''Then to fix the default search engine''' used at the Location Bar, change the value of '''keyword.URL''' in '''about:config''' to one of the values shown in [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Location_Bar_search#Location_Bar_search_.28external_-_search_engine.29 Location Bar search] at MozillaZine. * Google Search (Google search results page)<br>'''http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=''' # type in '''about:config''' into the location bar (in a new tab) # if the warning message nonsense comes up ''uncheck'' the box '''before''' dismissing the dialog message # '''filter on keyword''' # right-click on '''keyword.URL''' and choose "modify" then paste in the Google search engine string of your choice. # '''filter on defaulturl''' # right-click on '''browser.search.defaulturl''' ''(if it exists)''and again choose "modify" then paste in the Google search engine string of your choice. # '''filter on ytff''' # right-click on '''yahoo.ytff.search.popup_src''' ''(if it exists)'' and again choose "modify" then paste in the Google search engine string of your choice, if adventurous might see if "reset" would remove and see if gone in next session (well not for those keeping the extension). '''Avoiding the problems:''' Many software installations contain additional baggage known as crapware. The Yahoo Toolbar is packaged with Java [http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/266/javainstall.png/ picture] More information on ask.com, Yahoo Toolbars which involve extensions, not just changes to the home page. * http://kb.mozillazine.org/Problematic_extensions * Uninstalling toolbars - MozillaZine Knowledge Base<br>http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_toolbars '''More information on configuration variables''' available in [http://kb.mozillazine.org/About:config_entries about:config entries] and for users not familiar with the process there is [http://kb.mozillazine.org/About:config about:config] (How to change).

Thanks! I followed your instructions, and it seems to have worked. I never would have figured that out by myself. I wonder why it is not in the Help files?

You're welcome. I don't think it belongs in the Help file, but since the Help file was shoved into the KB (Knowledge Base) that blurs the lines. This is not a reference on how to use Firefox (help reference) nor even as examples on how to use (guide)_ but in solving a problem introduced by an extension or external changes to Firefox (KB article or practical experience).

See also: * https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Location+bar+search * https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Location+bar+autocomplete