Have you tried to install a search engine from here? http://mycroftproject.com/search-engines.html?name=ixquick

no it wont work I get the same Mozilla error dialog "must have mozilla based browzer. Firefox is the only browser on my computer, and is selected as default browser; I am signed in to my mozilla support account also. I just did a fresh os install due to other problems; previous install of firefox did not have this problem. thanks

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

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes

thank you, this worked, now I am working on a different issue; thuderbird will not accept my password for my gmail account. I opened another window to check my gmail account, logged in no problem; enter same login info in the tbird email setup and dialog says user name or password incorrect. Uninstall/reinstall tbird with same result. I will search mozzilla for a troublshoot tbird section.

tdub said

thuderbird will not accept my password for my gmail account. I opened another window to check my gmail account, logged in no problem; enter same login info in the tbird email setup and dialog says user name or password incorrect.

Thunderbird is just now getting support for OAuth2, the connection method Google requires for Gmail. If you search for OAuth2 you can read threads on that: https://support.mozilla.org/search/advanced?a=1&q=oauth2&sortby=1&w=2

This issue can be caused by corrupted cookies.

• check the permissions in "Tools > Page Info > Permissions"
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/fix-login-issues-on-websites-require-passwords

Clear the cache and remove cookies only from websites that cause problems.

"Clear the Cache":

• Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Cached Web Content: "Clear Now"

"Remove Cookies" from sites causing problems:

• Tools > Options > Privacy > "Use custom settings for history" > Cookies: "Show Cookies"

thanks! got the computer following orders now; tbird problem fixed too -tDub

went to google links provided and followed suggestions; everything is fine now, and no prob exporting/importing contact list..

thanks much for the help! tDub