Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

• ADWCleaner
• Microsoft Safety Scanner
• MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
• TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility
• Hitman Pro
• ESET Online Scanner

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.

Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

I have microsoft security essentials. Ran all the malware scans. Also scanned MS essentials. No problems found. Went to the ‘sweetpacks’ website and followed their instructions for uninstalling their software from windows, but as the attached screenshot shows, ‘sweetpacks’ was not eliminated from the add on menu in firefox. Now the issue is that whenever I open a new window, it takes me to the ‘sweetpacks’ homepage.

Ideas?

I believe their instructions have worked in the past, but you will need to look for hidden files

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders
• an important question does this and / or other unwanted software show up in your Firefox extensions listings ?
  • use about:addons key it in to your address bar as a quick shortcut
  • please list the items you see that you either do not want or do not recognise ?

You will then need to use an addon to reset your search preferences after you have removed all the adware. One problem is that you could well have more than one lot of adware on your computer.
I guess malware scanners tend not to detect this sort of stuff as malware because some people may actually intentionally install it !

For further information also see threads: (There are others also)

• I downloaded Firefox and it installed sweetpacks on my desktop. How do I get rid of it? /questions/963013
• /questions/960863

You will note that Firefox has now blocked sweetpacks but that does not help users who already have it, or continue to download and install other similar software. Please take care downloading software. Be vigilant: watch for unwanted extras; and try to get reviews of the downloads and download site before you consider using them.

Some of this sort of software may have installed globally and affected other browsers by the way, so you may need to review them at the same time.

General advice and links

• Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page
  (Note however one standard and registry installs & plugins will not be removed by a Firefox Reset)
  • https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/searchreset/
• Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware

Hello, see also if you have something related to sweetpack (like SweetIM) to Control Panel > Uninstall a Program (uninstall it of course if you have it).

thank you

use adwcleaner as said before, it should remove all registry entries etc,

• http://general-changelog-team.fr/en/downloads/viewdownload/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner

I have just looked at the image and note you have TopArcadeHits that is another troublesome one.Read the linked threads from my last post.

edit Additional info / links

• "my last post" /964290#answer-454218 including further linked articles
  • a long and informative thread /questions/960863
• "Waka_Flocka_Flame"'s post about anti malware software /questions/964290#answer-453976
  • including link for ADWCleaner
  • an alternative link http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/

Thanks to all who responded! Found the Updater sweetpacks and TopHitsArcade and removed them with uninstall. Then ran Adwcleaner and now works great. Good advice and I really appreciate it!

Glad it worked thanks for posting back.