Why is the keyword d automatically tied to DuckDuckgo and how to change this?
I used to have the 'd' key followed by a word setup for looking up/searching the word on a dictionary website. Since a recent update typing this key in the address line takes me to DuckDuckgo, which is set as my default search engine. Any indication how to change this back to my previous setting very welcome. Many thanks in advance.
All Replies (7)
Did you check in "Options/Preferences -> Search" if there is a keyword present for DuckDuckGo?
You may also have a bookmark with a keyword set, so you can search the Library or bookmarks sidebar as well.
Many thanks cor-el for your indications. I've checked the "Options/Preferences -> Search" and changed the settings for DuckDuckGo from no keyword present to 'ddg' but doesn't change the behaviour I'm afraid. I've also skimmed the bookmarks and the only keyword setting with 'd' was my dictionary lookup. I've changed it to 'dd' as a workaround.
I'm not sure I understand.
If you want to use the 'd' keyword for the dictionary lookup then you need to keep the 'd' keyword for this search engine.
Sorry if this is confusing. My setup was having 'd' as a keyword for my dictionary lookup and this all worked fine. Recently this behaviour changed to pointing to duckduckgo instead of my dictionary without me changing anything in my settings. In other words there was no keyword set in "Options/Preferences -> Search" and 'd' was set for the dictionary. Now if I change the keyword for duckduck to 'ddg' and the keyword for my dictionary lookup to 'dd' these both work. But typing 'd' in the address line followed by a word still throws up a duckduckgo search. Hope this helps to clarify. Many thanks for your efforts to track this down!
Modified by LeatherJ
Try to rename/remove the search.json.mozlz4 file in the Firefox profile folder with Firefox closed to reset search engine data stored in the file.
You can use the button on the "Help -> Troubleshooting Information" (about:support) page to go to the current Firefox profile folder or use the about:profiles page.
- Help -> Troubleshooting Information -> Profile Directory:
Windows: Show Folder; Linux: Open Directory; Mac: Show in Finder - http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
Thanks, tried it but unfortunately removing the file seems not to provide the cure for the issue :/ Maybe the duckduckgo default settings changed without notice and reflection in the documentation. I wrote them with a link to this threat maybe they can provide a pointer.
Modified by LeatherJ
Have you taken a look at your plugins or installed programs? It could be that there is a rogue application that is hijacking and influencing the search. It looks more and more like it is some form of Adware.
Try paying attention if any of the installed programs are suspicious.
Afterward, do a scan with Malwarebytes and Hitman Pro and see what results come up. Keep us posted