How can I STOP AOL from highjacking my homepage?
Hello,
AOL keeps changing my homepage to AOL.com.... I set my homepage to one of my investment sites, save it in tools, and after I close Mozilla Firefox browser and re-open it, my homepage is back to AOL.. I did this a dozen times.. Why is Firefox allowing AOL to do this? I do not have this problem with other browsers.. I do have the AOL toolbar installed, but I like the toolbar, I just don't like the idea of AOL controlling my browser.
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Windows 8 is such a pain in the bum compared to 7 It is the Vista after XP. Thank you. I figured out to take all the crap off IE which I NEVER use unless of a rare issue like this. I closed it, force closed Firefox and went into Programs. I know I didn't install anything on my computer so I just deleted everything from 6/27 - some obviously AOL but a couple sneaky programs like a downloader and a coupon site cleverly named. I then started Mozilla in safe mode and deleted anything I didn't recognize. I also added the plugin suggested above. When I restarted Firefox 22 it seems good to go. My only concern is that Firefox is showing as installed on 6/27 (but may have updated on it's own). So far so good no traces I can see.....which isn't much in Windows 8. Thanks for your assistance!
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Try to use the SearchReset extension to reset some preferences to the default values.
Note that the SearchReset extension only runs once and then uninstalls automatically, so it won't show on the "Firefox > Add-ons" page (about:addons).
If you do not keep changes after a restart then see:
I've had the exact same issue except it gives a false warning splash or popup box that AOL is attempting to take over you homepage. It gives you three options to check all of which accept AOLs (#$)(#+*(% There is nothing I can do but task manager force it closed. There is absolutely no way around it but to accept the crap!? Are you aware of this yet? Personally I don't want to accept it...but maybe however I got this infiltrated aol crap, there is no way around it? I'm on IE and it installed on it without approval!
As you can see it says accept AOL.com and Search in grey the box below says Enable AOL Homepage protection the small print below says allow settings change Pretty sneaky and no way to close it. Aargh! Of course I've got a job interview in the am this shit always happens at the worst times. Firefox has been solid then bam. I think this is new...or people didn't realize they were forced to accept this b.s.
Thanks C.Brown
No answers unless I'm supposed to accept this and then try your answer?
Also if you have any idea how to find the App Data or Roaming folders in Windows 8, I've looked in the most uncommon places and can't find em.
Thanks sorry for the frustration.
That Warning - Browser Settings dialog box isn't from Firefox. I suspect that you have some AOL software already installed or some type of AOL add-on in Firefox.
In Windows you may need to unhide hidden files and folders to get to the AppData - Roaming folders. By default they are hidden from the users view.
Chosen Solution
Windows 8 is such a pain in the bum compared to 7 It is the Vista after XP. Thank you. I figured out to take all the crap off IE which I NEVER use unless of a rare issue like this. I closed it, force closed Firefox and went into Programs. I know I didn't install anything on my computer so I just deleted everything from 6/27 - some obviously AOL but a couple sneaky programs like a downloader and a coupon site cleverly named. I then started Mozilla in safe mode and deleted anything I didn't recognize. I also added the plugin suggested above. When I restarted Firefox 22 it seems good to go. My only concern is that Firefox is showing as installed on 6/27 (but may have updated on it's own). So far so good no traces I can see.....which isn't much in Windows 8. Thanks for your assistance!
I have the same problem. AOL has taken over my start page and I can't get rid of it. I'm on a MAC. Tell me what to do.