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

Possible Mal-Ware Scan For Macs {web link}

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

• Microsoft Safety Scanner
• MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
• Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller
• AdwCleaner (for more info, see this alternate AdwCleaner download page)
• 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!

Thank you for the advise. It was indeed malware. Once removed, Firefox is working fine. Again, thank you.

Note that Cnet aka download .com is a known adware site as they use their own installer to bundle stuff with otherwise clean software.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Download.com#Adware

Glad to help.

It’s very sad, but many of the software down-loaders / installers will trick you into installing not only their program, but other programs as well. You have heard of the fine print in shady contracts, right? Well, some installers you need to look at the itsy bitsy teeny weeny fine print. You are thinking you are giving the installer permission to install the program you want by using the recommended option. But if you use the Manual Option Instead, you discover all kinds of stuff that you do not even know what it is or what it does. From now on, everyone needs to Use The Manual Option to put a stop to this.

helpingtrk.com browser redirect has compromised my Firefox browser as well. I've tried everything suggested by Mozilla and an outstanding private Windows browser consultant I've used (infrequently) with positive results for ten years.

I'm at square one with no progress toward a solution. Has anyone discovered a link to a manual fix? I doubt I need more anti-malware. I have Malwarebytes Premium and NOD32 running 24/7 as well as 'on-call' with HitmanPro, CCleaner and PerfectDisk, all up to date, all in play.

Any novel suggestions? Should I consider deleting and reinstalling Firefox? Are any other (perhaps new) browsers in the field more impervious to this desperately annoying helpingtrk.com?

P220ST said

Should I consider deleting and reinstalling Firefox?

If the problem is inside Firefox (add-on, setting), that may work. But if the problem is malware, you have to get rid of that program.

Type about:support in the address bar and press Enter. Under the main banner, press the button; Copy Text To Clipboard.. Then in the reply box at the bottom of this page, do a right click in the box and select Paste. This will show us your system details. No Personal Information Is Collected.

Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac:<Command>)<Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Make sure you know what each one is and what it does.

Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.

Also, check the programs that are on your computer

Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

Go thru the list. If you find something that you don't know what it is, use a web search.

FredMcD, "Copy Text To Clipboard" button transfers/holds no data. Checked my Windows copy/paste by writing this reply in a *.txt box and transferring it here as is.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Mark

By the way, thanks for trying to help.

-Mark

FredMcD, Aside from: "Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them" (from you post), both I and the tech pro have exhaustively applied the remainder of you suggestions.

Any other thoughts would be most appreciated.

- Mark

FredMcD, re about:addons, no add-ons or extensions apply to toolbars or antivirus software.

Again, thanks.

- Mark

I just checked again and the answer is a definitive "no".

-Mark

FredMcD, Regarding about:support, do you have any thoughts on taking a *.jpg via SnagIt or something similar, then somehow transferring the image file to you?

-Mark

The info continues to display within Firefox (UTD Firefox, of course) but refuses to stick to the copy/paste function. Odd.

-Mark

FredMcD, the "Raw Data" button sticks and transfers should you have a couple hours to tear it apart.

-Mark

First, calm down.

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} While you are in safe mode;

Type about:preferences#advanced<Enter> in the address bar.

Under Advanced, Select General. Look for and turn off Use Hardware Acceleration.

While still in safe mode, now try to copy your system details. If you still can't do it, follow these instruction;

• 1

Install; SUMO Troubleshooter {web link} This will provides Firefox troubleshooting data to Mozilla web sites. No personal information is listed.

• 2

Please go to the top of any support.mozilla.org web page and use the Ask A Question link; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/new This will let us look at your system details. No Personal Information Is Collected.

• 3

Send me the link to your question.

FredMcD said

First, calm down.

You nailed that one. Some chowderhead just broadsided me in a parking lot and sped off before I could get their plate number. I don't even remember what color the damn car was.

Anyway . . . I shall respond in full in the morning after I find a couple of IQ points. Thanks again for being so helpful

- Mark

FredMcD, my computer guy is driving back over and asked me to hold off on your plan 'til he gets here. Out of respect, I'm going to wait on your instructions 'til he returns and either fixes it or departs.

I'll be in touch.

- Mark