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Crashing causing search engine change

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 4 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

brad50
brad50
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Hi Guys, Firefox crashes now and then, and when it does, it changes my default search engine.

When this happens, "Browser Default" is added to 'search Shortcuts' and selected.

To revert back to Google, it has to be selected, and removed.

I have come to the conclusion, that this is a deliberate action, caused by some form of Malware or similar, as it is the only thing that appears to change, and always happens when Firefox crashes.

On the other rare occasions that Firefox crashes, it returns asking to return to previous sessions, and does so without issue - these crashes are extremely infrequent, however, the previous example is like clockwork.

Hoping you can help.

Cheers, Brad

Hi Guys, Firefox crashes now and then, and when it does, it changes my default search engine. When this happens, "Browser Default" is added to 'search Shortcuts' and selected. To revert back to Google, it has to be selected, and removed. I have come to the conclusion, that this is a deliberate action, caused by some form of Malware or similar, as it is the only thing that appears to change, and always happens when Firefox crashes. On the other rare occasions that Firefox crashes, it returns asking to return to previous sessions, and does so without issue - these crashes are extremely infrequent, however, the previous example is like clockwork. Hoping you can help. Cheers, Brad

All Replies (2)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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You may have ad/mal-ware. Further information can be found in this article; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no

Run most or all of the listed free to use malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.

FredMcD
FredMcD
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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. Remove “ Browser Default “ Anything.

Also remove SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch, Findwide Search Engine, securedsearch

Now do the same in the computer’s Programs Folder.

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