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:

Possible Mal-Ware Scan For Macs {web link}

Windows

• 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!

Are you using Firefox Sync?

I just had my OS reinstalled and my hard drive replaced because of malware. Possibly because I installed Firefox and responded to what I thought was an Adobe message to update. (I called Geeksquad and they were aware of it.)

I signed on to Firefox Sync; but, am not using it. (I also installed and removed Firefox several times. The garbage returned.)

I also ran a couple of scans with Webroot and Malwarebytes. No luck,

Signed up for Sync. Not using it. I scanned with Webroot and Malwarebytes. They turned up nothing. Do you think I should try others?

Type about:preferences#security<Enter> in the address bar. Make sure the Master Password is turned off.

Type about:preferences#sync<Enter> in the address bar. Turn off the sync for now.

The next time these windows come up, take a snapshot and post it here.

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift (Mac Options) > key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?

. Whenever you get a message / popup that software / files need to be updated;

DO NOT USE ANY OF THE PROVIDED LINKS

While this may be a legitimate message, it could also be Malware or a Virus. Any time you want or need to check for upgrades, go to the web site of the True Owner of the program in question. For example, to check out Firefox, go to Mozilla.org. {web link}

You can sent a report to The FBI via their web site Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) {web link}

You can also report such a site at; Google Report Phishing Page {web link} which is the same when done while on site by going to Help > Report Web Forgery

Help us safeguard Mozilla’s trademarks by reporting misuse {web link}

Thanks. I just wish there was a way to make the message go away.

This may not be worth the effort. I can delete Firefox and use another browser. I was only engaged. Not yet married to it.

You can use another browser if you want, but the problem may still be there.

So, you see the create account and sign in to Sync page and not manage Sync settings if you go to the Sync tab in Options/Preferences?