Firefox opens up 2nd tab on startup
I am running firefox 3.6.8. I have had no problems until recently. When upon startup firefox will open my homepage plus another tab. the secon tab is always some type of advertisment page and usually contains pop-ups when I try to close the second tab. I have checked my settings and firefox is only set to open my homepage and nothing else. Please help it is annoying and I fear it may be some tyep of malware.
All Replies (1)
To see whether this is being caused by one of your add-ons, try these diagnostic measures.
First, make a backup of your computer for safekeeping. To back up Firefox, see Backing up your information.
Next, try starting Firefox in Firefox Safe Mode. Be careful not to "reset" anything permanently if you didn't back up.
Does that work normally? If not, try creating a new (blank) profile: Managing profiles.
Some people track down problem add-ons by selectively enabling and disabling them in groups, but this can be slow. The other approach is to ditch your old profile and move your key settings like bookmarks to the new profile. More info: Recovering important data from an old profile.
If you still get the ad even in a new profile, then it likely is caused by external software. Malware and spyware scans would be a good idea.
These tools (free versions) will supplement your existing security software, hopefully without causing any conflict:
HouseCall : http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Malwarebytes Anti-malware : http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
SUPERAntiSpyware : http://www.superantispyware.com/
Any luck?