How to stop the new Firefox's "Google search with autofill" from loading over the regular default Firefox homepage?
The homepage on Firefox is set to default (Firefox with Google search). In that setting, my search history was the one that appeared in the Google search box. By clicking on that search box, the entire history would appear, and I could choose or modify the history as needed. Recently, Firefox updated itself to Version 33.0.3. Now when the "Home" icon is clicked, the original home page appears briefly. Then a second similar homepage appears, which brings up Google search with the Google's autofill/autocomplete feature. I could disable the autofill/autocomplete feature using about:config. But I prefer the original home page. How could I prevent the newer home page from loading over my original page with my search history? Thanks.
All Replies (3)
It could be the work of one of your add-ons, or even add / mal-ware.
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.
Troubleshoot Firefox Issues Caused By Malware {web link}
Possible Mal-Ware Scan For Macs {web link}
FredMcD - Thanks much for the suggestions. I went through the extension list (only one - Firefox's Troubleshooter 1.1a, installed after the problem started) and the program list (nothing out of place and none that I did not install myself). Hence, I am unsure how to proceed.
Out of curiosity - if someone logs into their Gmail/Google account via my computer using Firefox, then are their preferences incorporated into Firefox (and its facepage) and lead to the symptoms described in my first query.
Thanks.
If another uses the computer with their own user account, everything is kept separate in each users folder. Only if someone used your account would that be an issue.
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:
- 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.
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