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firefox default google was replaced by ask.com without my consent

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  • 204 have this problem
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  • Last reply by TXGuy

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I believe that after downloading a freeware aplication, the ask.com seach engine replaced my previous seach engine(google), and even after i removed all related plugin and files from my computer, every time i start firefox, it shows ask.com .

This happened

Every time Firefox opened

== yesterday

I believe that after downloading a freeware aplication, the ask.com seach engine replaced my previous seach engine(google), and even after i removed all related plugin and files from my computer, every time i start firefox, it shows ask.com . == This happened == Every time Firefox opened == yesterday

Chosen solution

Some freeware sites partially finance the cost of their site by including "optional" additional items. Always be careful when downloading and installing such items. In some cases, you have an opportunity during the installation process to UN-check the optional item(s)--LOOK for such items.

If you have the Ask Toolbar (looks like this: http://sp.ask.com/toolbar/install/web/ask/download.php ), here is how to uninstall it: http://about.ask.com/apn/toolbar/docs/default/faq/en/ff/index.html#na4 NOTE: perform the removal with Firefox closed.

You may need to review/reset a your home page settings after the un-install. See: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/How+to+set+the+home+page

You may need to reset a preference after the un-install if you are being directed to "Ask search" when when typing, for instance, microsoft, in your URL/address bar: -Enter about:config in the address/URL bar and press the Enter key -If you see a warning, accept it (Promise that you will be careful) -Filter = keyword.url -Below the Filter, right-click on keyword.URL and choose "Reset" -Restart Firefox (File > Restart Firefox)

See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Keyword.url


Other Issues: to correct security/stability issues

Update Java: your ver. 1.5.0; current ver. 1.6.0.20 (important security update 04-15-2010) (Windows users: Do the manual update; very easy.) See: Updating Java Do the update with Firefox closed.

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Chosen Solution

Some freeware sites partially finance the cost of their site by including "optional" additional items. Always be careful when downloading and installing such items. In some cases, you have an opportunity during the installation process to UN-check the optional item(s)--LOOK for such items.

If you have the Ask Toolbar (looks like this: http://sp.ask.com/toolbar/install/web/ask/download.php ), here is how to uninstall it: http://about.ask.com/apn/toolbar/docs/default/faq/en/ff/index.html#na4 NOTE: perform the removal with Firefox closed.

You may need to review/reset a your home page settings after the un-install. See: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/How+to+set+the+home+page

You may need to reset a preference after the un-install if you are being directed to "Ask search" when when typing, for instance, microsoft, in your URL/address bar: -Enter about:config in the address/URL bar and press the Enter key -If you see a warning, accept it (Promise that you will be careful) -Filter = keyword.url -Below the Filter, right-click on keyword.URL and choose "Reset" -Restart Firefox (File > Restart Firefox)

See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Keyword.url


Other Issues: to correct security/stability issues

Update Java: your ver. 1.5.0; current ver. 1.6.0.20 (important security update 04-15-2010) (Windows users: Do the manual update; very easy.) See: Updating Java Do the update with Firefox closed.

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See this MozillaZine thread: http://forums.mozillazine.org/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=627084&p=5069645#p5069645 - latest Firefox update brings up Ask.com for any search

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That old article is no good. Links to pix re: Ask dont exist anymore.