if your manual changes don't 'stick' after a restart of the browser, please look out for any suspicious extensions (like 3rd-party-toolbars or things you have not installed intentionally) presently installed under firefox/tools > addons > extensions or the programs section of the windows control panel and remove those entries.

in case this doesn't solve the issue please try this: go to firefox > help > troubleshooting information > profile folder - "show folder", then a new window will open up. in this window look out for a file named user.js (it might be used to overwrite your custom settings). in case it is present , delete or rename this file and restart firefox afterwards.

Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page
How to fix preferences that won't save

See also [/questions/935062]

Go to control panel, Add/Remove programs. Look for Browser Protect or some sort of programs you do not recognize Uninstall them. Then reset FF again. There are couple programs that "freeze" start and search pages, and searchus uses one of them

I've tried that , but no use. Thanks for the time .

Try scanning With adwcleaner and Spyhunter then, as these might detect the browser freezer program.

What can Firefox do to prevent the problem in the first place?

With Apple PC's the user is asked before ANY installation can take place. What can Firefox do to lock out any changes?

It is very tedious to change my settings back multiple times in a week. I don't have the time to treat this like a hobby, it is a tool.