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Change of default search engine not possible

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

ian.thresher
ian.thresher
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I am experiencing the same problem as multiple other Firefox users. Here are examples:

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1346958

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1203608

I too set the default search engine to Google, but it keeps reverting to Bing. Living in a free society, I would like to retain my right of choice to search using the search engine I want to use, not have this choice made for me.

I attach two screenshots marked with a red square showing that all I see when trying to change the default search engine is the Firefox logo and the words "a browser". No other search engines are available, neither Bing, nor Google nor any other.

I have tried the solutions suggested, but they are not appropriate in my case.

If this is due to a bug, or a wilful decision to the advantage of Microsoft, I urge you to squash the bug causing this or end the commercial arrangement with Microsoft.

I am experiencing the same problem as multiple other Firefox users. Here are examples: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1346958 https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1203608 I too set the default search engine to Google, but it keeps reverting to Bing. Living in a free society, I would like to retain my right of choice to search using the search engine I want to use, not have this choice made for me. I attach two screenshots marked with a red square showing that all I see when trying to change the default search engine is the Firefox logo and the words "a browser". No other search engines are available, neither Bing, nor Google nor any other. I have tried the solutions suggested, but they are not appropriate in my case. If this is due to a bug, or a wilful decision to the advantage of Microsoft, I urge you to squash the bug causing this or end the commercial arrangement with Microsoft.
Attached screenshots

All Replies (3)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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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. Remove “ Bing “ Anything.

Also remove SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch, Findwide Search Engine, securedsearch

Now do the same in the computer’s Programs Folder.

Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the Applications folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

ian.thresher
ian.thresher Question owner
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Thank you for your advice, but I wrote "I have tried the solutions suggested, but they are not appropriate in my case."

I do not have or see, “ Bing “ Anything.

And I don't have any of these:

SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch, Findwide Search Engine, securedsearch

Any further suggestions?

FredMcD
FredMcD
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You may have ad/mal-ware. Further information can be found in this article; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no

Run most or all of the listed free to use malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.

Start Firefox using Troubleshoot(Safe) Mode {web link}

A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Troubleshoot(Safe) Mode (not Refresh). Is the problem still there?