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can't load about:newtab page in new tab

Jonas Grumby
Jonas Grumby
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Hello,

A recent hack attack from Bing has reset the value in browser.newtab.url to their search page. I keep trying to reset it to about:newtab but when I click OK the URL remains the same and my changes are ignored. What can I do about this? I really want my newtab page back.

Thanks

Hello, A recent hack attack from Bing has reset the value in browser.newtab.url to their search page. I keep trying to reset it to about:newtab but when I click OK the URL remains the same and my changes are ignored. What can I do about this? I really want my newtab page back. Thanks

Chosen solution

As a footnote, you may want to check for a program named Search Protect in your Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. I suggest clicking the "Installed on" column heading to sort by date (most recent first, usually) in case some badware snuck in with a recent free install.

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All Replies (4)

guigs
guigs
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Hi Jonas Grumby,

Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that there was difficulty changing that feature in the about:config page. Please see How to fix preferences that won't save for more troubleshooting steps. It is possible to reset Firefox to default as well.

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information.
Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions and some Preferences.

  • Open websites will not be saved in Firefox versions lower than 25.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.

Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

Modified by guigs

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

As a footnote, you may want to check for a program named Search Protect in your Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. I suggest clicking the "Installed on" column heading to sort by date (most recent first, usually) in case some badware snuck in with a recent free install.

Jonas Grumby
Jonas Grumby Question owner
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@jscher2000 Thanks. That is exactly what happened. I got a program called "Search Protect" when I installed a free download. It's fixed.

@guigs2 Thanks for the info about how to reset Firefox.

Jonas Grumby
Jonas Grumby Question owner
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p.s. Spybot identifies Search Protect as some kind of badness. I removed it in Control Panel and will try to quarantine it with Spybot.