This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Natao arisiva ity resaka mitohy ity. Mametraha fanontaniana azafady raha mila fanampiana.

No default search engines

  • 2 valiny
  • 13 manana an'ity olana ity
  • 4 views
  • Valiny farany nomen'i rickmcm

more options

I installed freeware that hijacked my search. It removed all of the default search engines and left only bing which was then set to my default. I managed to get bing off the list and added google so I can search. It is not my preferred search tool. I cannot find my preferred search, yahoo, as an add-on. The restore search engines tool is grayed out. I tried a reset add-ons to no avail. I am using Windows 7. Do I need to reinstall firefox?

I installed freeware that hijacked my search. It removed all of the default search engines and left only bing which was then set to my default. I managed to get bing off the list and added google so I can search. It is not my preferred search tool. I cannot find my preferred search, yahoo, as an add-on. The restore search engines tool is grayed out. I tried a reset add-ons to no avail. I am using Windows 7. Do I need to reinstall firefox?

Vahaolana nofidina

Actually I figured out where the folder for the default search engines was and replaced it using another copy. The oldfirefox folder I had from the reset was empty.

This used to be a trusted piece of freeware.

Hamaky an'ity valiny ity @ sehatra 👍 0

All Replies (2)

more options

The default search engines are supplied as a part of Firefox, so the easiest way is to reinstall. (Other ways such as trying to download them separately would be kind of challenging.) Here's how I suggest doing it:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your data/settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean. As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.

(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 36.0.4 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

(2) Exit out of Firefox.

(3) Rename the program folder

(64-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(32-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • \OldFirefox\Plugins
  • \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
more options

Vahaolana Nofidina

Actually I figured out where the folder for the default search engines was and replaced it using another copy. The oldfirefox folder I had from the reset was empty.

This used to be a trusted piece of freeware.