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Ever since I upgraded to quantum, when I search in the address bar it takes me to bing, not google. How do I stop this?

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I have already searched through and tried multiple different solutions, not one worked. I do not have any of the add ons installed listed, nor do I have anything Bing related. I tried the about:config changes, and the files some solutions suggested deleting aren't there. Yet when I try to search by using the address bar, it goes to google, then immediately redirects to bing. If I hit the back button, it takes me back to the page from before I searched.

I have already searched through and tried multiple different solutions, not one worked. I do not have any of the add ons installed listed, nor do I have anything Bing related. I tried the about:config changes, and the files some solutions suggested deleting aren't there. Yet when I try to search by using the address bar, it goes to google, then immediately redirects to bing. If I hit the back button, it takes me back to the page from before I searched.

All Replies (9)

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Separate Security Issue, please update your Flash 26.0 r0 by removing it as it is too old to uninstall with confidence, use below tool : https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-windows.html Reinstall with Flash Player Version: 30.0.0.113 Current Version https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

Hi, how to stop it. use better protection of a Dedicated Anti-Malware Program : Please use more than 1 scanner as each uses diff tech :

Save your Report and google each before deleting anything as do not want to delete something you need, If need help :

Post in only 1 forum, then wait.

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

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Or can install Winpatrol.com which has been around for ages and ages. I own lifetime but free will warn you every time something wants to change a setting or add a setting with a woof from Scottie. Useful as it blocks until you say yes/no.

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Tried this, didn't help.

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So you tried every scanner ?

Copy/Paste about:preferences#search in the Address bar and go to Bing and delete it.

Search for Programs & Features and go through the list of programs, what every you do not know, delete it.

Look for Web Companion and Lavasoft if you find either of these uninstall and let us know as there is more todo.

Novain'i Shadow110 t@

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This could be an issue caused by AdAware or Web Companion from Lavasoft.

You can look for a file named dsengine.js in these locations.

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\defaults\pref\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\defaults\pref\

You can look for a file named dsengine.cfg in the main Firefox program folder.

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\

Delete the dsengine.js and dsengine.cfg files when present.

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Tried every step listed, still having the same issue.

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Show a screen of the start of your search with example? Only time a search engine does what your describing is what malware does to redirect your searches.

Novain'i WestEnd t@

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Please : uninstall Firefox. Then Delete the Mozilla Firefox Folders in C:\Program Files , C:\Program Files(x86) & C:\ProgramData Then restart system. Then run Windows Disk Cleanup. (Note: This should be Pinned and run Weekly, If never done below expect 10's of gig's) Then run it again and click the button that says Cleanup System Files. Note: your Firefox Profile is saved. But you should make a back up before you do :

Reinstall with Current Release Firefox 61.0.1 with a Full Version Installer

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

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esivilich said

Yet when I try to search by using the address bar, it goes to google, then immediately redirects to bing.

That's very unusual. Getting hijacked off the Google results page to a different search engine is definitely way beyond the usual problems we see here.

What if you try this link, does it redirect or only when you search using the address bar?

https://www.google.com/search?q=firefox&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1-ab

What is the URL of the page you're redirected to? Sometimes the parameters give clues as to the culprit.


Did you already try Firefox's Safe Mode to rule out your other extensions?

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox. (On Mac, hold down the option/alt key instead of the Shift key.)

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
  • (menu bar) Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?


Is this problem limited to Firefox or does it also occur in your Microsoft browsers (assuming you set them to use Google as the default search engine)?