This kind of search hijack usually is injected using an extension. In some cases, the extension makes itself hard to remove as well. Very annoying. You can view, disable, and often remove unwanted or unknown extensions on the Add-ons page. Either: * Command+Shift+a (Windows: Ctrl+Shift+a) * "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons * type or paste '''about:addons''' in the address bar and press Enter/Return In the left column of the Add-ons page, click Extensions. On the right side, find the "Manage Your Extensions" heading. '''If this page is blank, you will need to first restart Firefox in its Safe Mode before cleaning up here. Steps for that below.''' ''If there is at least one extension before the next heading -- "Recommended Extensions" -- please continue:'' Then cast a critical eye over the list below that heading. Any extensions Firefox installs for built-in features are hidden from this page, so everything listed here is your choice (and your responsibility) to manage. Anything that mentions search, looks suspicious, or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove). For your privacy and security, don't let mystery programs linger here. Any improvement? If there is a bad guy, please name names for the benefit of other users. '''Firefox's Safe Mode''' In its Safe Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions. ''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. ''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.) ''Both scenarios:'' A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (''not'' Refresh). That should make it easier to manage your extensions.