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Every search opens as f.txt and appears as computer code

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 14 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

OysterBayJay
OysterBayJay
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Whenever I attempt to search the web, the result comes up as a window saying the results will open in f.txt. After clicking to continue the page opens as computer code. This just began happening yesterday and how to I undo this?

Whenever I attempt to search the web, the result comes up as a window saying the results will open in f.txt. After clicking to continue the page opens as computer code. This just began happening yesterday and how to I undo this?

All Replies (2)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Is that your search engine of choice? What is your choice?

Bookmark and use this; Download the Mozilla Search Reset {web link} This add-on is very simple: on installation, it backs up and then resets your search preferences and home page to their default values, and then uninstalls itself. This affects the search bar, URL bar searches, and the home page.

You may have ad / mal-ware. Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

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

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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If you use extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) that can block content (e.g. Adblock Plus, NoScript, Flash Block, Ghostery) then make sure that such extensions aren't blocking content.

You can try these steps in case of issues with web pages:

You can reload web page(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.

  • Hold down the Shift key and left-click the Reload button
  • Press "Ctrl + F5" or press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows,Linux)
  • Press "Command + Shift + R" (Mac)

Clear the cache and remove cookies only from websites that cause problems.

"Clear the Cache":

  • Firefox/Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Cached Web Content: "Clear Now"

"Remove Cookies" from sites causing problems:

  • Firefox/Tools > Options > Privacy > "Use custom settings for history" > Cookies: "Show Cookies"

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.

  • Switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance
  • Do NOT click the Reset button on the Safe Mode start window