To revert to Google as your preferred search engine, please do the following.

• In the location bar, type about:config and hit Enter.
• In the filter at the top, type: keyword.URL
• Double click it and remove whatever's in there and replace it with http://www.google.com/search?q=

The URL to add in "keyword.URL" becomes a link in this post, so right click it and choose "Copy Link Location" to copy it to the Windows clipboard. Then hit CTRL+V to paste it. Saves you having to type the whole thing.

To reset your home page, do the following.

• Go to the site you want to set as your homepage.
• Click the orange Firefox button and go to Options | Options | General
• Make sure it says "Show My Homepage" in the first dropdown menu.
• Click the button called "Use Current Pages" to set the homepage to the one you have on the screen.

After you complete the above steps, install this add-on to prevent another search engine from modifying your preferences: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/browserprotect/

Thanks Xircal, that has worked.

Why did the Ashampoo programme usurp my homepage like that, and why couldn't I get rid?

They probably get commision on searches conducted through their engine.

Could you please click the "Solved It" button? This will help other users who have the same problem when they do a Google search.

Thanks.

OK,thanks. Clicked "solved it", it said there was an error...............

I'm not sure if it's done it or not?