Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

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

remove "searchitnow"

  • 6 iimpendulo
  • 2 inale ngxaki
  • 31 views
  • Impendulo yokugqibela ngu FredMcD

more options

Firefox browser has defaulted to "searchitnow" as the home page and default search engine, which was not wanted, appeared to come with a Java update, has also impacted Chrome. Help getting rid of it appreciated.

Firefox browser has defaulted to "searchitnow" as the home page and default search engine, which was not wanted, appeared to come with a Java update, has also impacted Chrome. Help getting rid of it appreciated.

Isisombulu esikhethiweyo

You may have ad/mal-ware. Further information can be found in this article; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no

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

Funda le mpendulo kwimeko leyo 👍 1

All Replies (6)

more options

Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; (<Control> [Mac=<Command>] <Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Remove “ searchitnow “ Anything.

Also remove SafeSearch, SearchAssist Incognito, FileConverter Addon, SearchLock, DiscreteSearch, WebSearch, Findwide Search Engine

Now do the same in the computer’s Programs Folder.

Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the Applications folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

more options

Once the rogue add-on(s) have been removed, you should be able to regain control of your search settings. For more on using that part of the Preferences page, see:

Change your default search settings in Firefox

more options

Hi Fred No sign of Searchitnow or anything that shouldn't be there in the addons. I've had a look through the programs and utilities as well and can't see anything odd there either.

more options

Isisombululo esiKhethiweyo

You may have ad/mal-ware. Further information can be found in this article; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware?cache=no

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

more options

Cool, ran malwarebytes scanner, followed instructions, have now reset preferences and all seems good, thanks for your help

more options

Hello,

I am glad to hear that your problem has been resolved. If you haven't already, please select the answer that solves the problem. This will help other users with similar problems find the solution more easily.

Thank you for contacting Mozilla Support.