I found that after Firefox v29, and v30, a LOT of my settings and add-ons were changed / reset. Try this; Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} While you are in safe mode; Press the Alt or F10 key to bring up the tool bar. Followed by;

Windows; Tools > Options Linux; Edit > Preferences Mac; application name > Preferences

Then Advanced > General. Look for and turn off Use Hardware Acceleration. Then check ALL of your settings; Browser and add-ons. Then restart.

These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences

Normally, an update does not change your home page...

What did you home page change to? That might help identify the source of the problem.

I assume you have tried changing your home page back to your preferred site, either in the Options dialog or using one of the other methods:

• Startup, home page, tabs, and download settings
• How to set the home page

Did that work at all? By "at all" I mean:

• Immediately after making the change, if you click the Home button, or launch a new window using Ctrl+n, does your preferred page load? Or is that ignored?
• Does the setting revert later in your session (you see in Options it has changed)?
• Does the setting revert after you exit and start Firefox up again?
• Is the problem only when you use your Firefox desktop shortcut?

With that information, it will be easier to recommend a solution.

I'm not sure I understand your second question. Google has always been the default search provider in Firefox. Are you seeing even more Google than that?