No default search engines
I installed freeware that hijacked my search. It removed all of the default search engines and left only bing which was then set to my default. I managed to get bing off the list and added google so I can search. It is not my preferred search tool. I cannot find my preferred search, yahoo, as an add-on. The restore search engines tool is grayed out. I tried a reset add-ons to no avail. I am using Windows 7. Do I need to reinstall firefox?
Chosen solution
Actually I figured out where the folder for the default search engines was and replaced it using another copy. The oldfirefox folder I had from the reset was empty.
This used to be a trusted piece of freeware.
Read this answer in context 👍 0All Replies (2)
The default search engines are supplied as a part of Firefox, so the easiest way is to reinstall. (Other ways such as trying to download them separately would be kind of challenging.) Here's how I suggest doing it:
Clean Reinstall
We use this name, but it's not about removing your data/settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean. As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.
(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 36.0.4 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(2) Exit out of Firefox.
(3) Rename the program folder
(64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox
(32-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files\OldFirefox
(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Any improvement?
Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- \OldFirefox\Plugins
- \OldFirefox\browser\plugins
Chosen Solution
Actually I figured out where the folder for the default search engines was and replaced it using another copy. The oldfirefox folder I had from the reset was empty.
This used to be a trusted piece of freeware.