Can't download Firefox without getting virus or add on software like ASK.com, http.com etc-
I downloaded CUTEPDF (or something like that) and ASK.COM attached to Firefox.
I was unable to get rid of ASK.com no matter what I did, so I removed Firefox. I have now tried downloading Firefox from mulitiple supposedly trusted locations, including this website. I have tried about 10 downloads and no matter what I do, I can't download Firefox without getting virus or add on software like ASK.com, http.com etc.
How or Where can I download a reliable, virus or add on free Firefox?
I am careful not to check any fox offering me add-ons, they still attach.
Chosen solution
You can download a full installer for Firefox from the following page -- scroll down to your preferred language:
https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/
You'll notice there is now a 64-bit version of Firefox. However, it doesn't support any plugins except Flash, so if you visit sites that use Silverlight (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Instant Video), it's best to stick with the traditional 32-bit version.
Now... even a clean Firefox will detect existing settings and any add-ons advertised in the Windows registry or discovered in shared folders. Therefore, you still may need to do a little clean-up after the new installation.
Here's my suggested procedure for tracking down and cleaning up bad add-ons and other hijackers. I know it seems long, but it's really not that bad.
(For Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10; XP is somewhat different)
(1) Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Be suspicious of everything you do not recognize/remember, as malware often uses important or innocent sounding names to discourage you from removing it. Take out as much trash as possible here.
(2) Open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- in the Windows "Run" dialog, type or paste
firefox.exe "about:addons"
In the left column, click Plugins. Set nonessential and unrecognized plugins to "Never Activate".
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions. All extensions are optional; none come with Firefox.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Any improvement?
(3) You can search for remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.
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Chosen Solution
You can download a full installer for Firefox from the following page -- scroll down to your preferred language:
https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/
You'll notice there is now a 64-bit version of Firefox. However, it doesn't support any plugins except Flash, so if you visit sites that use Silverlight (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Instant Video), it's best to stick with the traditional 32-bit version.
Now... even a clean Firefox will detect existing settings and any add-ons advertised in the Windows registry or discovered in shared folders. Therefore, you still may need to do a little clean-up after the new installation.
Here's my suggested procedure for tracking down and cleaning up bad add-ons and other hijackers. I know it seems long, but it's really not that bad.
(For Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10; XP is somewhat different)
(1) Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Be suspicious of everything you do not recognize/remember, as malware often uses important or innocent sounding names to discourage you from removing it. Take out as much trash as possible here.
(2) Open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- in the Windows "Run" dialog, type or paste
firefox.exe "about:addons"
In the left column, click Plugins. Set nonessential and unrecognized plugins to "Never Activate".
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions. All extensions are optional; none come with Firefox.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Any improvement?
(3) You can search for remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.
Even though it may look like Firefox comes with it, no version of Firefox from mozilla.org comes with this ASK.
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-ask-toolbar-and-search/ https://malwaretips.com/blogs/ask-shopping-toolbar-removal/
Modified by James
Thank you! I dowloaded Mozilla again and told it not to Never Activate certain Plugins- two of them. There were also two addons with Mozilla in the name- marketplace and something else. But, since you said none come with Mozilla, I deleted or disabled, I forget. So, for so good. Thank you.
So, from this site, it was www.http.com that would load. I was not an application that would show up in my list of apps or programs, so no way to get rid of it. But, I followed the instructions about Plugins and Extensions and it went away. So, thank you.