Does this happen in new windows as well -- which you can launch using either:

• Ctrl+n
• "3-bar" menu button (or File menu) > New Window

-- or only using the Firefox desktop icon, or only at initial startup?

Last week a user mentioned an issue with the built-in home page appearing in a single tab restored from a previous session, and having to use the Back button to see the restored page. This sounds somewhat similar and perhaps there is a common cause (yet to be discovered).

Can't use back button as it is not highlighted. Still changes to Firefox page

Using Carl n changes to a second Firefox page still no google. Goes from written Firefox logo to fox logo but still Firefox.

Is the Firefox home page opening as a second tab, or in the same tab where you saw the Google page? For example: if you close the Firefox home page tab using the little x on the tab or Ctrl+w, is the Google page behind that tab or does the window close completely because it was the only tab in the window?

One reason that your home page preference might be ignored even when it is set correctly is an extension overriding your preference. Could you try disabling ALL nonessential or unrecognized extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

• Ctrl+Shift+a
• "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable. Bear in mind that Firefox does not come with any extensions at all, so if you do not remember adding an extension to accomplish something specific, it might have been injected into Firefox by some other software.

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.

Does that bend Firefox to your will?