see https://support.mozilla.com/questions/835835

A quick websearch suggests that this could be due to malware. I also note many threads within this forum. I suggest you look at the following threads

• /questions/823856
• /questions/816181
• /questions/790833

The first post gives details of how to change the keyword.url in your preferences. That may resolve the problem, there is however the possibility malware/software on your computer may just reset that again so it may only be a temporary solution.

BUT please note the post quoted may be out of date. It could result in your firfox behaving more like the earlier versions. I would suggest instead you initially try

1. type about:config into the locationbar, and then hit return
2. accept any warning that shows
3. type keyword.url into the filter at the top
4. you should see two entries
   • the expected entries are
     keyword.enabled;true
     keyword.URL;
5. yours are likely to include info about searchqu right click and use the reset option

• see also searches are redirected to another site

If that proves to be only a temporary solution then you need to look into solution's involving malware identification and removal.

I tried this. I tried every other solution. Result: zilch. Searchqu keeps coming up.

A typical post suggesting action if malware is suspected: /questions/757994#answer-109685

I just got this problem. i looked in the Add-ons manager and found a little adon called "MF Custom Search 2.8.0.0". i removed it, then my homepages returned to normal. hope that helps :D

I found two programs in Control Panel associated with this malware: ILIVID e BANDOO. I Uninstalled them and then manually removed any item searchqu.* in c:\users and all subfolders. The problem is definitely solved.

Thanks John99 - used your fix (above) after another site hi-jacked my FF homepage and your advice worked brilliantly! Muchios gracias! Very grateful to you !!  :-)

"I would suggest instead you initially try

  1. type about:config into the locationbar, and then hit return
  2. accept any warning that shows
  3. type keyword.url into the filter at the top
  4. you should see two entries
         * the expected entries are

           keyword.enabled;true

           keyword.URL; 
  5. yours are likely to include info about searchqu right click and use the reset option"

I had this problem too and remedy was pretty straight foreword, just took a while to get there.

Go to programs and look for a directory labeled something like, C:\programs files\windows\ilivid\xxx. Within this folder you will find an uninstall application, run the application and on completion delete the remnants of the folder. Finally go to your browser and change the homepage. Job done. :)

Thanks to unknown contributor on Yahoo.