removed search engines keep coming back
Search engines that I removed from my list of one-click search engines (in the Firefox options) reappear after a month or so. This has happened a couple of times already. I suspect that the reappearance is triggered by a Firefox update, but am not sure about that. The search engines that I keep removing and that keep reappearing after a while are - Bing - bol.com - Marktplaats.nl
I'm using Firefox on Windows 10 Home, with Dutch regional settings. I cannot find evidence of having (unwittingly) installed any Windows applications or Firefox extensions or plugins associated with these search engines (except that Bing is a Microsoft product and might be integrated into the operating system). Neither "bol.com" nor "marktplaats" occur in my Windows registry.
What is causing these search engines to keep reappearing? How can I prevent them from reappearing? I notice an option in the "General" section of Firefox options whose description (translated to English) is "Update search engines automatically". Is that the reason for the unwanted search engines reappearing? I figured that that option meant "update the search engines from your list automatically" and would not install search engines that aren't currently in my list.
All Replies (3)
HI, I would think as not familiar with Dutch engines that it maybe possible that something has gotten past your Extensions and security. Please Check with a dedicated Malware Scanner :
You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
- Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller (for more info, see this alternate TDSSKiller download page)
- AdwCleaner (for more info, see this alternate AdwCleaner download page)
- Hitman Pro
- ESET Online Scanner
Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista if you don't already have one. Windows 8/10 have antivirus protection built-in.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
I have this same problem with a search engine called 'Web + Videos'. I have never heard of it. I removed it, it came back. I removed it and restarted my computer - it comes back. Cannot get rid of it.
Hi jacquelynj59
This thread is about the builtin default Dutch search engines that somehow were restored.
- "google", "bing", "bolcom-nl", "ddg", "ebay-nl", "marktplaats-nl", "wikipedia-nl"
You have a different problem, either caused by an extension or by malware.
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-using-safe-mode
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-extensions-themes-to-fix-problems
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware
If this doesn't help then please start a new thread.