Techie question - help with Firefox

[AnnieM]

just thought someone here might be able to help...

I use Firefox as my browser -

up until today if i typed something in the long box at the top of the screen it would come either go straight to the website (ie if I typed in Blood for the Baron it would come here without me needing to type in the full address) or it would come up with search results

now, after downloading a free piece of software that's totally unconnected, if I type in something in that top box it just comes up with suggestions from Ask.com, which is utter knickers.

Apparently when I downloaded the free software I agreed to use Ask.com as my default search engine. I can't unset it!

How do I get it to stop going straight to Ask.com? I've tried deleting Ask.com from the list of browsers on the little box on the top right hand side of the screen, but it doesn't stop going there.

Please, if this makes any sense, can someone help me. It is driving me doolally.

Many thanks

yours sincerely

AnnieM (aged 30 and a half)

[Double-Tap]

i've had this problem as well.
you may need to delete the whole software package.
this is the problem with free software when you have to agree to certain conditions.
if you access the control panel then go to add/remove programs and delete your new download.
hope this helps.
Bill

[Lady Jaye]

Nothing in the world comes for free!

Clearly addware. My suggestion would be: deinstall the 'free' software, then run SpyBot S&D to remove the rest of the infestation.

If you really want to keep the software you might need to accept the change in browser. Some software do not work if you don't accept the policy.

Best regards,
Niels, aged 37 and a couple of months

[AnnieM]

the software was crap - already removed it.

i'll run Spybot now

cheers guys

[AnnieM]

ended up reinstalling Firefox - all ok now

I'll be more careful with free programs in the future I think!

I've never used Ask.com before. It's truly terrible.

[The Baron]

Ah too late now, but you probably could have solved it using Tools > Options > Manage Add-ons.

[AnnieM]

cheers Baron, I had removed it from add-ons but it wouldn't bloody piss off.

[The Baron]

Eek. I'll keep an eye out for it. Can I ask what the free software was? Golden rule is to never install any optional toolbars / taskbars / live update components.

I'd also suggest you hit "Run..." and type in "msconfig" - then go to the "Startup" tab and check for anything nasty lurking there. You can also check the "Services" tab, but be sure to tick "Hide all Microsoft services" first to shorten the list.

[Chopper]

100% agreed Baron. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Hijackers are the meat of my income these days.

[Shadow_Contact]

Hijackers are the meat of my income these days.

Totally agree. Hijackers if ground properly make damn nice Burgers too.