What do I do if the new tab settings will not allow me to change my url preference?

Question

To Whom It May Concern,
Currently when I open a new tab it automatically pulls up the site http://lab.search.conduit.com/HP/SH/?layid=72&gid=1068&gd=&ctid=CT3326234&octid=EB_ORIGINAL_CTID&ISID=M11DEDE1B-4324-401A-AC98-FE9D62A182FE&SearchSource=69&CUI=&SSPV=&Lay=1&UM=2&UP=SP797483EE-8A60-4FA2-BCCD-480173BFE31C
I have no idea where this site came from and now I am unable to get my new tab setting back to showing the new tab page when I open a new tab. I've tried going to about:config, double clicking the browser.newtab.url and then trying to enter about:newtabpage for the url to open but for some reason it will not save that way and instead goes back to the setting of the above search engine.
If any light could be shed on why the setting that I've entered isn't holding, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you.

Answer 1

Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.
You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
* [http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/default.aspx Microsoft Safety Scanner]
* [http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/ MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware]
* [http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363 TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility]
* [http://www.surfright.nl/en/hitmanpro/ Hitman Pro]
* [http://www.eset.com/us/online-scanner/ ESET Online Scanner]
[http://windows.microsoft.com/MSE Microsoft Security Essentials] is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.
Further information can be found in the [[Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware]] article.
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