Why is Bing my default search engine?

My default search engine changed to Bing yesterday and I CAN'T get rid of it, it's driving me mental. I've tried changing preferences but it doesn't work. I've also read about uninstalling Geneio but I don't think I have that? It may be soemthing to do with installing a Paint software on my MAC as it seemed to happen after that! Please Help!

andreahopscotch wrote:
If none of these work, check your extensions.
Safari - Preferences - Extensions
Uninstall any extensions you don't recognize.
Note that this is sufficient for some adware, but not for all. InstallMac/Genieo, for example, may install an extension called Omnibar, but that is the smallest part of the infection. There are many other things installed, some very deeply in your Mac, that must be removed if you don't want this junk remaining active, doing God knows what in the background.
Also, note that the InstallMac/Genieo uninstaller is known not to work. These installers do not remove all components of the adware. In fact, the InstallMac uninstaller in particular has been observed to install components that were not actually present!
Use the tool that Kevin recommended to get rid of everything.

Similar Messages

  • Complaint: Make Bing your default search engine side-effect

    I lost a lot of trust in Skype when they recently published an update and had the installer try to trick me into making Bing my default search engine and MSN my default home page.
    These kinds of "viral payloads" do more harm than good because:
    1)  They feel like cheap tricks and erode at our trust in the company and product.
    2)  They make the payload in question seem pathetic. How good can Bing and MSN be if Microsoft has to trick people into using them? It's like parents trying to pay other children to be their child's friend.
    3)  They are predatory practices that prey on people who aren't technologically savy enough to change the settings -- and who just assume that the checked boxes need to be checked.
    4)  People feel tricked and betrayed.
    Come on Microsoft... Is it really work it?
    [real name redacted to protect privacy]

    I have to agree. I decided not to update to the latest version of Skype because again it tried to make MSN my default homepage and Bing my default search engine. Maybe I want to make those changes, maybe I don't, but I do NOT want them forced on me in order to update Skype! No, there are no checkboxes or other ways to decline those changes. Unchecky usually prevents this kind of install, but it doesn't seem to work with Skype. I just closed Unchecky and tried the Skype update again. Same thing. No way to decline the change in homepage or in default search engine. I know I can change things back after installing Skype, but why should I have to? This is similar to Microsoft Update telling me that the Bing Bar and the Bing Desktop are "important" updates. In my not-so-humble opinion, MS is taking lessons from the folks over at Ask. I neither want nor need a toolbar, nor do I want/need the desktop app. Now if they called it an *optional* update, I'd have no problem. Optional, yes. Important, no. I will no longer allow automatic updates.  

  • Complaint: Make Bing your default search engine s...

    I lost a lot of trust in Skype when they recently published an update and had the installer try to trick me into making Bing my default search engine and MSN my default home page.
    These kinds of "viral payloads" do more harm than good because:
    1)  They feel like cheap tricks and erode at our trust in the company and product.
    2)  They make the payload in question seem pathetic. How good can Bing and MSN be if Microsoft has to trick people into using them? It's like parents trying to pay other children to be their child's friend.
    3)  They are predatory practices that prey on people who aren't technologically savy enough to change the settings -- and who just assume that the checked boxes need to be checked.
    4)  People feel tricked and betrayed.
    Come on Microsoft... Is it really work it?
    [real name redacted to protect privacy]

    Hi, Basiclife, and welcome to the Community,
    Not all of my responses are stellar. 
    Discretion being the better part of valour, I will refrain from listing the software suites I use that try to "trick" me into adding yet another free trial of yet another anti-virus software package or browser toolbar ... ahhh, the "fine print" ...
    "Do you want to make [fill in the blank] your default browser?"
    Cheers,
    Elaine
    Was your question answered? Please click on the Accept as a Solution link so everyone can quickly find what works! Like a post or want to say, "Thank You" - ?? Click on the Kudos button!
    Trustworthy information: Brian Krebs: 3 Basic Rules for Online Safety and Consumer Reports: Guide to Internet Security Online Safety Tip: Change your passwords often!

  • Remove Bing as default search engine in Safari

    Suddenly my Safari default search engine (in the URL bar) has switched to Bing. I changed it back to Google in preferences (on the Safari menu) and although the URL bar says "Search Google or enter address", it still defaults to Bing. Please help.

    Hi there I\'m an Apple user,
    You may find the information in the article below helpful.
    Safari 6 (OS X Mountain Lion): Search the web
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11847
    If you want to choose a different search engine, click the magnifying glass at the left end of the field, and then choose the search engine you want.
    You can also change the search engine in the General pane of Safari preferences.
    Search engine availability varies according to the region set in the Region pane of Language & Text preferences.
    -Griff W. 

  • Why is there no default search engine in search box ?

    I have reset Firefox but the searchbox at the top right hand side has no default search engine or any others so I cannot do a search.

    You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:
    *Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder
    Do a clean reinstall and delete the Firefox program folder before reinstalling a fresh copy of Firefox.
    Download a fresh Firefox copy and save the file to the desktop.
    *Firefox 20.0.x: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html
    Uninstall your current Firefox version, if possible, to cleanup the Windows registry and settings in security software.
    *Do NOT remove personal data when you uninstall your current Firefox version, because all profile folders will be removed and you will also lose your personal data like bookmarks and passwords from profiles of other Firefox versions.
    Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.
    *It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.
    *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_Firefox
    Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by an uninstall and (re)install, but make sure that "remove personal data" is NOT selected when you uninstall Firefox.
    If you keep having problems then also create a new profile.
    *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
    *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_backup
    *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Standard_diagnostic_-_Firefox#Clean_reinstall

  • Change bing as default search engine

    I think I fixed it by running malawarebytes. AVG was removing search protect but it came coming back. ran malawarebytes and it appears to be gone.

    In order to change the default search engine or the order of search engines in the top right search box in Firefox, please perform the following steps:
    #Move the mouse cursor inside the search box at the top right of the Firefox window and click the down arrow next to the provider's logo.
    #If you would like to select another search engine, simply pick the engine from the dropdown list.
    In order to change the order of the search engines, do this:
    #From the dropdown list, select ''Manage Search Engines...''.
    #In the upcoming window, you have all your search engines listed. To change the order, simply click one search engine and then select ''Move up'' or ''Move down'' from the buttons on the right side in order to change the order of the search engines.

  • WHY CAN I NOT EDIT THE DEFAULT SEARCH ENGINE USED BY THE ADDRESS BAR (NOT THE SEARCH BAR NEXT TO IT) FROM BING TO GOOGLE?

    I am asking this question again, because upon checking the forum for a solution I was shocked and appalled by the severe lack of grammar, punctuation and spelling I encountered while reading answers to this question. Obviously several people where to busy to actually read the question being asked and simply answered with instructions on how to change the default search engine for the search bar. SO, here I am asking the same question, why? because it still has not been answered and I myself still CANNOT find this setting anywhere. I use multiple browsers for different tasks, Chrome is KICKING the .... out of you guys Mozilla, why did you ever let your self get taken in by Micro-crack (Microsoft), if I recall correctly the inception of this program was partly motivated by the need for an alternative to the idiosyncrasies and vulnerability of Microsoft Internet Explore. This really feels like a HUGE step backwards, I would love to see a return to the days when Mozilla Firefox was and inspiration to developers and techs everywhere. And please will someone just answer the right question this time. Trust me when I say it will be obvious who does and does not read this in it's entirety.
    ''Edited by a moderator due to language. See the [http://support.mozilla.com/kb/Forum+and+chat+rules+and+guidelines Rules & Guidelines] .''

    HAHA! I have solved it! Ok here is the URL for Google, as mentioned above by bram:
    "Go to About:config
    Search for keyword.URL
    Double click the Value entry field, and change it to the search engine you prefer"
    Enter this URL for the string value
    http://www.google.com/#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=

  • Firefox keeps changing my default search engine to Bing. I've changed it back 20 times already. Enough is enough.

    Ever since the deal went down when Firefox changed its default provider from Google, I have had to reset my default search engine back from Bing at least every other day, if not more frequent. It is maddening. It doesn't just happen on one machine either, it's happening on all of mine.
    I do have Firefox sync enabled with preference sync, so is it possible Firefox sync is getting out of sync? IE every time I change it on a machine, it misses a browser, and then the browser that doesn't get changed goes out and changes all the rest back in the next sync? That's the only thing I can think of, other than Mozilla selling their souls and values and forcing Firefox users to use a search engine they hate.
    If the latter is the case, I have had enough and am switching to Chrome. I can't handle having to change my default search engine back every other day. Please someone tell me there is an explanation and a fix. Thanks.

    Alright, I feel like an idiot. It was from an extension I installed called InvisibleHand that I installed right around the time the Google deal with Mozilla expired, which is why I assumed the problem was a result of that.
    I just checked the settings of the extension and sure enough it has an option that gets ticked by default called "InvisibleHand Search (Use InvisibleHand (powered by Bing) as my default search provider)". So I jumped the gun and blamed Firefox, my apologies.
    The extension automatically shows you if an item is cheaper elsewhere while online shopping which is useful, however having that setting ticked by default is pretty skeevy.
    Anyway, thanks for the response and sorry I blamed Firefox :P

  • Why won't Apple let me set duckduckgo as my default search engine for safari?

    I am using a iPad Mini and Safari only lists three options for a default search engine (google, bing, yahoo), all of which lack privacy. I would like to set my default to duckduckgo and would prefer not to modify my iPad illegally or use secondary apps (duckduckgo app). Why won't Apple just let me modify my default search engine manually? I quite enjoy Safari and don't like wasting space with other browsers on my iPad.

    No browser can insure privacy.
    The options Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Period.

  • I use Safari in my imac with Google as my search engine. Recently, Bing took over. Extensions shows Google as default search engine, but Bing is what is working. How do I get rid of Bing, go back to Google?

    I use Safari in my imac with Google as my search engine. Recently, Bing took over. Extensions still shows Google as default search engine. Search starts as Google but switches to Bing. How do I get rid of Bing, go back to Google?

    Hey ravenbird1,
    Thanks for the question. After reviewing your post, it sounds like you want to use a specific search engine.
    Safari 7 (Mavericks): Search the web
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH17150
    To set the default search engine, choose Safari > Preferences, then click General.
    If you are having problems with extensions you can uninstall and reinstall the extension.
    Safari 7 (Mavericks): Install and update Safari extensions
    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH17200
    Select the extension, then click Uninstall.
    Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
    Have a nice day,
    Mario

  • My default search engine is Google and I deleted Bing. Whenever I open a new tab, Bing is displayed and it takes the focus so if I am trying to type a URL in the new tab, it is entered in the damn bing search box. HOW DO I GET RID OF THAT ACCURSED BING?

    My default search engine is Google and I deleted Bing from the Search Providers. Facebook is set as my home page. Whenever I open a new tab, a Bing search box is displayed on the page and it takes the focus so when I am trying to type a URL in the new tab, it is entered in the damn bing search box. HOW DO I GET RID OF THAT ACCURSED BING

    Swarnava, thank you very much! that did it and I am Bing-less . . . OH HAPPY DAY!! WOOHOO!!!! thank you, thank you, thank you!

  • How can I stop Firefox from changing my default search engine to Yahoo when I want it to be Bing?

    I keep changing my default search engine to Bing but it keeps changing back to Yahoo. HOW CAN I STOP THIS?!?!

    Bookmark and use this;
    Download the '''[https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/searchreset/ Mozilla Search Reset]''' {web link}
    This add-on is very simple: on installation, it backs up
    and then resets your search preferences and home page
    to their default values, and then uninstalls itself. This
    affects the search bar, URL bar searches, and the home page.
    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/viruses/disinfection/5350 Anti-Rootkit Utility - TDSSKiller]
    * [http://general-changelog-team.fr/en/downloads/viewdownload/20-outils-de-xplode/2-adwcleaner AdwCleaner] (for more info, see this [http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/ alternate AdwCleaner download page])
    * [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.
    Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

  • After upgrading from 8 to 9.0.1 I no longer have any search engines installed. I would like to install Google as my default search engine. When I click on "get more search engines" I cannot find Google or Bing or -

    Problem with search
    After upgrading from 8 to 9.0.1 I no longer have any search engines installed. I would like to install Google as my default search engine. When I click on “get more search engines” I cannot find Google or Bing or …

    I resolved my issue. Renamed search.sqlite and reinstalled Firefox 9.0.1
    All default search engines are now available.

  • Opening up a new tab in Firefox causes it to open with a Bing search box but I don't have Bing as a toolbar, extension, plug-in or default search engine.

    I am using Firefox 6.0 with Win 7.After upgrading from Vista to W7 and updating my various programs and drivers I found Bing set as my homepage and default search engine. I changed them both and they are okay now, but new tabs open with a Bing search box. I don't have a Bing toolbar, plug-in or extension, and Bing is no longer my default search engine or homepage. I do have the MS Office Live plug-in. I would like to have my new tabs open up blank.

    Thanks for the reply; couldn't get back to you sooner. Here they are just as copied:
    browser.search.order.3;Bing
    extensions.xmarks.SERPRegEx;(http:\/\/www\.google\..+\/.*[?&]q=([^&]+))|(http:\/\/[-a-zA-Z]+\.start3\.mozilla\.com\/search\?.*[?&]q=([^&]+))|(http:\/\/search\.yahoo\.com\/search?.*[?&]p=([^&]+))|(http:\/\/www\.bing\.com\/search?.*[?&]q=([^&]+))
    {5911488E-9D1E-40ec-8CBB-06B231CC153F}.default_search_url;Bing
    {5911488E-9D1E-40ec-8CBB-06B231CC153F}.keyword_search_url;http://www.bing.com/search?pc=Z128&form=ZGAADF&install_date=20110811&q=
    {5911488E-9D1E-40ec-8CBB-06B231CC153F}.provider;bing
    {5911488E-9D1E-40ec-8CBB-06B231CC153F}.provider_name;bing

  • I want to remove Bing as my default search engine

    I have selected Google as my default search engine but when i search Safari goes straight to Bing.  How can i remove Bing?

    Check the links below for options to remove the Adware
    http://www.adwaremedic.com/index.php
    Remove unwanted adware that displays pop-up ads and graphics on your Mac - Apple Support

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