Browser changed to AOL - awful

Jake'sGran

What will I have done to cause this to happen?
I click on my Firefox shortcut, with the Google box for searching, and the results come up in an AOL format which is awful. There is an AOL search box at the top right of the page but I never use it!

Andrew1472

It's easy to change it back to what you want.
Instructions here:- http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Search%20bar?s=search+engines&as=s#w_switching-search-engines

birkee

Have you downloaded some free software?
Many of the free items of software will change your default browser page unless you untick a box asking permission during the install. Or, will add an extra toolbar at the head of your browser. (AOL etc) it's part of how they get money for providing free software..... deals with large organisations.
The default position is, .... that permission is automatic unless you untick the box during installation.

Jake'sGran

No Birkee, I didn't download anything yesterday. I am about to change my ISP and now have the MAC code from AOL - maybe they caused it;)

macman

Go to Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs and delete the AOL toolbar if installed.
You'll have lots of fun removing the AOL software when you change ISP's.
Have you chosen your new ISP yet?

Jake'sGran

macman wrote: »

Go to Control Panel>Add/Remove Programs and delete the AOL toolbar if installed.
You'll have lots of fun removing the AOL software when you change ISP's.
Have you chosen your new ISP yet?

No, I haven't chosen it yet but I am thinking of Plusnet or Zen which was mentioned by another poster on the other site. The idea of an all in package appeals and then I read of one which includes the possibility of recording TV programmes but now I can't recall their name. It might have been BT.

Another thing that bothered me initially was the thought of losing my AOL email address but I discovered as AOL is web-based I can
keep my email but only for receiving emails.
Is this correct? So many companies etc have this address. You are obviously an extremely knowledgeable person so I will take any advice you give. I use my laptop for 2/3 hrs each day and don't download much. It's just browsing, banking and MSE.

macman

If you are thinking of BT Vision, then it's basically just Freeview with some on-demand content. Better to get a PVR if you just want to record.
Plusnet Value sounds like it might be the most economic ISP for you, it depends on your exchange if you can get the £6.49 deal.