Causes

• If Firefox opens to the same website every time you open a new browser window, you have probably set your homepage as this website. Firefox has short keys that allow you to quickly set your homepage, which can result in accidentally setting the wrong Website to load when you open a new window.
  
  If you use a search engine to locate a Website and the Firefox browser repeatedly redirects you to another site, you have a virus on your computer. Viruses such as TDSS, Alureon, or Tidserv cause your browser to redirect you to an advertisement Website or other malicious site while you surf the Web.
  
  

Resetting the Homepage

• To reset your Firefox homepage, open a new Firefox window and type the address of the Website you want to use as your homepage in the address bar and press "Enter" to load the site. You can also open a new tab to set your browser as a blank page. Click the icon next to the Website address. Drag the icon on top of the "Home" icon on your browser window and release the mouse. Close the browser and open a new browsing window to verify the homepage settings.
  
  

Virus Removal

• Several types of computer viruses have the ability to redirect your Web searches. To remove the virus, run a full system scan through your anti-virus software. After the scan completes, restart your computer and test Firefox by searching through a new browsing window. Symantec also has an anti-virus tool you can download to remove the Tidserv virus.
  
  

System Restore

• If you cannot remove the virus after completing a virus scan, you can restore your computer to the factory settings as a last resort. Restoring your computer to the factory settings will delete any files, MP3s or photos you have stored on your computer, as well as any software you installed after using your computer for the first time. You must use the Windows Installation CD or the recovery discs for your computer to complete a full system restore.