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When I click on a link in a Google or Yahoo search, Firefox takes me to a paid site, instead of the site that was intended. How do I fix this? Is this a virus?

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  • 4 have this problem
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  • Last reply by Helper7677

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When I click on a link in a Google or Yahoo search, Firefox takes me to a paid site, instead of the site that was intended. For example, I did a google search today, and instead of taking me to the desired hyperlinked site, it took me to Forless.com to try to sell me something. How do I fix this. Is this a virus? I have done several Virus Scans and made sure my Antivirus software is up-to-date.

When I click on a link in a Google or Yahoo search, Firefox takes me to a paid site, instead of the site that was intended. For example, I did a google search today, and instead of taking me to the desired hyperlinked site, it took me to Forless.com to try to sell me something. How do I fix this. Is this a virus? I have done several Virus Scans and made sure my Antivirus software is up-to-date.

Modified by cmarrone

All Replies (2)

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Hi,

I also have this problem and have done some research online. It is a virus, called "redirecting virus"--very annoying. So far, I have not found a solution. However, if you just use the back button 2x without allowing it to redirect you, it gives up and allows you to go to the site you requested. This will not work with paid sites for some reason. For those I have to type in the address. If anyone knows a solution, please let us know.

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cmarrone:
The information submitted with your question indicates that you have out of date plugins with known security issues that should be updated. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post.

  • Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape
  • Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_20 for Mozilla browsers
  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below
      • On the Adobe page, un-check any extra items (i.e. Free McAfee® Security Scan Plus) then click Download button
      • If you see message just under tabs, DO NOT click the Allow button, instead click below that where it says "click here to download".
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link and more information: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Adobe+Reader+plugin+with+Firefox#Installing_and_updating_Adobe_Reader
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.
  3. Update Java: