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Can't get rid of Speedial even though it has been removed from programs and from add-ons/extensions.

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I have removed speedial in the control panel, removed the exe and update files from windows/preload, and in firefox I have disabled, removed, and otherwise cursed the app! It still continues to take over my opening homepage, and continually flashes advertising for "Security Warning!, "Drivers Missing...UPDATE NOW!", etc.

I have removed speedial in the control panel, removed the exe and update files from windows/preload, and in firefox I have disabled, removed, and otherwise cursed the app! It still continues to take over my opening homepage, and continually flashes advertising for "Security Warning!, "Drivers Missing...UPDATE NOW!", etc.

Chosen solution

You might also check for the following:

(1) Hijacked program shortcut

Right-click the icon you use to start Firefox > Properties > Shortcut tab

The Target line should not have any URLs on it, just:

  • 32-bit Windows: "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe"
  • 64-bit Windows: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe"

(2) user.js file

This file, often created/updated by external software, will override your settings at every startup. This article describes how to track down and remove the file: How to fix preferences that won't save.

(3) Home page protection feature

Some security or utility software includes a feature to undo settings changes back to a baseline. It may be the wrong baseline. For example, in Advanced SystemCare, turn off "Surfing Protection" in order to be able to make settings changes.


By the way, which one did you have? Was it something like My Search Dial? If you run the name of it through Google, you probably will find dozens of sites providing removal advice. Some are pushing support services or paid software, but often you can just extract enough information to look in that one other place you've been missing.

Also, our support article lists free scanning tools you can use for further cleanup: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.

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All Replies (5)

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Chosen Solution

You might also check for the following:

(1) Hijacked program shortcut

Right-click the icon you use to start Firefox > Properties > Shortcut tab

The Target line should not have any URLs on it, just:

  • 32-bit Windows: "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe"
  • 64-bit Windows: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe"

(2) user.js file

This file, often created/updated by external software, will override your settings at every startup. This article describes how to track down and remove the file: How to fix preferences that won't save.

(3) Home page protection feature

Some security or utility software includes a feature to undo settings changes back to a baseline. It may be the wrong baseline. For example, in Advanced SystemCare, turn off "Surfing Protection" in order to be able to make settings changes.


By the way, which one did you have? Was it something like My Search Dial? If you run the name of it through Google, you probably will find dozens of sites providing removal advice. Some are pushing support services or paid software, but often you can just extract enough information to look in that one other place you've been missing.

Also, our support article lists free scanning tools you can use for further cleanup: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.

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Thanks so much!!! Had to do the reset. The program was Speedial by Joseph Rio. It's listed as a Firefox addon, and came out of nowhere...I suppose that it came in via an update, but I certainly never asked for it.

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Thanks for the update. The Reset creates a folder on your desktop named Old Firefox Data. I suggest keeping that folder around for a few weeks in case you notice anything important missing.

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Removed spam post

Modified by NoahSUMO

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Hi jacksuddle, for free assistance with malware removal tools, please try the forums listed toward the bottom of the support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.