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how do I unload an enhancement by Google?

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A friend was using my computer to try to get to Google/Gmail. Firefox now is gray at the top of the screen with an additional blank area at the top. The windows task bar at the bottom is also gone. My Norton security software is unloaded also. One time a message "enhanced by Google" appeared. I then downloaded a new copy of Firefox, the message disappeared but the other settings are still not what I had before. How do I get back to the default appearance?

A friend was using my computer to try to get to Google/Gmail. Firefox now is gray at the top of the screen with an additional blank area at the top. The windows task bar at the bottom is also gone. My Norton security software is unloaded also. One time a message "enhanced by Google" appeared. I then downloaded a new copy of Firefox, the message disappeared but the other settings are still not what I had before. How do I get back to the default appearance?

Chosen solution

Firefox's appearance is generally determined by themes and extensions. When you reinstall Firefox, the installer detects your existing settings and re-uses them, so that part isn't unexpected.

Normally, Firefox will not block the Taskbar unless you are in full screen view. The F11 key switches between regular and full screen views. Does that make any difference?

If Firefox blocks the Taskbar even in regular view, it's possible that a settings file which stores window dimensions has become corrupted. Because this settings file is tricky to edit, we generally recommend renaming it and allowing Firefox to create a new one with default window size and position data. Start by opening your current Firefox settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder using either

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

In the first table on the page, click the "Show Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows Explorer.

Leaving that window open, switch back to Firefox and Exit, either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "power" button
  • (menu bar) File > Exit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup, then rename xulstore.json to something like xulstore.old. If you see a file named localstore.rdf, rename that one to localstore.old.

Start Firefox back up again. Does the Taskbar work normally again with Firefox?

If you were showing the menu bar and/or bookmarks toolbar, you can use one of these methods to show the toolbar list and turn them back on:

Any improvement?

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Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac:<Command>)<Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Remove Google Anything. Now do the same in the computers Programs Folder.

Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

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In about:addons there is nothing listed with Google in the name or description. In the program files directory there was a Google subdirectory, removing it did not make any change. In add/delete programs there is nothing listed as Google. Deleted Firefox and installed a new copy, no change.

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Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites. Is the problem still there?

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia


You may have ad / mal-ware. Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Run most or all of the listed malware scanners. Each works differently. If one program misses something, another may pick it up.

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Chosen Solution

Firefox's appearance is generally determined by themes and extensions. When you reinstall Firefox, the installer detects your existing settings and re-uses them, so that part isn't unexpected.

Normally, Firefox will not block the Taskbar unless you are in full screen view. The F11 key switches between regular and full screen views. Does that make any difference?

If Firefox blocks the Taskbar even in regular view, it's possible that a settings file which stores window dimensions has become corrupted. Because this settings file is tricky to edit, we generally recommend renaming it and allowing Firefox to create a new one with default window size and position data. Start by opening your current Firefox settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder using either

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

In the first table on the page, click the "Show Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows Explorer.

Leaving that window open, switch back to Firefox and Exit, either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "power" button
  • (menu bar) File > Exit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup, then rename xulstore.json to something like xulstore.old. If you see a file named localstore.rdf, rename that one to localstore.old.

Start Firefox back up again. Does the Taskbar work normally again with Firefox?

If you were showing the menu bar and/or bookmarks toolbar, you can use one of these methods to show the toolbar list and turn them back on:

Any improvement?

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Can you attach a screenshot?

  • Use a compressed image type like PNG or JPG to save the screenshot
  • Make sure that you do not exceed the maximum size of 1 MB
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renaming the xulstore.json file solved the problem. Everything is back to normal including format, colors, task bar, and security software.

Thanks very much.