When you type something in the Firefox address bar, it automatically performs a Google search if the phrase you typed doesn’t match a web domain. The situation is slightly different with OpenDNS but can be reverted with a simple hack.
Now, for some unknown reason, the default search function of the Firefox address bar broke after installing the Google Toolbar (version 5.0).
The searches from Firefox address bar were getting redirected to some server at linkhelp.clients.google.com and then to opendns.com.
Not sure whey Google changed the defaults but here’s a a simple fix for the above problem:
1. Type about:config and click ‘I Promise’.
2. Type keyword.URL in the Filter field and change the values as shown below:
- Before: about:neterror?e=query&u=
- After: http://www.google.com/search?q=
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/software/google-toolbar-breaks-firefox-search-with-opendns/4706/
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
The new google toolbar broke my tabs in firefox too…
Written by Joe on 09.29.08
Yes, I saw that break when I installed the new Gbar. Autofill also seems to be broken so I’ve reverted to the previous install till they fix things.
Written by David Bradley on 09.29.08
Why would anyone even use a toolbar these days? It’s all in the browser.
Plus, I tend to avoid downloading anything Google onto my computer. Too much privacy issues to worry about already. Web version is ok, but on the desktop - no.
Written by Quikboy on 09.29.08
It works for me on Firefox 3.0.3. Did you install new or upgrade from the older version?
Written by Andy on 09.29.08
Awesome tip. I had this issue, too. Thanks!
Written by Greg Loesch on 09.29.08
I did what you advise, but the parameter reverts back to about:neterror?e=query&u= after I try searching from the address bar. I Have FF 3.03 installed. Thank you for any help you can provide.
Written by Sylvain on 10.11.08
I’m having the same issue. No matter how many times I reset the search engine in keyword.url, it is reverting to about:neterror?………
quite irritating.
Written by srikanth on 12.06.08
I had all kinds of issues with Google Toolbar 5.0. Almost all of which were related to address bar behavior. Not sure how they managed to royally mess up the most basic of browser functions.
Thanks for the fix.
Written by mrshl on 01.04.09
I don’t know what happened but I have the same problem. I did what you said and it fixed it no problem. 15 minutes later, same problem again. Now I can’t even get into the about:config…WTF? I’m running Ubuntu, not that, that should matter but I’ve tried everything and I think I may have to uninstall Firefox and start over…what a pain in the arse. If anyone has a better idea, please let me know.
Written by Fred on 01.05.09
Thanks for the fix! This has been driving me crazy since I did an ill-advised test install of the Google Toolbar.
Written by Erik Kraft on 02.28.09
Can you explain what google.toolbar.linkdoctor.backup.keyword.URL is? I accidentally reset that (it did after all have keyword.url) and want to make sure that it’s correct. I did a search online and can’t even find it! Any ideas?
Written by magnoliasouth on 03.12.09
Worked but there is another issue. Before the problem, the search was more intelligent - if the keywords I’d enter were very specific, it would directly take me to the website
For example, if I’d type ‘mtv india’, it would take me to MTV India’s website instead of presenting me with Google search results.
That doesn’t happen now. Any suggestions?
Written by Mihir Modi on 05.08.09