FF can’t establish a connection to the server at www.google.

[cbwilsha]

Started getting this message yesterday when trying a Google Search. I've been trying multiple solutions found on the internet but can't fix. I have 3 other laptops using FF and Google Search works just fine on them. Among many things tried were a full Malwarebytes scan and a Windows Defender scan which found nothing. I would greatly appreciate any help getting my Google Search ability back.

C.B.

[DanRaisch]

Clear the browser cache (use menu path Tools->Options->Advanced->Network tab->click on "Clear Now" button.)

Delete any cookies relating to the site(s) involved (Tools->Options->Privacy->Firefox will "Use custom settings for History"->Show Cookies button).

[cbwilsha]

Thank you very much for your response, Dan. I did as you suggest and still get the same message when attempting to access Google. That is the only website where that happens!

C.B.

[dfoulkes]

What Dan suggested normally clears out problem with single-sites... but???

This test is a pretty fast one... create a test profile and use it as-is for the test... then let us know.

Creating a new Firefox profile on Windows - MozillaZine Knowledge Base
And,.... DON'T TOUCH THAT "Choose Folder..." BUTTON! ... unless you fully know all about it.

[cbwilsha]

That solution, unfortunately, doesn't work either for me. Still have same problem! Thanks very much for your help though.

C.B.

[dfoulkes]

I have 3 other laptops using FF and Google Search works just fine on them.
C.B.

Have you tried IE for that search issue?

Are all those above mentioned systems on the same network?

The search engine StartPage is a front end to Google searching... have you tried that just to see if it works?
StartPage Search Engine

I understand that with Win10 it's much more work to reboot a PC into safe-mode for trying these kind of problems out... but that might be what is needed.

[cbwilsha]

Tried I.E. and Edge and both have same problem. Yes, all my computers are on same system. Using the Start Page Search Engine DOES work normally. So, what does that tell us? BTW, was significantly delayed in answering because FF didn't accept my password I've been using all day!!! Finally went to a different computer to answer you.

C.B.

[dfoulkes]

Welllll... you obviously have some issue with your problem computer... since all browsers had the same problem with that Google search. As you can see StartPage uses its own URL to call on Google for the search so it's pretty evident that something in your system is blocking that Google URL ... is MalwareBytes the only AV software that you use?

I believe that this Topic should be in the MozillaZine Tech and others who visit that section may have some answers....

When you get a chance you might want to try that system reboot into safe-mode with Network active...to see if Google works.

BTW, was significantly delayed in answering because FF didn't accept my password I've been using all day

That may also be some indication of 'something' .... let us know what running AV software you use.

[cbwilsha]

I also use Widows Defender and have run a Full Scan in addition to Malwarebytes. I'm installing a new Build of Windows 10 as we speak so will await any further investigation until later. I greatly appreciate all the help you have provided me.

C.B.

[dfoulkes]

You're Welcome!

Please update with the results... it may help others.

[JayhawksRock]

Removed Bad Info

[DanRaisch]

Jayhawks, I'm not seeing a list of browsers after following that path. Are there additional steps after "Network Connections" to view active/available browsers?

[JayhawksRock]

Jayhawks, I'm not seeing a list of browsers after following that path. Are there additional steps after "Network Connections" to view active/available browsers?

You are Correct I will kill my post

[DanRaisch]

No harm, no foul.

[LIMPET235]

Off to the Tech. forum...