Odd issue with Firefox, starts with directory listing.

[OccamsRazor]

I installed an application from FreePicture Solutions which is known to be a clean site but shortly after started having a problem with Firefox startup page. I have it set to load my homepage on startup but it always comes up with a file:\\\ URL and shows a directory listing of my local drive.

I've removed the app and also removed Firefox 29.0.1 then ran at least three times Spybot Search&Destroy, Malwarebytes, SuperAntiSpyWare and Avast and they all come up clean. Removed all references to Firefox in the registry. Even reinstalled Firefox from a fresh download and did no restore of my extensions so it was a virgin install and still the same problem. If I click on the Home button it does go to my homepage, just when FF starts it doesn't and shows the below file directory.

I'm pretty knowledgeable around OSes and software but this one is an odd one with no solution after hours of checking. Can find nothing via search engine to match the symptoms. Anyone seen this before?

Running Windows 7 64bit

[JSixpack]

You say you set Tools | Options | General | When Firefox starts: Show my homepage?

Try this extension: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/searchreset/

When you remove FF, use an uninstaller like Revo Uninstaller to do a deep scan.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/957487

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save

[RichCor]

• Check the ICON you launch it (Properties)

• in FF: Options -> General -> Startup -> When Firefox Starts...

• in FF: Type about:config in the url window and then <CTRL-F> search the page for "file:\\\"

• You may have a user.js file in the profile folder (used to initialize form prefs on each start of Firefox). These files are only present if you or other software have created it. you can check the contents with a plain-text file editor. Rename or Delete the prefs.js (and possible numbered prefs-###.js) and user.js file(s) to reset all prefs to default value.

Be aware that Windows treats the .js file extension as hidden, so you won't see it unless you show all file extensions.

Firefox stores bookmarks, passwords and other user data in %APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles on Windows, regardless of version.

Please feel free to take something for that headache.

​

[NeverSure]

If the above ideas don't work you might read This and This about home page anomalies in FF.

[BB1950]

You could try Resetting Firefox

[OccamsRazor]

I had tried most of the suggestions already but still had no luck until I read this topic - http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/733477-virus-555inth/

The solution was in there with the webnavi comments as I had seen it and was suspicious of it. I removed the directory but still some fragments remaining such as niv64.dll which will not remove even in safe mode. Other wise Firefox is starting up normally now. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[JohnnyJazz]

Be careful when you download FF. When you type "firefox download" in google, the first site that appears is not mozilla.org but an other site that bundles chinese programs like baidu with your download.

Edited June 13, 2014 by JohnnyJazz