Skip to main content
morganf18746356
Participant
June 3, 2016
Question

Help! Default browser override with Flash Player update.

  • June 3, 2016
  • 1 reply
  • 2916 views

I recently installed the updated version of Flash Player and ever since, when I try to search for something through my address bar in my browser I'm automatically directed to Yahoo! search instead of Google. I've looked through all of my settings, both for Adobe FP and for my browser preferences (I primarily use Safari but this is happening when I use Google Chrome as well) and I can't find anything to indicate why I'm getting Yahoo! search results instead of Google. My default browser is still set as Google in my preferences.

I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling Flash Player. I adjusted some settings for the Flash Player the other day and it actually worked, but when I updated my operating system software it went back to having the same problem. The adjustments I made are still there, though.

I feel as though I've downloaded a spam version of FP, but I got it through the Adobe website. I never realized how horrible Adobe customer service is. They say you'll talk to a real person and in the end I was told there's no CS support for my issue and I'll need to use the forum. I'm assuming there's no actual Adobe CS responding to discussions, but maybe I'm wrong about that (hopefully).

I really hope there's someone here who can help me with this issue. It's driving me crazy!!

This topic has been closed for replies.

1 reply

_maria_
Legend
June 3, 2016

I'm sorry you're experiencing this behaviour.  However, the official Flash Player installer does not modify any browser settings, including the preferred default search engine.  Likewise, none of the Flash Player settings modify the default search engine either. Was there any other program installed around the same time as Flash Player?

To set the default search engine in Safari, see How to Change the Search Engine in Safari for Mac OS X

To set the default search engine in Chrome, see Set your default search engine - Computer - Chrome Help

morganf18746356
Participant
June 3, 2016

You are correct, the Flash Player doesn't modify the default search engine settings, which is exactly the problem. As I stated above, my default browser is still set to Google, and yet I'm being directed to Yahoo instead. I can't figure out how to fix the issue because from all appearances both in my browser settings and when I open Flash Player preferences, there is nothing to indicate that this should be happening. The updated FP did make other changes to the way my browser operates, such as giving me pop-up notification on any videos I watched asking if I would allow the advertisement to store info on my computer. That was easily fixed through the FP program preferences/ settings, however. I fairly certain Flash Player is causing the issue, because when I uninstall the program, the issue goes away. The problem began immediately after I updated my FP, and I have not installed any other programs on the computer around that time, or after that. Unfortunately I can't just uninstall the program for good, because I need it to watch any sort of videos, which I do often.

I will contact Apple and see if I have any other options. Thank you for your prompt response.

_maria_
Legend
June 3, 2016

Is it possible you downloaded a fake Flash Player installer from a fake site?  I have seen a few fake sites that look very much like the official Adobe website, as well as numerous fake installers that look very much like the official installers.  I'm extremely familiar with both the download site and the installer branding and even I was surprised at how similar some of them can be.


What is the file name of the installer you are you using?

Regarding "such as giving me pop-up notification on any videos I watched asking if I would allow the advertisement to store info on my computer."  This is possible, as some Flash content stores what is called Flash cookies, same as a browser storing a cookie on your system.  Depending on the site, and your settings you may be prompted.  If you post a screenshot of the notice you're getting it'll help determine if it's official or not.