📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses a user’s issue with duplicate Firefox entries in Windows 10’s default programs list following malware infection. A helpful contributor guides them through identifying leftover registry keys that may cause the phantom entry, which the user successfully resolves. However, the original poster then reports a persistent problem with Firefox not retaining its default browser status across sessions, suspecting a possible registry setting, and seeking further assistance. The overall tone is constructive, with troubleshooting steps leading to partial resolution.

Jimmy59601

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Messages
15
Thread Author #1
After a bout with some malware, I found that I have two entries for Firefox in my list of default programs in Win 10 settings. One won't let me pick Firefox as the default browser when I choose that one. I want to remove it from the list. Is there a way? See the screenshot. Thanks!
37137
 

Solution
To locate the keys
  • Click on Start
  • Type regedit
  • Expand the HKCR hive
  • Scroll down to FireFoxHTML-
Each version of FireFox will produce a FireFoxHTML-####### and FireFoxURL-#####. If you're on the current version of FireFox (63.0.3) then the correct two keys will be HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\FirefoxHTML-308046B0AF4A39CB and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\FirefoxURL-308046B0AF4A39CB you should be able to delete the other HTML/URL pairs.

Once removed you will need to close and re-launch System Settings

davehc

Essential Member
Premium Supporter
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May 1, 2008
Messages
5,546
perhaps it might help if you look in the Programs and features (Setting - Apps, and, on the right) and see if you possibly have two entries of different versions there
 

Jimmy59601

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Messages
15
Thread Author #4
perhaps it might help if you look in the Programs and features (Setting - Apps, and, on the right) and see if you possibly have two entries of different versions there

Did that. Only one. My guess it the legit FF. I probably do some research on the registry, as I'd bet it's there somewhere.
 

davehc

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Premium Supporter
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May 1, 2008
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5,546
Maybe if you unistll FF , you can then find the other and delete it manually. Easier enough to reinstall.
 

Jimmy59601

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Messages
15
Thread Author #6
True, but there is only one FF on my system, in any of the customary folders, and I don't think the remaining one will show up after reomving the real FF. My guess is that it's a, phantom entry with no artifacts in my folder structure. I'll run a search of the registry first
 

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
I was able to replicate your issue by installing two versions of Firefox, so for starters open "Add/Remove Programs" and verify you don't have two versions installed. If you don't then it's most likely a registry key left over for the old version.
 

Neemobeer

Windows Forum Team
Staff member
Joined
Jul 4, 2015
Messages
8,995
To locate the keys
  • Click on Start
  • Type regedit
  • Expand the HKCR hive
  • Scroll down to FireFoxHTML-
Each version of FireFox will produce a FireFoxHTML-####### and FireFoxURL-#####. If you're on the current version of FireFox (63.0.3) then the correct two keys will be HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\FirefoxHTML-308046B0AF4A39CB and HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\FirefoxURL-308046B0AF4A39CB you should be able to delete the other HTML/URL pairs.

Once removed you will need to close and re-launch System Settings
 

Solution

Jimmy59601

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Messages
15
Thread Author #9
Yes!! That did the trick. Thanks very much for sharing your expertise.
 

Jimmy59601

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2014
Messages
15
Thread Author #11
I solved the problem. It was with a Firefox shortcut that I placed on the Taskbar. The shortcut opened FF to my home page, my.yahoo.com. I found that. if I opened FF from a Taskbar shortcut that opened Google.com, the issue did not occur. I deleted the problem shortcut and created a new one that also opened FF to my.yahoo.com and the problem did not present or recur. Regardless, thanks very much for your help!