Safari won't let Firefox be default browser!

smackenz · Apr 3, 2008, 08:18 AM

I'm having an increasingly annoying problem with Safari on my MacBook. For various reasons, I like to have Firefox as my default browser and have selected it as such in Safari preferences. However, following each reboot, I find that Safari has become the default browser.

The problem has persisted through the last couple of updates to Safari and Leopard and I am currently running the latest versions of both (3.1 and 10.5.2, respectively). I've tried deleting various preference files to no avail; I suspect that the problem is related to a botched migration to Leopard, but I've already reinstalled once and would really like to avoid doing so again if somebody knows of a simple fix. Anybody know where my default browser settings are hiding?

Help much appreciated.

Eraserhead · Apr 3, 2008, 08:20 AM

That shouldn't be happening.

MisterMe · Apr 3, 2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smackenz

... Anybody know where my default browser settings are hiding?

...

You seem to have a bad preferences file. Drag ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.internetconfig.plist to the Desktop and relaunch Safari. If this does not work, then try the internetpriv.plist[/b], internetpref.plist, and [b]Safari.plist files in succession.

Eraserhead · Apr 3, 2008, 10:02 AM

In case you didn't realise ~/ means home directory

.

stockcerts · Apr 3, 2008, 10:53 AM

I just downloaded the new beta of Firefox last night and it does seem quicker than Safari. I would prefer to use the browser that comes with the OS, but I may have to break my own rule in this case.

Eraserhead · Apr 3, 2008, 11:05 AM

^^ Please break that rule on Windows too

.

smackenz · Apr 3, 2008, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, MisterMe (and the clarification, Eraserhead). I tried removing the various files suggested individually and (in increasing frustration!) in combination, but to no avail, I'm afraid. Even after having to re-enter all my usual homepage, download folder, etc. preferences (when removal of one of the files caused a reversion to default settings), the problem still recurred upon rebooting (although it doesn't seem to happen when just logging in and out of accounts).

On the upside, Safari now seems snappier...(!)

stockcerts · Apr 3, 2008, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eraserhead

^^ Please break that rule on Windows too

.

I'm ahead of you...broke that rule yesterday!

Apr 3, 2008, 08:18 AM	#1
smackenz macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Glasgow	Safari won't let Firefox be default browser! I'm having an increasingly annoying problem with Safari on my MacBook. For various reasons, I like to have Firefox as my default browser and have selected it as such in Safari preferences. However, following each reboot, I find that Safari has become the default browser. The problem has persisted through the last couple of updates to Safari and Leopard and I am currently running the latest versions of both (3.1 and 10.5.2, respectively). I've tried deleting various preference files to no avail; I suspect that the problem is related to a botched migration to Leopard, but I've already reinstalled once and would really like to avoid doing so again if somebody knows of a simple fix. Anybody know where my default browser settings are hiding? Help much appreciated.

Apr 3, 2008, 10:53 AM	#5
stockcerts macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Folsom, CA	I just downloaded the new beta of Firefox last night and it does seem quicker than Safari. I would prefer to use the browser that comes with the OS, but I may have to break my own rule in this case. __________________ May the Schwartz be with you! 3Gs IPhone; 20" IMac 2.4 ghz; Iphone 3G (relic) Analog Timex watch

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Apr 3, 2008, 08:20 AM	#2
Eraserhead Contributor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oxford, UK	That shouldn't be happening.

Apr 3, 2008, 10:02 AM	#4
Eraserhead Contributor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oxford, UK	In case you didn't realise ~/ means home directory .

Apr 3, 2008, 11:05 AM	#6
Eraserhead Contributor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oxford, UK	^^ Please break that rule on Windows too .

Apr 3, 2008, 11:14 AM	#7
smackenz Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Glasgow	Thanks for the suggestions, MisterMe (and the clarification, Eraserhead). I tried removing the various files suggested individually and (in increasing frustration!) in combination, but to no avail, I'm afraid. Even after having to re-enter all my usual homepage, download folder, etc. preferences (when removal of one of the files caused a reversion to default settings), the problem still recurred upon rebooting (although it doesn't seem to happen when just logging in and out of accounts). On the upside, Safari now seems snappier...(!)