Comcast Hijacks Mac Firefox Users' Homepage; Offers Blame Game And Faux Apology In Return

from the operators-are-standing-by-to-apologize dept

Fri, Jul 22nd 2011 1:38pm — Tim Cushing

As an internet user, chances are you'd like to set your own home page. However, if you're using Comcast's internet service and Firefox, Comcast won't let you do it. Krebs on Security reports that Comcast's Xfinity software (installed by techs with new accounts) actively hijacks user preferences, redirecting them to Comcast's home page:

The software is unfriendly to Mac users running Firefox: It changes the browser's homepage to comcast.net, and blocks users from changing it to anything else.

I heard this from a friend who'd just signed up for Comcast's Xfinity high-speed Internet service and soon discovered some behavior on his Mac that is akin to Windows malware - something had hijacked his Internet settings. The technician who arrived to turn on the service said that a software package from Comcast was necessary to complete the installation. My friend later discovered that his homepage had been changed to comcast.net, and that Comcast software had modified his Firefox profile so that there was no way to change the homepage setting.

Trust me, nothing makes your users happier than the feeling that they no longer control their interaction with the internet. It goes further than that, though. The Xfinity software has also been spotted redirecting searches. This gives new users a chance to enjoy that "new internet smell," while simultaneously worrying that they've picked up some malware right out of the box. Not only that, but this so-called "necessary" software isn't actually necessary.

While Comcast may be concerned about Xfinity's inability to play nice with Firefox, this just seems like a bad idea all around. When your software mimics the behavior of malware, you've failed. Of course, Comcast wants to make things right, which is why they first blamed it on Mozilla:

I contacted Comcast; they initially blamed the problem on a bug in Firefox. Mozilla denies this, and says it's Comcast's doing.

"This is NOT a Firefox bug or issue," a Mozilla spokesperson wrote in an email. "It is a Comcast method that applies preference changes to Firefox."

Oh. Snap. Come on, Comcast. Level with us:

Comcast spokesman Charlie Douglas acknowledged that the Xfinity software hijacks Firefox's settings. He said the problem is limited to Mac users, and that permanency of the change was unintentional. He added that the company is in the process of correcting the installation software.

"Customers absolutely should be able to change their preferred homepage anytime," Douglas said. "We're obviously apologizing for any inconvenience we've caused Mac users."

Cool story, bro. There are several things I find dubious about this statement ("unintentional?"), but nothing is more shady than the phrase "obviously apologizing." Either you apologize or you don't, but stop acting like it's a foregone conclusion. Unless you've got your customer service team calling up affected users and apologizing for the inconvenience and offering a fix, then you're not "obviously apologizing." Obvious apologies don't need to be pointed out, especially in the past tense and even more especially after first laying the blame at the feet of Mozilla.

Not that anyone would expect anything more from Comcast. In fact, they still haven't offered an official fix, but other presumably pissed off users have already found a workaround. When you leave it to your customers to fix your purposely broken (and "necessary") software, you're just further damaging your already in-tatters reputation.

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Filed Under: browser, hijack
Companies: comcast

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The eejit (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:27pm

If this were a normal citizen doing the same, they'd be jailed, barred for life from using a computer, and told to pay millions.

The fact that this is Comcast doing should never preclude criminal charges being brought under the Computer Misuse and Fraud Act.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:44pm

And this why I never use ISP software to set up my internet connection.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous, 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:49pm

I guess this is apt punishment for someone silly enough to install software from Comcast.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Atkray (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:50pm

Re:
Or let anyone wearing a Comcast ID badge in your house.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Kaden (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:50pm

Ok, Tim... lemme try one:

"Typical Masnick hypocrisy... you earn money from ads on your site, but complain when Comcast does exactly the same thing"

Also: "Let's see you squirm"

How's that?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Nathan F (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:55pm

Re:
Wha? How in the world does Masnick having ads on the site totally mess with the ability to set your own homepage or redirect a search done on a totally different website to something he wants shown?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
:Lobo Santo (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:56pm

Re: Hacking!
Yeah, doesn't this qualify as "Hacking" under the latest examples/definitions?!?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
A Dan (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:56pm

Re: Re:
It would be so much easier if they let you pick up the equipment at the office pre-activated. Do they do that?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
:Lobo Santo (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 1:57pm

Re: Re: Fishing
He's attempting to pre-troll. It's sort of an inoculation method.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:03pm

Re: Re: Re:
If you tell them that the computers in the house are owned by your work and that you will not allow them to install any software on it, they'll activate the devices with a laptop they bring.

Verizon pulls the same shit, but their software package is just crapware; as far as I know it isn't actively malicious like this.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:06pm

Re: Re:
Woooooooooooosh.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
HothMonster, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:08pm

Re: Re: Hacking!
more so than a lot of the people getting accused of it lately
[ link to this | view in thread ]
known coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:18pm

but why?
The thing I do not understand is �why�? What is the benefit to Comcast to do this? It had to cost them money to pay their coders to add this �feature�. What do they see as their advantage ?
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HothMonster, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:22pm

Re: but why?
every page view is $$$
the page has their news, links to their shopping sites if they can intercept and take over some of your browsing habits, that will lead to profit

also the article skims over the fact that they are redirecting searches, meaning if you are looking for something and they have an affiliate that sells it they will push you there instead of letting you chose for yourself.

fucking over the customer for a chance to increase their bottom line
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:26pm

In all the years I've had cable modem access, and through Time Warner, Comcast and Cox, I've never once been pressured to install their software, nor have I ever bothered to do so. It's not a requirement to use their service, and it's all garbage anyway; why would ANYONE ever install anything they give you? Plus, if the install is giving you hassle and wanting to install things, just tell him you run Linux; problem solved.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Gwiz (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:32pm

Re:
I used to run residential service calls for Comcast a couple few years ago. They kept their routers in a walled garden setting (ie: only access to Comcast servers) until activated through their internal web page. I don't recall any software downloads to the customer computer then, all you needed was a browser, an account number and a password if it was an existing account. They must have changed things since then.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
JH, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:33pm

I don't care if I was getting gigabit connection speeds, if someone told me I needed to install software on all my computers to use the connection I would tell them to kindly leave.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:41pm

Re: Re: Hacking!
I would LOVE to see charges filed based on that overly broad and abused law. Give them a taste of their own medicine.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Joe, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:44pm

I don't know any Mac users that use Firefox as their primary browser. It's.....ok, certainly v5 is a big step up, but it's still dog slow compared to safari or chrome. The only reason I use it is for the web developer toolbar and firebug.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Joshua Bardwell, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:47pm

Re:
+1+1+1

If your OS has a TCP/IP stack, that's all you need to get on the Internet. ISP crapware is completely unnecessary.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Arthur (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:48pm

Taking over user's PCs?
Gee, I was hoping the wireless carriers would start acting like the ISPs, not the reverse!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:50pm

Re: Re: Re: Hacking!
agreed!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 2:53pm

I never install ISP software either, The first time I got comcast (only option here in MPLS), the guy told me that the software had to be installed so I could use the service. I told him just to call them up and give them my modem's mac address but once again, the software must be installed. He wouldn't even let me do it. So I loaded an Virtual Machine to let him install it. He said he that it can't be in a VM but I said Linux is the only thing that's on the Machine. He pointed out I had a mac and other computers and I said once again, linux only... Long story short, he still called in my modem info to allow it on the network and all the software did was Hijack Searching results and IE title bar, logo, and homepage in the VM. What's next from these ISPs, "You have to use our firmware in your router to get on a network..."
[ link to this | view in thread ]
The eejit (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:02pm

Re:
Dammit, STOP GIVING THEM IDEAS!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:03pm

i dont see the issue here
Aren't apple customes used to not being able to use the products they payed for as they wish?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:07pm

@Kadem
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:24pm

Re: Re: Hacking!
Well, it's certainly equivalent to what spyware/adware makers do. Why shouldn't Comcast be considered equally culpable?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
out_of_the_blue, 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:29pm

This is to some degree a roll-out of Big Brother.
You'll soon not be able to opt-out. -- You can't actually now: the ISP can simply insert these headers into any page, and it's probably not possible for a browser to UN-do it because how can it tell what's "original". But for now, they somewhat honor the settings. -- Anyway, you'll soon see some pretext, "Amber Alerts", storm warnings, "terrorist alerts", and so on, until gradually you all accept constant intrusions...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
wiaio, 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:35pm

Re:
i hate annoying software as much as the next person, but you would literally refuse a gigabit internet connection on the basis of having to install software?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
kryptonianjorel (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:35pm

Re:
I use firefox, and love it. Chrome is a pita, and safari, well, its just not firefox
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Kaden (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:36pm

Re: Re: Re: Fishing
Seems to be working. Then again, it's Friday afternoon, and they're probably off the clock by now.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Deimos280 (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:38pm

Comcast software "pro" installation + MAC + firefox ...so 6 people are pissed?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Liz, 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:39pm

Re: Re: Re: Hacking!
Because it's in the service agreement and the company pays the government through campaign donations and taxes.

See, if you want to hijack someone's computer, you have to buy the rights to do so first.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:44pm

Re: Re:
I certainly would. Particularly if the software came from an entity as unscrupulous as Comcast.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
someone (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 3:56pm

Re: Re:
You are right tcp/ip is all that's needed.

When they insist on installing crap on my machine I inform them I use linux, suddenly the software is not needed.

Fun when I call tech support too, their scripts are useless so they send a tech out and the squirrel chewed cable line gets fixed much faster.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 4:08pm

special software for internet?
I don't understand. Why would one need some crappy special software from the ISP to connect to the internet?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 4:34pm

Re: This is to some degree a roll-out of Big Brother.
There is a reason people have been pushing for more use of SSL lately. I have been noticing more and more sites which use https by default. One big recent example is github.

On related news, the deployment of DNSSEC is progressing fine. The root and several TLDs already use it.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
monkyyy, 22 Jul 2011 @ 4:40pm

Re: Re:
oh please the ones hiring the guys to write the software dont know what firmware is
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Capitalist Lion Tamer (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 4:49pm

Re:
Nicely done, Kaden. I was actually starting to squirm. ;)
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Kaden (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 5:53pm

Re: Re:
Gee... Thanks. That means a lot to me.

Ya think I'd maybe someday have a chance to get on someone's payroll if I really applied myself? I know I'd have to work on my speling and, punctuaton, and god know my strawman technique has a long way to go, but a fellow can dream, can't he.

er...You koolaid drinking freetard.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Bryan Price (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 6:22pm

As a Comcast customer
I refuse to install any of their software. Of course, I've been an Internet customer for 8 years now.

There is zero need to install it, unless you have VOIP, or I guess the security system now. Cable TV? Nothing for me to control. Besides, I have a router, and I am more than capable of setting it up and getting it working.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 7:40pm

vote with your dollars
People like me who are not exactly computer experts might accept the idea that the tech needed to install software to get the internet connection working. Of course, as soon as I found I couldn't change my homepage, I'd be calling comcast and telling them to shut down my account, followed by calling their competitors to set up a new account. If by chance, everyone pulled the same stunt then I'd probably eventually end up at one of the sites explaining how to fix it. I'd still be pissed at any provider who did something like that though.

P.S. Ironically, there's an ad for Comcast at the bottom of the page as I type this! Like there's any chance of me clicking that link now!!
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tasmot (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 9:23pm

Re: How much are you paying for TechDirt?
TechDirt (i.e. Masnick) is not receiving a dime from you. Please start sending the money. I have to pay my money to Comcast every month for my bandwidth. I should not have to see there ads as well. Especially since the software is crap.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
tasmot (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 9:30pm

You've been lucky
When I first installed Comcast (a very long time ago), I ordered the self install kit. Well I could not get connected. Finally, I called the help desk. The technician would not move on until I installed their crap software. Having spent 20 years in IT by that time, I knew better. So, I took an old spare computer that was not connected to the router and installed the software (I just couldn't lie to them) and told the technician (cough cough) that I installed the software on my computer (which was 100% true, just not the one connected to their network which he didn't ask me). Amazingly enough, installing their software on a computer that was only connected to itself, magically made my other computer connected to their cable modem start working. I knelt down and prayed to the computer gods. Of course the real magic was the MAC address I had given him earlier for the network card in the computer connected to the cable modem. Not only are they liars and crooks, but they think the whole rest of the world is stupid as well.
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Anonymous Coward, 22 Jul 2011 @ 9:51pm

comcrap! Dont use it, wont use EVER! Would rather have dial-p then there comCRAP!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Nicedoggy, 22 Jul 2011 @ 10:59pm

Re: but why?
So Comcast can sell ads.
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Drew (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 11:51pm

Re: Re: Re: Re:
They activated the modem in my house and didn't install any software, since they don't need to touch my computer to hook up a cable from the wall to a modem.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
-, 22 Jul 2011 @ 11:56pm

It does not mimic malware behaviour. It is malware.

"Malware, short for malicious software, consists of programming (code, scripts, active content, and other software) designed to disrupt or deny operation, gather information that leads to loss of privacy or exploitation, gain unauthorized access to system resources, and other abusive behavior."
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Drew (profile), 22 Jul 2011 @ 11:59pm

Re: You've been lucky
This is almost as funny as my wireless/wired router being connected to my cable modem...good luck trying to sell that bull with me.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Any Mouse (profile), 23 Jul 2011 @ 12:17am

Re: special software for internet?
Because people are dumb, and don't know how to set their network protocols themselves. It's supposed to remove a level of 'idiot' from the installations. Most front-line Comcast workers HATE IT. (Yes, I worked for them during the transition from AT&T to Comcast. No 'special software' at that time, but the morbid joke was that it was coming soon since the DSL providers were already using it.)
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 23 Jul 2011 @ 4:54am

Take advantage of Comcast - they do it to you
So, I recently complained enough that they discounted my bill and threw in HBO.

Then I upgraded cable service just so I can cancel it within 30 days and not be charged. I'll probably cancel the TV altogether soon and as soon as I have alternative broadband internet I'll cancel that too.

They seem incapable of fixing things over the phone - either internet or cable TV issues, so if they want to waste their time sending techs out let them.

Comcast knows they've pissed a lot of us and they're afraid of losing even more business than I'm sure they already have.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 23 Jul 2011 @ 8:40am

Oh Tim, get over your bad self. Your comments about Comcast in this matter are pretty far over the line.

If this is an issue that only touches (a) firefox users, and (b) mac users, don't you think it is pretty unintentional? I mean, what, are they hijacking 20 browsers total in the world?

If they wanted to jack home pages permanently, they would do it to ALL browsers, not just one, and not just on the least popular commercial platform, using an alternate browser.

I know you guys like to pee all over the ISPs, but geez, can you do it when they actually do something truly evil, and not just because someone made a programming mistake dealing with a very small subset of users?
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The eejit (profile), 23 Jul 2011 @ 9:06am

Re:
Perhaps this is a test-run. See if it can be done.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
DannyB (profile), 23 Jul 2011 @ 9:17am

Why would I install software from an ISP?

It doesn't run on my Linux box anyway.

An ISP should provide you a box with one or more ethernet jacks.

The ISP should not even assume that you have either a Windows PC or Macintosh.

What if you just want to plug in a WiFi router so you can provide internet service to your TiVo, your tablet, your phone, etc? No PC.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Christopher Bingham (profile), 23 Jul 2011 @ 10:11am

Hijacks in windows machines too
While I haven't had any problem setting my homepage, if you mis-type a URL, Comcast hijacks your browser with suggestions and you can't use the back button to go to your old search.

The old Ma bell saying applies here too: Comcast, we don't care, we don;t have to."
[ link to this | view in thread ]
JS, 23 Jul 2011 @ 10:16am

Big deal
Export your bookmarks. Toss your Mozilla directory in the dust bin. Restart Firefox. Import your bookmarks. Set your homepage to whatever you want. Done.

What? Does no know how their farking computers and browsers work any more?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 23 Jul 2011 @ 10:59am

Re: Re:
Implausible. Why do all the work to address about 0.01% of your total market?

It's a fail. It's clearly a programming error (probably a windows programmer unaware of how Apple's operating systems are use to securing things to the Apple world), and nothing more. For Tim to go off is pretty amusing but absolutely misdirected.
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harbingerofdoom (profile), 23 Jul 2011 @ 2:34pm

Re: This is to some degree a roll-out of Big Brother.
you have no idea what you are talking about do you.

dont use their DNS and dont install their software, there are your two opt outs right there.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
harbingerofdoom (profile), 23 Jul 2011 @ 2:35pm

Re:
dude.. c'mon... get real

comcast has a huge customer base and there are way more people using macs then that...

the number has got to be at least 25 people... maybe even 30!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Capitalist Lion Tamer (profile), 23 Jul 2011 @ 3:04pm

Re: Re: Re:
If you can believe it, or more importantly, if you can get paid to believe it, you can do it. Just remember to set your CAPS LOCK to RANDOM.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Jim B., 23 Jul 2011 @ 11:15pm

Untruth
I've been telling my customers for the past few years that their dsl and/or cable providers absolutely do not need to install anything to make their service work. Firstly i tell them that the comcast or qwest installer can use their own laptops to activate the modems. If they do not have one with them, they can call it in by phone. In the worst case they can just remove the software when they are done.

Second, I tell them that the software is almost primarily for spying purposes, such as tracking your movements on the web. Most toolbars are for the same purpose. They watch your searches, your mouse clicks, your hovers, the types of sites you visit, all for inserting targetted ads, as well as updating their search indexes.

You know the comcast installer was lying because, if you just ask one question, you'll know: what about systems such as your smartphone, or tablet, or linux box? Those work with comcast without installing anything.
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The eejit (profile), 24 Jul 2011 @ 9:52am

Re: Re: Re:
Because, it's a test-run. To see how many people complain about it. If few people complain, expect this shit to happen to Safari users, then Chrome users, then finally, IE users.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
hugh williams, 24 Jul 2011 @ 3:40pm

i would never use a isp software package as they are often bloated software packages with loads of stuff i don't need
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Josh Taylor, 24 Jul 2011 @ 4:40pm

Trash your computer and Read a book.

This is a big opportunity for you all to start getting a real life.

All those redirect searches have open your eyes.

Now get rid of the internet and start reading the Bible.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Chris (profile), 25 Jul 2011 @ 6:54am

Re: i dont see the issue here
Zing!!

That made me chuckle.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 25 Jul 2011 @ 10:17am

Re: Re: Re: Re:
Wow. The tin foil must be loose today. A test run? OMG, you are reaching farther than Mike does to slam things. Truly nutter material.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 25 Jul 2011 @ 10:17am

Re: Hijacks in windows machines too
You can turn that "feature" off. You need to login to your comcast account to do so. Afterwards, reboot your modem.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 25 Jul 2011 @ 11:44am

Re: This is to some degree a roll-out of Big Brother.
I still don't know why out_of_the_blue hasn't won Funny Comment of the Week for the last month. I find his comments hilarious!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
HMTKSteve, 25 Jul 2011 @ 2:09pm

Aff links
What frightens me (as a web publisher) is the idea that an ISP could strip out and replace aff links on my website with their own links when serving those same pages to their customers.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Anonymous Coward, 27 Jul 2011 @ 7:34am

Re: i dont see the issue here
And here I was thinking this was a Windows tradition...
on PCs typically you have to contend with:
your pc manufacturers "custom" set up and settings.
your hard drive manufacturers "custom" drivers and tools
your modem manufacturers "custom" icons and "enhancements"
your usb drive manufacturers "custom" tools
and finally your ISP's ie toolbars and such...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Spectere (profile), 14 Aug 2011 @ 12:01pm

Re: Re: Re:
Last time I dealt with Comcast, they required my roommate and I to set up an appointment to get the Internet service rolling. This was in late 2007 near Baltimore, MD; I'm not sure if anything changed since then.

My defense was to boot my laptop into my Gentoo install and politely tell the technician to deal with it. Shockingly enough, even though the Comcast software wouldn't install (and yes, he tried it), the Internet connection worked flawlessly.
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The Yorkie dad, 5 Oct 2011 @ 3:25pm

Getting it fixed once and for all!!
My best friend had a problem with Comcast. It wasn't resolved, call after call. He even contacted the local corporation commission. He received a ton of "mea culpas" from Comcast, but no resolution. Same lousy, ignorant techs. No one could fix the problem. He doesn't have the Firefox issue as he doesn't have a Mac, and he uses Google Chrome.

He finally got so pissed off, that hr wote a long, very angry letter to the FCC, with a copy to the Town Corporation Commission, a copy to the State Corpoation Commission, a copy to his attorney, and he wrote a letter to Comcast's main offic and included copies of all the letters he had sent.

Well some big muckety muck at Corporate must have dropped a load in his/her pants! Six days later, he received a certified letter from Comcast's Corporate office, promising him that his problem would be resolved once and for all. They also offered him three months of free tv and internet. He was asked to contact the local office and arrange for the technicians to come out and permanently fix his problem.

To make a long story short, the problems have been fixed! Several Comcast truks want out, with level 5 techs and two tech supervisors. They re-wired the whole steet! They ran new coax to his house, replaced all the coax in his house with brand new coax. And not only my friend. Since we all live on the same street, and had similar issues, we all got rewired with all new wiring outside and insiide.

Moral of the story, do the same! Make one of the big muckks drop a load in his or her pantt!
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robert, 28 Nov 2011 @ 3:00am

Xfinity software
There was a thunderstorm in my area about a week ago. That night, lightning struck somewhere in my neighborhood and our Comcast modem went out. Long story short, we had to get a new modem. Part of the activation of the modem entailed the service person installing software on my computer. The same software that is the subject of this thread. He said it was because his "handheld computer wasn't working in this location". He also said that it wasn't required to access the internet, and that I could uninstall it as soon as the modem was setup. I did uninstall it as soon as the service person left, and haven't had any trouble until now, 7 days later. Started when I clicked this link from the Wall Street Journal about gun control:. I saved it in my bookmarks so I could intentionally test the link after I reinstalled this software ,but it is gone. Ok, the link was about gun control. When I clicked it, the Xfinity logo came up and ave me errors saying that I would have to install this software to be able to continue. At that point my entire internet connection was out. I couldn't continue without installing this software. Even though I denied the homepage and startup changes, they still happened anyway. I believe this is some very invasive software and people aren't really realizing it yet. I'm going to do my best to completely remove this software from my system or at least get a definite "yes" or "no" as to if my internet connection will work without it. Post more later if more news.
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Anonymous Coward, 21 Dec 2011 @ 6:55am

Re:
I am a very basic user, a single mom who had Comcast installed, and yes, perhaps considered dumb when it comes to much of the ways of the internet etc.

Well, Comcast hijacked IE and Firefox in a Windows setting so as I browse this conversation looking for help (before I contact Comcast which I don't expect will be much help) I suspect the earlier Mac Firefox combo was some sort of trial run, because I am pretty much the mainstream ignorant user and they have stuck it to me.

I tried the suggested solutions for deleting a variety of files or profiles, but they don't even show up so maybe Comcast got smarter and hid them better. Any solutions out there now?
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Anonymous Coward, 30 Mar 2012 @ 3:15pm

Solution...

Very simple to change your homepage to whatever you want. Find a friend using any other internet provider. Take your computer to their location and log on to their ISP. Change your homepage to whatever you want using the tools provided in IE or any other browser. Once you have changed the homepage, the Comcast software can't change it back unless you do another download.
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Anonymous Coward, 10 Oct 2012 @ 10:02pm

fdsfdsfs
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mpd, 11 Nov 2012 @ 11:32pm

Another issue that looks like Xfinity toolbar that won't uninstall
There is a similar issue that can affect both Chrome and Firefox on any windows machine, thanks to comcast ISP behavior:
http://forums.comcast.com/t5/Web-Browsers/uninstalling-the-xfinity-toolbar-and-or-xfinity -search-home-page/td-p/1473109

Hope this will save a few other frustrated users some time.
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