Change default google search in firefox

I’ve just been trying to find out how to change where a search from firefox’s search box goes.

By default it goes to google.com, but i wanted to use google.co.uk. I’ve searched around and didn’t find anything giving a definitive answer so thought i’d write it here.

(Note: You should close firefox before making any changes)

It’s a very simple fix, basically all you need to do is navigate to the firefox directory (“c:\program files\mozilla firefox” is the default for windows) then open the “searchplugins” folder.

Next you need to edit the “google.xml” file and change this line:

<Url type=”text/html” method=”GET” template=”http://www.google.com/search”>

to

<Url type=”text/html” method=”GET” template=”http://www.google.co.uk/search”>

or whichever google locality you wish to use.
I also changed this line (but i’m not sure if it’s necessary):

<SearchForm>http://www.google.com/firefox</SearchForm>

Then re-open firefox and search away!