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Why does my cursor keep disappearing in the Google search bar?

  • 4 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by oneking

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When using FF or Google Chrome, I've noticed that my cursor keeps disappearing when using the Google search bar. I've tried using all the about:config tips, I've downgraded to earlier versions, I've pressed F7, I've unchecked the "hide cursor while typing" option in my mouse properties, I've checked for driver updates, I've tried disabling all add-ons and plug-ins, and I've checked another computer in our home as well. Same thing there. This seems to have become a problem in the last few days. IE seems unaffected by it. Just FF and Chrome.

When using FF or Google Chrome, I've noticed that my cursor keeps disappearing when using the Google search bar. I've tried using all the about:config tips, I've downgraded to earlier versions, I've pressed F7, I've unchecked the "hide cursor while typing" option in my mouse properties, I've checked for driver updates, I've tried disabling all add-ons and plug-ins, and I've checked another computer in our home as well. Same thing there. This seems to have become a problem in the last few days. IE seems unaffected by it. Just FF and Chrome.

All Replies (4)

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Clear the cache and the cookies from sites that cause problems.

"Clear the Cache":

  • Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Offline Storage (Cache): "Clear Now"

"Remove Cookies" from sites causing problems:

  • Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies: "Show Cookies"

Start Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the extensions or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox (Tools) > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).

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No dice, my friend. Still does it. Followed all of your instructions to the letter. It does it on this computer and another comptuter in the house, as well. It's only on Google, and it's only with FF and Chrome, and I've lost count of how many other people have posted similar problems all over the web. It just started happening within the past few days. I will gladly try any other suggestions you have. I just know it's some random, goofy glitch between two completely unrelated processes.

Another aspect of the problem is that the cursor can not be advanced all the way to the right of the search box if I use my right arrow. Only the space bar will do it. Sometimes when the cursor reaches the far right, it goes invisible, and sometimes it doesn't.

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Are there any tabs open that use plugins when that happens?

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No sir, there are no other tabs open, when it happens. For now, I've found a workaround, and I invite you to test it yourself.

I've been working on this problem all day. I've noticed that the cursor blinks very slowly in the Google search bar. If you press a key while the cursor is blinking "off", it will stay off until you let go of what key you're pressing. Conversely, if you press a key while the cursor is blinking "on", the cursor will remain visible as you type.

In IE, the cursor blinks much more rapidly, and blinks more "on" than "off." As a result the cursor remains on, no matter what you type or when, or what key you press, including the spacebar. This is not the case in FF or Chrome.

It was suggested in the Google forums that disabling "autocomplete" has helped with this problem. I followed the instructions and successfully disabled the "auto-complete" feature on Google. When I did that, I immediately noticed that the cursor blink speed doubled, like what I'm used to seeing. Further, no matter what I did, the cursor did NOT disappear anymore.

The link for google with autocomplete disabled is http://www.google.com/webhp?complete=0

Go there and see if you notice a difference in the blink speed of the cursor. On my computer, the difference is drastic. While I do enjoy "auto-complete" and will miss this feature, I generally don't rely on it, and much prefer a consistent cursor.

I greatly look forward to your feedback on this. If you figure out a way to have Google work normally without this workaround, I will be forever in your debt.