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Open search links in new tab

  • 6 replies
  • 12 have this problem
  • 8 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

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Ever since the last "update" 33.1 then 33.1.1 I've been unable to just clink a link in a Google search and a new tab opens why? Is it because Firefox is no longer going to use Google as it's prime search engine and it's a sneaky way of getting people to use Yahoo?

Ever since the last "update" 33.1 then 33.1.1 I've been unable to just clink a link in a Google search and a new tab opens why? Is it because Firefox is no longer going to use Google as it's prime search engine and it's a sneaky way of getting people to use Yahoo?

All Replies (6)

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It could be that one of your preference changed. And to answer your question, no this is not the reason at all.

The preference to open a link in a new tab is to right click on the link an select "Open Link in New Tab" or the default checked option under Firefox Menu > Options > Tabs > "Open new windows in new tab instead" should be checked by default.

Does this happen in Safe Mode as well? Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode

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Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.


Separate Issue; Your System Details shows;

Installed Plug-ins

Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 12.1.1.151 Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 12.0.7.148

Having more than one version of a program may cause issues.

Flash is notorious for not cleaning out the older version as part of an update. Grab the uninstaller from here: Uninstall Flash Player | Windows Uninstall Flash Player | Mac Then reinstall the latest version.

Flash Player v15.0.0.223 http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Shockwave Director v12.1.4.154 http://get.adobe.com/shockwave/

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Thanks for info on Adobe but problem with Google still exists...I'll just have to right click and learn to live with it.:-(

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Did you disable all added toolbars and anti-virus add-ons?

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I wonder if instead of this being a Firefox issue it is a change of your Google settings ?

Some links are designed to open in a new window, but most links on left click open in the current tab. That will happen for instance on your question page if you click a name link under an avatar.

The same will ordinarily happen on a web page of Google search results, however Google itself can modify that action, by its own settings, so that the link will open in a new Window (and in turn Firefox may be set to redirect that to a new tab instead of a new Window)

  • Use Google :
Cog -> Search Settings -> [] Open each selected result in a new browser window.   
( https://www.google.com/preferences? )
  • Firefox:
    • Key into the location bar about:preferences
      (Or use: menu -> cog)
    • |General (tab)| Check [] Open new windows in a new tab instead
    • SEE Tab preferences and settings
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I think you may find this very helpful;

MClickFocusTab {web link} While using mouse middle-click to open new tabs, with a short- time clicking to open new tabs in background, with a long-time clicking to open new tabs in foreground.