Many site issues can be caused by corrupt cookies or cache.

• Clear the Cache and
• Remove Cookies

Warning ! ! This will log you out of sites you're logged in to. You may also lose any settings for that website.

• Cookies; Delete cookies to remove the information websites have stored on your computer {web link}

• Cache; How to clear the Firefox cache {web link}

If there is still a problem, Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} by holding down the <Shift> (Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox.

A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh). Did this help?

While you are in safe mode;

Try disabling graphics hardware acceleration in Firefox. Since this feature was added to Firefox it has gradually improved but there are still a few glitches.

How to disable Hardware Acceleration {web link}

Hardware acceleration is off and cookies and cache have been cleaned several times.

The problem seems to relate to a Google extension called "No tracking URL". Is it something that is automatic in Google or the result of a Google security setting? This is a new computer, and I haven't gotten around to doing extensions and add ons yet---so I am pretty sure I didn't knowingly download this extension.

Disable it. If the problem goes away, contact their support.

It’s very sad, but many software downloaders/ installers will trick you into installing not only their program, but other programs as well.

You have heard of the fine print in shady contracts, right? Well, some installers you need to look at the itsy bitsy teeny weeny fine print.

You are thinking you are giving the installer permission to install the program you want by using the recommended option. But if you use the Manual Option Instead, you discover all kinds of stuff that you do not even know what it is or what it does.

From now on, everyone needs to Use The Manual Option to put a stop to this.

Note that these programs can also change browser/computer settings.

jem63 said

The problem seems to relate to a Google extension called "No tracking URL". Is it something that is automatic in Google or the result of a Google security setting?

If you have mystery extensions, that is a problem!

You can view, disable, and often remove unwanted or unknown extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

• Ctrl+Shift+a (Mac: Command+Shift+a)
• "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
• type or paste about:addons in the address bar and press Enter/Return

In the left column of the Add-ons page, click Extensions.

Then cast a critical eye over the list on the right side. Any extensions Firefox installs for built-in features are hidden from this page, so everything listed here is your choice (and your responsibility) to manage. Anything suspicious or that you just do not remember installing or why? If in doubt, disable (or remove).

Regarding fixing the result links, I use this one that is more up-to-date, but if you haven't noticed a problem, maybe you don't need this extension, either:

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/google-search-link-fix/

FredMcD said

Disable it. If the problem goes away, contact their support. It’s very sad, but many software downloaders/ installers will trick you into installing not only their program, but other programs as well. You have heard of the fine print in shady contracts, right? Well, some installers you need to look at the itsy bitsy teeny weeny fine print. You are thinking you are giving the installer permission to install the program you want by using the recommended option. But if you use the Manual Option Instead, you discover all kinds of stuff that you do not even know what it is or what it does. From now on, everyone needs to Use The Manual Option to put a stop to this. Note that these programs can also change browser/computer settings.

You are right. I already use the manual option for downloads. This is disconcerting because this is a new computer and I haven't downloaded much beyond firewall, antivirus and firefox. No extensions have been downloaded either.