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Mouse not scrolling, tabs not opening/closing in Firefox

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 303 views
  • Last reply by Julephenia

Julephenia
Julephenia
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I'm having a number of issues with my Firefox out of nowhere.

1. My mouse will no longer scroll, nor will my keyboard arrows. I must use my touchscreen. 2. I have "new tabs" instead of "new windows" selected, yet if I click anything, it goes to a new window. 3. I cannot close tabs without right clicking. 4. I cannot SWITCH tabs at all. 5. I cannot close Firefox without going to my start bar and right clicking. 6. Firefox seems to be aware something is wrong, opens up in a troubleshooting mode... and then doesn't troubleshoot.

(It is entirely possibly my infant slammed on the keyboard and changed a setting I can't find.)

I'm having a number of issues with my Firefox out of nowhere. 1. My mouse will no longer scroll, nor will my keyboard arrows. I must use my touchscreen. 2. I have "new tabs" instead of "new windows" selected, yet if I click anything, it goes to a new window. 3. I cannot close tabs without right clicking. 4. I cannot SWITCH tabs at all. 5. I cannot close Firefox without going to my start bar and right clicking. 6. Firefox seems to be aware something is wrong, opens up in a troubleshooting mode... and then doesn't troubleshoot. (It is entirely possibly my infant slammed on the keyboard and changed a setting I can't find.)

Chosen solution

Hmm, there could be a common factor here:

  • Holding shift when using the mouse scroll wheel makes it do nothing (1)
  • Holding shift when clicking a link opens it in a new window (2)
  • Holding shift when starting Firefox displays a dialog to choose between Troubleshoot Mode and a Refresh (6)

But most likely you are not holding down the Shift key, and instead either Firefox or Windows is confused about the keyboard state. If you jab it a half dozen times, can you "unfreeze" it? If not, you could consider doing a regular shut down and restart of Windows. This can help in resolving issues with Firefox not properly understanding the state of input devices like the mouse and keyboard.

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All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

Hmm, there could be a common factor here:

  • Holding shift when using the mouse scroll wheel makes it do nothing (1)
  • Holding shift when clicking a link opens it in a new window (2)
  • Holding shift when starting Firefox displays a dialog to choose between Troubleshoot Mode and a Refresh (6)

But most likely you are not holding down the Shift key, and instead either Firefox or Windows is confused about the keyboard state. If you jab it a half dozen times, can you "unfreeze" it? If not, you could consider doing a regular shut down and restart of Windows. This can help in resolving issues with Firefox not properly understanding the state of input devices like the mouse and keyboard.

Julephenia
Julephenia Question owner
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I restarted.

Everything is fine, now.

My guess is that my baby managed to keyboard smash despite my best efforts... and did something weird.