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Bypass search engine and entera URL directly

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 122 views
  • Last reply by Owsley

Owsley
Owsley

I want to enter a URL address directly into a box without the unnecessary step of being sent to google to open a website just as we did on earlier versions of browsers. Isn't this possible? I'm running a new Windows7 64bit machine if that makes a difference. Also I'm talking about Firefox version 9.0.1 problem solved by internet troubleshooter which stated computer not configured for "DIRECT ACCESS" and fixed the problem. Thanks to all who replied.

I want to enter a URL address directly into a box without the unnecessary step of being sent to google to open a website just as we did on earlier versions of browsers. Isn't this possible? I'm running a new Windows7 64bit machine if that makes a difference. Also I'm talking about Firefox version 9.0.1 problem solved by internet troubleshooter which stated computer not configured for "DIRECT ACCESS" and fixed the problem. Thanks to all who replied.

Modified by Owsley

Chosen solution

When you type a URL into the location bar, Firefox 9 will normally load that URL directly without doing a search. If this is not working for you, it might be because some other software has changed your settings. For some troubleshooting instructions, see What to do when searches take you to the wrong search website.

You can also try Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to see if the problem is caused by a Firefox add-on.

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All Replies (3)

Matt Brubeck
Matt Brubeck

Chosen Solution

When you type a URL into the location bar, Firefox 9 will normally load that URL directly without doing a search. If this is not working for you, it might be because some other software has changed your settings. For some troubleshooting instructions, see What to do when searches take you to the wrong search website.

You can also try Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to see if the problem is caused by a Firefox add-on.

SafeBrowser
SafeBrowser

There is a change beginning in Firefox 4 in how Location bar search works.

  • In Firefox 3.6.x, Location bar search uses Google "Browse by name" search. With the browse by name search, it performs a Google search and
    • if there is a clear match it will take you to the site
    • otherwise it shows the Google search result page
  • Firefox 4 and newer versions the default is
    • to perform a Google search and present the Google search results page if you type something which is not recognized as a URL
    • you must type a complete URL, such as www.youtube.com , to go directly to the site

To get the Firefox 3.6.x behavior in Firefox 4 and newer versions. you need to change a hidden preference OR install the add-on below.

To change the preference:

  1. Type about:config into the location bar and press the Enter key
  2. If you see a warning, accept it (promise to be careful)
  3. A list of preferences will open
  4. Filter = keyword.URL
  5. Double-click on that preference in the lower pane
  6. A small window will appear; copy one of the URLs below and paste into the box in that small window (or type it into the box in that window exactly as shown below):

Instead of the above, you could install this extension:

See:


If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.

Modified by SafeBrowser

Owsley
Owsley Question owner

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