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Ctrl F Does Not Work

  • 4 replies
  • 19 have this problem
  • 37 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

kkunurashima
kkunurashima

I've tried looking at the other topics that are similar, but none of them share the same problem with the search bar. Whenever I do Ctrl+F, the search bar comes up, but the actual searching doesn't seem to work well.

For instance, if I had a web page up I typed a word that I /know/ is on the page, it would say it's not there. I clearly see it. It would work fine on the Google search results page, but it wouldn't work once I was on an actual site. All my plug-ins and extensions are up to date (I haven' updated the actual browser in a while. Trying to avoid this option). What's the deal?

(If push comes to shove, I can provide a screencap)

I've tried looking at the other topics that are similar, but none of them share the same problem with the search bar. Whenever I do Ctrl+F, the search bar comes up, but the actual searching doesn't seem to work well. For instance, if I had a web page up I typed a word that I /know/ is on the page, it would say it's not there. I clearly see it. It would work fine on the Google search results page, but it wouldn't work once I was on an actual site. All my plug-ins and extensions are up to date (I haven' updated the actual browser in a while. Trying to avoid this option). What's the deal? (If push comes to shove, I can provide a screencap)

Chosen solution

Make sure that "Match case" on the Find bar (Ctrl+T) doesn't have a check-mark.

Read this answer in context 👍 6

All Replies (4)

kobe
kobe

Hello,

Try Firefox Safe Mode to see if the problem goes away. Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode, which disables most add-ons.

(If you're not using it, switch to the Default theme.)

  • You can open Firefox 4.0+ in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
  • Or open the Help menu and click on the Restart with Add-ons Disabled... menu item while Firefox is running.

Once you get the pop-up, just select "'Start in Safe Mode"

If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, and you need to figure out which one. Please follow the Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems article for that.

To exit the Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before opening Firefox for normal use again.

When you figure out what's causing your issues, please let us know. It might help other users who have the same problem.

Thank you.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Top 25 Contributor
  • Moderator

Chosen Solution

Make sure that "Match case" on the Find bar (Ctrl+T) doesn't have a check-mark.

kkunurashima
kkunurashima Question owner

I'm terribly embarrassed. I seem to have accidentally hit "Match case."

cor-el
cor-el
  • Top 25 Contributor
  • Moderator

That happens to me as well, so don't be embarrassed.

Maybe use some code in userChrome.css and add a background color to make it easier to notice that this setting is selected. Of course you only see this when you use the find bar.

Add code to the userChrome.css file below the default @namespace line.

The customization files userChrome.css (user interface) and userContent.css (websites) are located in the chrome folder in the Firefox profile folder. 

@namespace url("http://www.mozilla.org/keymaster/gatekeeper/there.is.only.xul"); /* only needed once */

#FindToolbar checkbox[label="Match case"][checked] label {background-color: #f88 !important}
#FindToolbar > .findbar-container > *{ display:-moz-box; } /* always show match case */

If you use another locale then change the label name to suit your situation.