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I can't go to a website. This is the most basic functionality of a browser, but I can't do it. No matter what I try, I get sent to a previously opened tab.

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

bbushnell
bbushnell
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I sort of like Firefox. It dies regularly because it runs out of RAM all the time, but I can restart it, so it kind of works.

But... sometimes, I want to go to a website. I can type whatever I want, or click whatever I want, but Firefox overrides me and forces me to some tab that was already open, which is not what I wanted. I think this is a fixable flaw. There is probably a secret recipe for avoiding it in the first place.

The only reason I am posting here is because I spent the last hour browsing the boards and could not find a solution, and I suspect that devs would not put up with being unable to do what they want. So I'm sure there's a workaround.

I sort of like Firefox. It dies regularly because it runs out of RAM all the time, but I can restart it, so it kind of works. But... sometimes, I want to go to a website. I can type whatever I want, or click whatever I want, but Firefox overrides me and forces me to some tab that was already open, which is not what I wanted. I think this is a fixable flaw. There is probably a secret recipe for avoiding it in the first place. The only reason I am posting here is because I spent the last hour browsing the boards and could not find a solution, and I suspect that devs would not put up with being unable to do what they want. So I'm sure there's a workaround.

All Replies (3)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Hi bbushnell, youi mention both typing and clicking.

"Switch to Tab"

The address bar has a feature called switch to tab. If you start typing a URL or search query that matches an open tab, it will appear on the autocomplete drop-down with a little tab icon and instead of the URL will show "Switch to Tab". As described, clicking that (or arrowing down to it and pressing Enter) will switch to that tab instead of loading the page anew. To override Switch to Tab you can hold down the Shift key.

Otherwise...

It's difficult to explain why Firefox wouldn't follow load a page or follow a link that you clicked. If you haven't already, could you test in Firefox's Safe Mode? In its Safe Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, any userChrome.css/userContent.css files, and some other advanced features to help you assess whether these are causing the problem.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox. (On Mac, hold down the option/alt key instead of the Shift key.)

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" Help button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
  • (menu bar) Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Also, your Firefox identified itself to the forum as version 52. As you may know, the current versions of Firefox are:

(Note for 64-bit Windows users: How to switch from 32-bit to 64-bit Firefox)

If something is holding you back from upgrading Firefox, please let us know so we can suggest solutions or workarounds. Version 52 is not secure.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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You can remove the checkmark on "Open Tabs" in the location bar settings to disable "Switch to tab.

  • Options/Preferences > Privacy > Location Bar: When using the location bar, suggest: [] Open tabs