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Firefox browser 78.0.2 is inconsistent when initiating a search.

Whether I 1) copy and paste or 2) type the search request into the address bar (or search bar to the right of the address bar), this version/program inconsistently but persistently ignores the request, providing a blank page instead.

This continues even after clearing the cache and history.

This has been so frustrating that I am considering Google after the past 7 years with Firefox.

Firefox browser 78.0.2 is inconsistent when initiating a search. Whether I 1) copy and paste or 2) type the search request into the address bar (or search bar to the right of the address bar), this version/program inconsistently but persistently ignores the request, providing a blank page instead. This continues even after clearing the cache and history. This has been so frustrating that I am considering Google after the past 7 years with Firefox.

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Hi roora, that sounds frustrating. When you get a blank page, does the query URL show in the address bar, as though the page should load, but Firefox quit, or is it blank, too? When you say it is persistent, do you mean once you get a blank page, you can no longer use that tab, it won't navigate anywhere? In that situation, will searches work in a new tab?

If this is something that occurs within a short amount of time like 30 minutes, 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 option/alt key when starting Firefox. (On Windows, hold down the Shift key instead of the option/alt 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?