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I cannot use Unicode alt codes as they cause Firefox's menus to pop up.

  • 3 replies
  • 8 have this problem
  • 19 views
  • Last reply by nhaskins

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Whenever I try to use alphanumeric alt codes that conflict with existing menu shortcuts, (for example Alt+03BC), Firefox's menu keeps popping up (in this case, Bookmarks menu). This does not happen with codes without menu shortcuts, for eg. Alt+263A, or Alt+0024.

How can I get Firefox to ignore shortcuts while I am using alt codes? I would prefer not to disable menu shortcuts entirely.

Whenever I try to use alphanumeric alt codes that conflict with existing menu shortcuts, (for example Alt+03BC), Firefox's menu keeps popping up (in this case, Bookmarks menu). This does not happen with codes without menu shortcuts, for eg. Alt+263A, or Alt+0024. How can I get Firefox to ignore shortcuts while I am using alt codes? I would prefer not to disable menu shortcuts entirely.

All Replies (3)

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Switch on Num Lock to prevent Firefox from seeing the key presses as commands.

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It works fine for me...

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).

To Enable SafeMode

  • 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 it works in Safe Mode and in normal mode with all extensions (Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) disabled then try to find which extension is causing it by enabling one extension at a time until the problem reappears.

Close and restart Firefox after each change via "Firefox > Exit" (Windows: Firefox/File > Exit; Mac: "Firefox > Quit Firefox"; Linux: "Firefox/File > Quit")

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I have this same issue, even running in safe mode. I do have Num Lock on, but the issue isn't the numerals 0-9, it's the letters B, D, E, and F.

Alt+D switches focus to the address bar. If I type for example (hold Alt)+022d It will produce the character ȭ, but it will place it in the address bar.

Alt+(D, E, or F) will open the bookmarks menu, edit menu, and file menu respectively. If I type (hold Alt)+022(b, e, or f) which should produce ȫ, Ȯ, or ȯ respectively; the character will not be produced, and a little error "bing" will sound.

I'm on Windows 7, with Firefox 25.0.1

Modified by nhaskins