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In some windows, I can't type in Firefox - like login windows, Facebook posts, etc. This began about a week ago. Why? And how to fix?

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  • Last reply by FredMcD

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In order to get text into such fields, I have to type it in Notepad and then copy and paste it into the Firefox text field. I'm using an iMac, both at home and at work, and the problem is identical at both places. Using Firefox 37.01. One more thing I've noticed is that after I log in at work with the copy from Notepad and paste method, if I need to re-log in, the typing then works in the field that previously refused it.

In order to get text into such fields, I have to type it in Notepad and then copy and paste it into the Firefox text field. I'm using an iMac, both at home and at work, and the problem is identical at both places. Using Firefox 37.01. One more thing I've noticed is that after I log in at work with the copy from Notepad and paste method, if I need to re-log in, the typing then works in the field that previously refused it.

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Hello,

Try Firefox Safe Mode to see if the problem goes away. Firefox Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that temporarily turns off hardware acceleration, resets some settings, and disables add-ons (extensions and themes).

If Firefox is open, you can restart in Firefox Safe Mode from the Help menu:

  • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click Help Help-29 and select Restart with Add-ons Disabled.

If Firefox is not running, you can start Firefox in Safe Mode as follows:

  • On Windows: Hold the Shift key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
  • On Mac: Hold the option key while starting Firefox.
  • On Linux: Quit Firefox, go to your Terminal and run firefox -safe-mode
    (you may need to specify the Firefox installation path e.g. /usr/lib/firefox)

When the Firefox Safe Mode window appears, select "Start in Safe Mode".

SafeMode-Fx35

If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, theme, or hardware acceleration. Please follow the steps in the Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems article to find the cause.

To exit 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 others with the same problem.

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Also, check this:

  • see if there are updates for your graphics drive drivers

https://support.mozilla.org/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

  • disable protected mode in the Flash plugin (Flash 11.3+ on Windows Vista and later)

https://forums.adobe.com/message/4468493#TemporaryWorkaround

  • disable hardware acceleration in the Flash plugin

https://forums.adobe.com/thread/891337 See also: