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How do I change firefox to open a new window when I start it several times instead of opening a new tab when I want to go to a different location?

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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I want to go to several different websites at the same time. I want to compare the information on each site. I do not want to open a tab, I want a whole new window. How do I change firefox so it will open a new window instead of opening a new tab and then requesting the site I want to go to?

I want to go to several different websites at the same time. I want to compare the information on each site. I do not want to open a tab, I want a whole new window. How do I change firefox so it will open a new window instead of opening a new tab and then requesting the site I want to go to?

All Replies (3)

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In Windows XP I am able to right click a link and get an option to open it as a new Firefox window

  • tear off tabs

You will probably note tabs can be dragged along the tab toolbar, they also tear off. You can click a tab and drag it off the browser onto the Windows Desktop where it will open as a new window, or drag it on to another open browser window.

An alternative is to click the tab and drag it down, again it will then open in a new Window.

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You can open a link or a bookmark in a new window with Ctrl (oops!) Shift+left click.
See: http://www.7is7.com/software/firefox/shortcuts.html



You have an item installed that is considered malware/spyware/adware. To see the Plugins reported with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question. You can also see your plugins from the Firefox menu, Tools > Add-ons > Plugins.

  • My Web Search Plugin Stub for 32-bit Windows

This type of pest is usually installed along with software you download from the internet; generally free programs, but not always. Carefully watch for "extra" items that will be installed and un-check or opt-out of them.

  1. You can check to see if you have any of these from Web Products" installed:
  2. Also see: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_toolbars
  3. You MAY need to change a preference if when typing one or two words in the URL/Location/Address Bar sends you to some search page other than the one you expect. To reset your default URL/location bar search provider:
    • Enter about:config in the address/URL bar and press the Enter key
    • If you see a warning, accept it (Promise that you will be careful)
    • Filter = keyword.URL
    • Below the Filter, if keyword.URL is bold, right-click on keyword.URL and choose "Reset"
    • Restart Firefox (File > Restart Firefox)
    • See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Keyword.url
  4. You MAY need to reset your homepage if some search page that you do not want or expect opens when you start Firefox. Firefox can open multiple home pages. Home pages are separated by the "|" symbol.


Other issues that need your attention

The information submitted with your question indicates that you have out of date plugins with known security and stability issues that should be updated. To see the plugins submitted with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question post.

  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use the links below to avoid getting the troublesome "getplus" Adobe Download Manager and other "extras" you may not want
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the appropriate link below
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link: ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/
        • Choose your OS
        • Choose the latest #.x version (example 9.x, for version 9)
        • Choose the highest number version listed
          • NOTE: 10.x is the new Adobe Reader X (Windows and Mac only as of this posting)
        • Choose your language
        • Download the file
        • Windows: choose the .exe file; Mac: choose the .dmg file
    • Using either of the links below will force you to install the "getPlus" Adobe Download Manager. Also be sure to uncheck the McAfee Scanner if you do not want the link forcibly installed on your desktop
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.

Modified by Helper7677

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You can hold the Shift key and left-click a link to open the link in a new window (Ctrl + left-click opens a link in a new tab).

You can also drag a link to the New Window toolbar button, available via View > Toolbars > Customize