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How can I open new tabs in address bar?

  • 5 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 12 views
  • Last reply by davecahn

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When I click a new tab, the newtab screen comes up populated with a lot of sites, which I have deleted, leaving only the search bar. I followed the instructions regarding about:config, but the new tab still opens in that search bar in the window instead of in the address bar. How can I get my cursor to be in the address bar of a new tab, ready for me to insert a url?

When I click a new tab, the newtab screen comes up populated with a lot of sites, which I have deleted, leaving only the search bar. I followed the instructions regarding about:config, but the new tab still opens in that search bar in the window instead of in the address bar. How can I get my cursor to be in the address bar of a new tab, ready for me to insert a url?

Chosen solution

That's an unusual page. I think it might be generated by an add-on. These extensions look a bit suspicious to me:

  • Newtab 3.0
  • Search Manager for Moziila Firefox ™ 2.0

You can disable nonessential or unrecognized extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or, if possible, remove).

Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.

Does that return you to the built-in new tab page?

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All Replies (5)

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In the settings gear of the new tab page, if you change the option to blank the cursor should go to the url bar.

Does this happen when you disable your add ons?

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You can also set the new tab page to about:blank if you do not want to use the about:newtab page.

See this article about the New Tab page (about:newtab):

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When I click on the gear icon at the upper right of the new tab page, I don't get a menu with "blank" or anything else in words. I get icons for layout, themes, and editing. Please see attached screenshot. Where do I find "blank"?

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Chosen Solution

That's an unusual page. I think it might be generated by an add-on. These extensions look a bit suspicious to me:

  • Newtab 3.0
  • Search Manager for Moziila Firefox ™ 2.0

You can disable nonessential or unrecognized extensions on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or, if possible, remove).

Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.

Does that return you to the built-in new tab page?

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Thanks to everyone!