where is the search bar for 38.0.5?
My computer runs Win7 SP1 and I prefer to use Firefox as my default browser. I use Norton Internet security and the norton tool bar. Firefox 38.0.5 does not have a search bar so that I can select Google as my default search engine. Norton say this is your a Firefox problem. How do I select Google search if there is no search bar?
Alla svar (3)
Hi, please look for the search bar within the menu when in customize mode, as shown in Customize Firefox controls, buttons and toolbars.
Also see - Use the Search bar in Firefox and manage search engines
If you still cannot find the search bar, I suggest trying with Norton Toolbar disabled, in case that is causing the problem.
Failing that, 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
, click Help 
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".
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.
If the only reason you are looking for the search bar is to change your default search engine -- for example, because you normally search from the address bar -- then you could change it in Options:
"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Search
The first control on the page should be to choose your default search engine.
By the way, the support site found these plugins in your Firefox (set either to Always Activate or Ask to Activate; any set to Never Activate are invisible). I have added some comments to the list:
- Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape 15.7.20033
- plugin
- What is this? It seems to have a suspiciously short description.
- Google Update
- Package Installer & Install Conduit
- Conduit add-ons often cause user interface problems for Firefox users and may hijack your search preference. Try to remove all Conduit add-ons such as Community Toolbars, searching/shopping extensions, etc.
- Shockwave Flash 17.0 r0
- Needs to be updated. You can use either of these sites:
- https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ (be sure to uncheck any unwanted extras)
- https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/distribution3.html (choose the version for "plugin-based browsers")
- Needs to be updated. You can use either of these sites:
- Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 12.1.3.153
- iTunes Detector Plug-in
To root out unwanted add-ons, open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- in the Windows "Run" dialog, type or paste
firefox.exe "about:addons"
In the left column, click Plugins. Set nonessential and unrecognized plugins to "Never Activate".
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions.
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.
Hopefully that will help with your search issue.