Close tabs and open links in new tab with middle click
Until recently I was able to close tabs by middle clicking them or open new tabs by middle clicking them. Recently however Firefox either is no longer recognizing my middle clicks or is not processing them in the same way.
I tried looking in the about:config functions for functions including 'middle' in an attempt to find the configuration option for this but didn't find anything. I need to identify how to configure it first so I can attempt that.
All Replies (5)
Start Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the extensions is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox (Tools) > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).
- Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.
- https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Safe+Mode
Thank you for the suggestion cor-el, I should have thought of doing that before asking for help.
Unfortunately starting in Safe Mode and disabling my theme did not change the problem I am encountering where the middle mouse button is not working to close tabs or open links in a new tab.
Do you have a suggestion as to what I could try next?
p.s. As I overlooked the basic troubleshooting steps earlier I also tried switching my mouse and continued to experience the same problem with all 3 mice that I tested.
Modified by dreampod
Did you check the setting of the mouse in Control Panel > Mouse ?
Yes I did. The middle mouse button functions normally in other programs as well.
I have this problem as well, and tried basically everything. Even a fresh install (didn't help). I have this issue (using the same Logitech LX3) since I switched from Firefox 3.x to 4.x and now 5.x, all on Windows 7.
Basically, the middle mouse button behavior is totally unreliable. Most of the times, it doesn't work at all. However, sometimes it does, but then it may take up many seconds (keeping the middle button pressed) until the tab finally opens... and then it often opens multi. Sometimes the tab(s) open after X seconds while the middle mouse button is still pressed, sometimes it opens after the button was released.
It seems to be a bit better in Private Browsing mode, though. Can't really be more specific: sometimes the middle mouse button opens the new tab after seconds in "using tab x, page y, link z", while it doesn't work on exactely that same page on "using tab x, page y, link z" after doing nothing for 5 minutes.