Could it be an extension incompatibility? In case your extensions are not updating automatically, you can trigger an update on the Add-ons page. Either:

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

In the left column, click Extensions.

Above the list, there is a button with a gear/cog/wheel icon. Click that, then "Check for Updates".

Any improvement?

You also might test in Firefox's Safe Mode to rule out extensions. In Safe Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, and some other advanced features to help you assess whether these are causing the problem.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

• "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
• Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any difference?

Well I tried the update extensions thing - no difference at all. One moment while I try safe mode....

Ok - so it's an addon. But thety all worked before I updated.....

Now - which is it likely to be ?

Ah Tab utilities. Now disabled. Since you are there - rather than start a new thread - so what can I use that makes every new address I type in to the bar open a new tab rather than replace the one I'm in ?

Maybe Tab Mix Plus?? It's extremely comprehensive, so it almost certainly has that feature.

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/tab-mix-plus/

As a short term workaround, if you generally press Enter to load the address, hold down the Alt key when pressing Enter to direct it to a new tab. That also works in both the address bar and the search bar.

OK - I did actually find that one last night and it has improved things. I still haven't found something that does what FF USED to do - and I can't remember how I made it - but thanks; you have been very helpful, and I can at least now LIVE !