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Search bar works once on Firefox launch, then no more. Need help to fix.

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Since the update 28 or 29 the search bar doesn't work.

Specifically; I enter a search term, say "Monkeyfist" and press Enter or the magnifier symbol in the search box. If it is the first time since I try it after I launch Thunderbird, it loads "Google" (My selected search engine) and initiates the search. All good.

If I do it again, nothing happens. And yes, I entered a different search term. By nothing I mean specifically; the keystrokes are recognized, the text is entered in the search box but pressing Enter or clicking on the magnifier symbol there is no action.

I did download and execute the "reset" tool suggested and it made no difference.

I will provide any information that would be helpful. And I surely will appreciate any help to fix this.

Mike

Since the update 28 or 29 the search bar doesn't work. Specifically; I enter a search term, say "Monkeyfist" and press Enter or the magnifier symbol in the search box. If it is the first time since I try it after I launch Thunderbird, it loads "Google" (My selected search engine) and initiates the search. All good. If I do it again, nothing happens. And yes, I entered a different search term. By nothing I mean specifically; the keystrokes are recognized, the text is entered in the search box but pressing Enter or clicking on the magnifier symbol there is no action. I did download and execute the "reset" tool suggested and it made no difference. I will provide any information that would be helpful. And I surely will appreciate any help to fix this. Mike

Chosen solution

I saw your other question that was locked and pointed to this thread. Resetting Firefox should fix this issue. It takes about 10 seconds and will remove add-ons and customizations that could be causing issues. It will save all of your personal information. You can read more about it here - Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings.

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All Replies (6)

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In case one of your extensions is not fully compatible with Firefox 29, could you test the search bar in Firefox's Safe Mode? That's a standard diagnostic tool to deactivate extensions and some advanced features of Firefox. More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.

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

Not all add-ons are disabled: Flash and other plugins still run

After Firefox shuts down, a small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Reset).

Any difference?

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I restarted in "Safe Mode" and the problem persists; it searches once, but not again unless I restart it.

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Hmm, do other search engine plugins work normally when your preferred one stops working? For example, if you change the icon from Google to Bing?

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I change search engines, Yahoo and Bing and the problem remains; first try it works, subsequent attempts do not. And by not working I mean I enter text but when I press enter or the symbol nothing happens. Weird.

I tried by disabling all addon's and it made no difference. I tried re-installing Firefox. No help. I don't want to wipe out Firefox as I have a lot of bookmarks, cookies, etc.

Just to be sure, the searchbar with Monkeyfist in it.
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I'm mystified.

When you reinstall, some stray files in Firefox's program folder may remain. You could re-run the installer to create a clean program folder. No uninstall is required, just hide the existing program folder and re-run the installer.

(1) If needed, download a fresh installer from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

(2) Exit out of Firefox.

(3) Rename the folder

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement in search bar behavior?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox\Plugins
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox\browser\plugins
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Chosen Solution

I saw your other question that was locked and pointed to this thread. Resetting Firefox should fix this issue. It takes about 10 seconds and will remove add-ons and customizations that could be causing issues. It will save all of your personal information. You can read more about it here - Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings.