Firefox window becomes invisible when I try to restore the window size (maximized works fine)
When I start Firefox the window is invisible. Maximizing it works, but when I try to restore it to the previous size it becomes invisible again.
I've had this problem with other applications and then it was the stored window position that had become corrupted.
I've looked in the registry to see if the window position is stored there, but couldn't find it there.
Chosen solution
You will have to use JavaScript to fix the problem and Firefox 7.0.1 has made moving or resizing windows with JavaScript almost impossible. You can set up your bookmark and change to about:config while maximized but you will need to read the notes near the bottom of the following article concerning Firefox 7.
Summary of steps described in http://kb.mozillazine.org/Resizing_oversize_window
- use "Alt+Spacebar" in Windows to Maximize active window
- Change services.sync.prefs.sync.dom.disable_window_move_resize to false using about:config
- Create a bookmarklet (bookmark with JavaScript) having a location of
- javascript:self.resizeTo(1024,screen.availHeight);self.moveTo(screen.availWidth-1024,0);
- (reduce from 1024 if your screen width is less than 1024)
- Next about:config must be the active tab
- Invoke the bookmark directly from your bookmarks (with Firefox 7.0.1 you can no longer invoke JavaScript or a keyword shortcut with Javascript from the location bar involving move/resize).
All Replies (4)
Chosen Solution
You will have to use JavaScript to fix the problem and Firefox 7.0.1 has made moving or resizing windows with JavaScript almost impossible. You can set up your bookmark and change to about:config while maximized but you will need to read the notes near the bottom of the following article concerning Firefox 7.
Summary of steps described in http://kb.mozillazine.org/Resizing_oversize_window
- use "Alt+Spacebar" in Windows to Maximize active window
- Change services.sync.prefs.sync.dom.disable_window_move_resize to false using about:config
- Create a bookmarklet (bookmark with JavaScript) having a location of
- javascript:self.resizeTo(1024,screen.availHeight);self.moveTo(screen.availWidth-1024,0);
- (reduce from 1024 if your screen width is less than 1024)
- Next about:config must be the active tab
- Invoke the bookmark directly from your bookmarks (with Firefox 7.0.1 you can no longer invoke JavaScript or a keyword shortcut with Javascript from the location bar involving move/resize).
Modified by David McRitchie
Thanks for the answer, but it turned out there was actually a simpler way. I right-clicked the taskbar icon, selected "Move" and was able to use the arrow keys to move the window back onto the screen (it seems it was positioned outside the desktop).
I had actually tried doing a "manual" move before posting, but then I tried to move the window with the mouse, rather than the arrow keys, which didn't work.
Good, I guess there must have been at least an edge visible.
Anyway the KB article also now has a better description for manually moving / resizing by first invoking "Alt+Spacebar" (Windows shortcut), thanks to your question.
I just realized you said you clicked on the taskbar icon, that choice does not appear to be possible in Windows 7 but "Alt+Spacebar" still works.
Modified by David McRitchie
I am getting this problem intermittently, when Firefox will only run maximised or minimised, but vanishes from sight when trying to `Restore' to a reduced size window.
The only thing that works is closing Firefox and then re-starting it, from which point it will run and work perfectly normally at any size (until the next time).
Not a great problem, just little tedious. Is there any permanent cure without re-writing code or script ? Is the reason for the problem known ?