Search bar works once on Firefox launch, then no more. Need help to fix.
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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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?
I restarted in "Safe Mode" and the problem persists; it searches once, but not again unless I restart it.
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?
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.
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
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.