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open in new tab or window doesn't work. How can I fix this?

  • 7 replies
  • 16 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by FredMcD

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I just upgraded to 36.01. When I right click on a link the menu of options is long and confusing. When I select open in a new tab or new window, it does nothing. What can I do to reduce the options list and how to fix the open new tab or window option?

I just upgraded to 36.01. When I right click on a link the menu of options is long and confusing. When I select open in a new tab or new window, it does nothing. What can I do to reduce the options list and how to fix the open new tab or window option?

Chosen solution

Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

Try a clean reinstall and delete the Firefox program folder before (re)installing a fresh copy of the current Firefox release.

If possible uninstall your current Firefox version to cleanup the Windows registry and settings in security software.

  • Do NOT remove "personal data" when you uninstall your current Firefox version, because this will remove all profile folders and you lose personal data like bookmarks and passwords including data in profiles created by other Firefox versions.

Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • (32 bit Windows) "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\"
  • (64 bit Windows) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\"

Your bookmarks and other personal data are stored in the Firefox profile folder and won't be affected by an uninstall and (re)install, but make sure NOT to remove personal data when you uninstall Firefox as that will remove all Firefox profile folders and you lose your personal data.

If you keep having problems then also create a new profile.



Do a malware check with several malware scanning programs on the Windows computer. Please scan with all programs because each program detects different malware. All these programs have free versions.

Make sure that you update each program to get the latest version of their databases before doing a scan.

You can also do a check for a rootkit infection with TDSSKiller.

See also:

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All Replies (7)

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In case one of your extensions is involved, could you test the right-click menu 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 tried that before and again after getting your suggestion. Still not working. In fact, even if I click on the link and copy link, then open new tab, it gives me an error...link not found.. the like looks like a number.

more options

Chosen Solution

Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

Try a clean reinstall and delete the Firefox program folder before (re)installing a fresh copy of the current Firefox release.

If possible uninstall your current Firefox version to cleanup the Windows registry and settings in security software.

  • Do NOT remove "personal data" when you uninstall your current Firefox version, because this will remove all profile folders and you lose personal data like bookmarks and passwords including data in profiles created by other Firefox versions.

Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

  • (32 bit Windows) "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\"
  • (64 bit Windows) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\"

Your bookmarks and other personal data are stored in the Firefox profile folder and won't be affected by an uninstall and (re)install, but make sure NOT to remove personal data when you uninstall Firefox as that will remove all Firefox profile folders and you lose your personal data.

If you keep having problems then also create a new profile.



Do a malware check with several malware scanning programs on the Windows computer. Please scan with all programs because each program detects different malware. All these programs have free versions.

Make sure that you update each program to get the latest version of their databases before doing a scan.

You can also do a check for a rootkit infection with TDSSKiller.

See also:

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Here is an example of what was copied when I used the "copy link location": 72617770019. However, when I do this I can see the link information on the screen and it is correct. I have one case where the "open in new tab" works. I noticed that when it doesn't work the menu option list for the right mouse button is an extremely long list, but when it works, the list is the old fashioned short list. How do I fix this?

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What web page do you have the issue?

Do you have any link add-ons? (link cleaners)

Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.

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ege1 said

I just upgraded to 36.01. When I right click on a link the menu of options is long and confusing. When I select open in a new tab or new window, it does nothing. What can I do to reduce the options list and how to fix the open new tab or window option?

The suggested solution to delete and get new copy of Mozilla worked. There were some problems trying to do all the programs for malware, but the system works now. Suggestion: backup bookmarks to HTML before deleting.

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The Firefox program is separate from the user profiles.

These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox

FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.

OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences