There is a change beginning in Firefox 4 in how Location bar search works. *'''''In Firefox 3.6.x''''', Location bar search uses Google "Browse by name" search. With the browse by name search, it performs a Google search and **if there is a clear match it will take you to the site **otherwise it shows the Google search result page *'''''Firefox 4's default''''' is **to perform a Google search and present the Google search results page '''''if''''' you type something which is not recognized as a URL **you must type a complete URL, such as www.youtube.com , to go directly to the site To get the Firefox 3.6.x behavior in Firefox 4. you need to change a hidden preference '''''OR''''' install the add-on below. '''To change the preference:''' #Type '''''about:config''''' into the location bar and press the Enter key #If you see a warning, accept it (promise to be careful) #A list of preferences will open #Filter = keyword.URL #Double-click on that preference in the lower pane #A small window will appear; copy one of the URLs below and paste into the box in that small window (or type it into the box in that window '''''exactly''''' as shown below): *Google "I'm Feeling Lucky": http://www.google.com/search?btnI=I%27m+Feeling+Lucky&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q= *Google "Browse by Name": http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q= '''Instead of the above, you could install this extension:''' *'''''Browse by name''''' add-on: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/browse-by-name See: *http://kb.mozillazine.org/About:config *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Keyword.URL *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Location_Bar_search ----------------------------- You have old versions of Java Console in Add-ons > Extensions that Java failed to "clean-up" when updating. You can easily and safely remove them. *Instructions: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Java#Multiple_Java_Console_extensions *Your old versions: **Java Console 6.0.17 {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0017-ABCDEFFEDCBA} **Java Console 6.0.19 {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0019-ABCDEFFEDCBA} **Java Console 6.0.20 {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0020-ABCDEFFEDCBA} **Java Console 6.0.21 {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0021-ABCDEFFEDCBA} **Java Console 6.0.22 {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0022-ABCDEFFEDCBA} **Java Console 6.0.23 {CAFEEFAC-0016-0000-0023-ABCDEFFEDCBA} <br /> -------------------------- <br /> '''You need to update the following.''' The Plugin version(s) shown below was/were submitted with your question and is/are out of date. You should update to avoid known security issues with the version(s) you have installed. Click on "More system info..." to the right of your question to see what was included with your question. *Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 11.5.9.620 *Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_24 for Mozilla browsers #'''''Check your plugin versions''''' on either of the following links': #*http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/ #*https://www-trunk.stage.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/ #*'''Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions''' #*There are plugin specific testing links available from this page: #**http://kb.mozillazine.org/Testing_plugins #'''Update Shockwave for Director''' #*NOTE: this is not the same as Shockwave Flash; this installs the Shockwave Player. #*Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below (Desktop is a good place so you can find it). #*When the download is complete, exit Firefox (File > Exit) #*locate and double-click in the installer you just downloaded, let the install complete. #*Restart Firefox and check your plugins again. #*'''<u>Download link and more information</u>''': http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Shockwave+plugin+with+Firefox #'''Update the [[Java]] plugin''' to the latest version. #*Download site: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html (Java Platform: Download JRE) #**'''''Be sure to <u>un-check the Yahoo Toolbar</u> option during the install if you do not want it installed. #*Also see "Manual Update" in this article to update from the Java Control Panel in Windows Control Panel: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Java+plugin+with+Firefox#Updates #* Removing old versions (if needed): http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml #* Remove multiple Java Console extensions (if needed): http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_:_FAQs_:_Install_Java#Multiple_Java_Console_extensions #*Java Test: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml

I re-enabled "browse by name" and that fixed the problem. Also, I updated all the programs and addons you mentioned -- I thought those things mostly took care of themselves. Thanks!

Try the section "'''To change the preference'''". Your keyword.URL may be set incorrectly.