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"Open link in new tab" isn't functioning. I've tried with all add-ons disabled and it still doesn't work.

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  • 11 zinale nkinga
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  • Igcine ukuphendulwa ngu FredMcD

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When I right click a link and select "open in new tab" and "open in new window" nothing happens. Also, nothing happens when I type a query in the search bar and press enter. I've tried restarting firefox in safe mode and disabling all add-ons but the problems continue.

When I right click a link and select "open in new tab" and "open in new window" nothing happens. Also, nothing happens when I type a query in the search bar and press enter. I've tried restarting firefox in safe mode and disabling all add-ons but the problems continue.

Isisombululo esikhethiwe

The setting in "Tools > Options > Tabs: Open new windows in a new tab instead" is for links that specify a target window (e.g. target=_blank) to open the link. That option allows to divert such links to a new tab instead of a new window. Links that do not specify a target always open in the current tab unless you override that with a middle-click or Ctrl (Mac: Cmd) left-click (new tab) or Shift left-click (new window) or via the right-click context menu.


You can check if you have the XML files of the default search engines including Google in the browser\searchplugins folder in the Firefox program folder.

If not then you need to reinstall Firefox.

Try to delete the search.json file and possible search-metadata.json and search.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder to reset the search engines to the default. You can use this button to go to the currently used Firefox profile folder:

Firefox will rebuild the search.json file from the default search engines in the "browser\searchplugins" folder in the Firefox program folder and the searchplugins folder in the Firefox profile folder.

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All Replies (5)

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Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites. Is the problem still there?

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

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Isisombululo Esikhethiwe

The setting in "Tools > Options > Tabs: Open new windows in a new tab instead" is for links that specify a target window (e.g. target=_blank) to open the link. That option allows to divert such links to a new tab instead of a new window. Links that do not specify a target always open in the current tab unless you override that with a middle-click or Ctrl (Mac: Cmd) left-click (new tab) or Shift left-click (new window) or via the right-click context menu.


You can check if you have the XML files of the default search engines including Google in the browser\searchplugins folder in the Firefox program folder.

If not then you need to reinstall Firefox.

Try to delete the search.json file and possible search-metadata.json and search.sqlite files in the Firefox profile folder to reset the search engines to the default. You can use this button to go to the currently used Firefox profile folder:

Firefox will rebuild the search.json file from the default search engines in the "browser\searchplugins" folder in the Firefox program folder and the searchplugins folder in the Firefox profile folder.

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FredMcD said

Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites. Is the problem still there? Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

Safe mode didn't help but I uninstalled and reinstalled Firefox and I'm not having any more problems. Thanks for the suggestion.

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mwanser said

When I right click a link and select "open in new tab" and "open in new window" nothing happens. Also, nothing happens when I type a query in the search bar and press enter. I've tried restarting firefox in safe mode and disabling all add-ons but the problems continue.

I had to uninstall and reinstall but it is working fine now. Thanks for the help.

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That was very good work. Well Done. Please flag your last post as Solved Problem so others will know.