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Search function disabled on USPTO site Firefox version 37.0.2

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All search functions are disabled - two on the site as I recall and one for the browser.

All search functions are disabled - two on the site as I recall and one for the browser.

All Replies (4)

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Do you mean that Firefox's built-in Find in page feature is not working (Ctrl+f) or that some features of the website itself are not working? Could you post a more specific URL to the problem page?

Please note: if you are using TESS, do not post a link containing your session identifier as that might give others access to your results.

More generally, when you have a problem with one particular site, a good "first thing to try" is clearing your Firefox cache and deleting your saved cookies for the site.

(1) Bypass Firefox's Cache

Use Ctrl+Shift+r to reload the page fresh from the server.

Alternately, you also can clear Firefox's cache completely using:

"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Advanced

On the Network mini-tab > Cached Web Content : "Clear Now"

If you have a large hard drive, this might take a few minutes.

(2) Remove the site's cookies (save any pending work first). While viewing a page on the site, try either:

  • right-click and choose View Page Info > Security > "View Cookies"
  • (menu bar) Tools > Page Info > Security > "View Cookies"
  • click the padlock or globe icon in the address bar > More Information > "View Cookies"

In the dialog that opens, you can remove the site's cookies individually.

Then try reloading the page. Does that help?

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Thank you for helping. Neither the web site’s search function or the ctrl F find function works. I accomplished your #1 and no change. I tried to accomplish #2 but when I reached the second bullet point there was no tool icon in my menu bar (as far as I could tell.) Two developments: on another part of the USPTO site their search function works and the problematic section is an “image section.” Again this part has its own unworking search function and ctrl F is available but not working. The site is generically www.uspto.gov Bill

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Hi Bill, any of the 3 bulleted methods of removing cookies works, so if you did one, you're good.

But Ctrl+f works normally on other sites, just not uspto.gov??

Could you test 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.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: 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

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?

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Ctrl F works on the two other sites I checked, but not in at least one part of the USPTO site.