On this computer, can't enter anything in search on Nav Bar or any search box @ support.mozilla.org w/ any FF version over 14 (15-17). FF14 works fine.
There is some kind of conflict going on between this computer and any FF version above 14. When I upgrade to 15, 16 or now 17, the search box on the Nav Bar is frozen. "Google" is in the search box with Google the search engine as the usual default. However, if you click in the box so that you can enter a search, the "Google" in the box stays put and the cursor sits there blinking in front of the "G" in "Google", but nothing can be entered in the box. When I re-install 14, it works normally as it should. This same phenomenon even happens at the support.mozilla.org website in any of the search boxes or windows where you are to input your question. Nothing can be enetered. I had to go back to FF 14 to even be able to enter this information in this window. I couldn't do it using FF15, 16 or 17. Help! I'm stuck on FF 14 and unable to upgrade without losing the use of the FF search box in the Nav Bar. I do not experience this problem with FF 15 and above on my work computer. So, there is some conflict with this particular computer.
Chosen solution
Try to reset some preferences to the default with the SearchReset extension:
Note that the SearchReset extension only runs once and then uninstalls automatically, so it won't show on the "Firefox > Add-ons" page (about:addons).
You can also try to delete search.json file and a possible search.sqlite file in the Firefox Profile Folder.
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_search_or_add_new_engines
You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder
Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).
- Do not click the Reset button on the Safe mode start window or otherwise make changes.
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode
- https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes
All Replies (3)
Chosen Solution
Try to reset some preferences to the default with the SearchReset extension:
Note that the SearchReset extension only runs once and then uninstalls automatically, so it won't show on the "Firefox > Add-ons" page (about:addons).
You can also try to delete search.json file and a possible search.sqlite file in the Firefox Profile Folder.
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_search_or_add_new_engines
You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:
- Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder
Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).
- Do not click the Reset button on the Safe mode start window or otherwise make changes.
None of these things worked. I had to re-install FF 14 to even be able to input this reply in this "Post a Reply" box. With FF 17, after trying all the fixes, the FF search window will not allow input to be entered and even this "Post a Reply" window, likewise, would not allow me to input anything. Clicking on these window results in the cursor appearing there, blinking, as would be expected, but then typing has no effect, like the keyboard has been disconnected and the cursor just sits there blinking. but, I switched back to FF 14 and all is operable. As you can see, I can now enter this reply. I appreciate the initial suggestions. Any other help would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I will have to stay with FF 14. Help!
Do a clean reinstall and delete the Firefox program folder before reinstalling a fresh copy of Firefox.
- C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Installation_directory
Download a fresh Firefox copy and save the file to the desktop.
- Firefox 17.0.x: http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all.html
Uninstall your current Firefox version, if possible, to cleanup the Windows registry and settings in security software.
- Do NOT remove personal data when you uninstall your current Firefox version, because all profile folders will be removed and you will also lose your personal data like bookmarks and passwords from profiles of other Firefox versions.
Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.
- It is important to delete the Firefox program folder to remove all the files and make sure that there are no problems with files that were leftover after uninstalling.
- http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_Firefox
Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by an uninstall and (re)install, but make sure that "remove personal data" is NOT selected when you uninstall Firefox.
If you keep having problems then also create a new profile.