Strange Behavior
Several months ago I started having this problem. It happens on various versions and happens occasionally and only when Firefox is running.
It happens when one tab is open and when multiple tabs are open. When one tab open and I try to scroll down a page the zoom level changes. When I try to do "anything" with my desktop all that happens is the zoom level changes. Even the Start button or the Windows key is tried. When multiple tabs are open scrolling or clicking "anything" all my open tabs are focused one at a time every time I try to do anything. The only way to get out of this 'whatever you call it' is to click on the "open hidden icons" arrow in the system tray.. I doesn't happen all the time but at various times which I have found not common.
I stopped using Firefox for a couple of months but it started again when I resumed using Firefox. It happens on both my computers, one a Windows 7 Pro and one a Windows 10 Pro.
Why is this happening and how do I fix it?
All Replies (7)
What method are you using for scrolling down the page?
The mouse wheel has a zoom action if you hold down the Ctrl key. Sometimes Firefox (or maybe it's Windows) can become confused about the state of the Ctrl and Shift keys. I find that jabbing them vigorously a few times usually sorts it out. But I have no idea what causes it in the first place.
I notice you have a lot of extensions, so I certainly can't rule out the possibility that something is triggering one of their behaviors, but since it's intermittent, I realize it's impractical to go several days with all extensions disabled. Hopefully that won't be necessary.
I use the scroll wheel on my mouse also the down key on my keyboard. This behavior happens when keys are pressed also. It only happens when Firefox is running and not with any other browser running. The other programs I am running were running for a long time before this started.
Also happens on different versions of Windows and my laptop does not have many of the same programs installed.
Modified by jtpcamp
jtpcamp said
The other programs I am running were running for a long time before this started.
Assuming you mean extensions in Firefox, some do fail to keep up with changes to Firefox and cause strange behaviors in new versions.
Consider disabling these three:
- FastestFox - removed from Add-ons site by its author
- MAFIAAFire Redirector - Add-ons site says not to install due to incompatibilities
- Search Incognito 0.0.7 (@searchincognito) - unable to track this version to any site, you could replace it with the version on the Add-ons site: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/search-incognito-ds/
Disable or uninstall?
jtpcamp said
Disable or uninstall?
As you prefer. I was thinking you would do it through the Add-ons page. Either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a (Mac: Command+Shift+a)
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Extensions. Then find those extensions (and others you find unnecessary or don't recognize) and disable them. But Remove also is available if the extension was installed directly into your profile rather than in a shared folder.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Any improvement?
I got there through the Tools menu and removed those 3 and then 3 others but had the problem in the add-on page.
I will see if this helps as I use Firefox.
Thanks for the help!!
No, it did not work as it just happened again/