Unable to use "Tools" in Google Search
With the latest update, I am unable to use the "Tools" button on Google search (to do things like results from past week, month, etc.). I have disabled all extensions and restarted the browser to no avail. What's odd is, I am able to use the Tools in a Private Firefox page with or without extensions enabled. But on my normal browser, the button doesn't work regardless.
Perhaps it was timing and the issue just started occurring when the update happened but I'm unsure how to solve it.
Thanks.
All Replies (5)
Update: I have done the "refresh Firefox" and uninstalled all extensions. Still cannot use the Tools option in Google Search.
If you use extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) that can block content (Adblock Plus, NoScript, DuckDuckGo PE, Disconnect, Ghostery, Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin) always make sure such extensions do not block content.
- make sure your extensions and filters are updated to the latest version
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-extensions-themes-to-fix-problems
Firefox shows a purple shield instead of a gray shield at the left end of the location/address bar in case Enhanced Tracking Protection is blocking content.
- click the shield icon for more detail and possibly disable the protection
You can check the Web Console for relevant-looking messages about blocked content.
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/smartblock-enhanced-tracking-protection
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/trackers-and-scripts-firefox-blocks-enhanced-track
You can try these steps in case of issues with webpages:
You can reload webpage(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.
- hold down the Shift key and left-click the Reload button
- press "Ctrl + F5" or press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows,Linux)
- press "Command + Shift + R" (Mac)
Clear the Cache and remove the Cookies for websites that cause problems via the "3-bar" Firefox menu button (Settings).
"Remove the Cookies" for websites that cause problems:
- Settings -> Privacy & Security
Cookies and Site Data: "Manage Data"
"Clear the Cache":
- Settings -> Privacy & Security
Cookies and Site Data -> Clear Data -> [X] Cached Web Content -> Clear
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/clear-cookies-and-site-data-firefox
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-clear-firefox-cache
Start Firefox in Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration or if userChrome.css/userContent.css is causing the problem.
- switch to the Default System theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Themes
- do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Troubleshoot Mode start window
Unfortunately, still doesn't work. I even tried fully uninstalling Firefox, deleting local files of Firefox, reinstalling without logging into the FF account. It works for a few instances then goes back to not working. Strangely enough, it only works on Private mode even though on normal, I have no extensions installed, protection on the lowest Firefox setting, not blocking cookies, etc. (Should add it also does not work in troubleshooting mode. At this time, it only works in private windows despite being a fresh install).
I'm at a loss right now and am not sure if it's a Firefox or Google issue.
Modified by jedijumphigh
Does it work if you add the &tbs=qdr: parameter (h|d|w|m|y; can be followed by a number like &tbs=qdr:d3 or tbs=qdr:m2) ?
Firefox shows a purple shield instead of a gray shield at the left end of the location/address bar in case Enhanced Tracking Protection is blocking content.
- click the shield icon for more detail and possibly disable the protection
You can check the Web Console for relevant-looking messages about blocked content.
Apologies for the delay, went on travel.
I've tried disabling protection completely no to no avail (still works inprivate mode oddly enough. To reiterate, no extensions are being used).
When I add the parameter, I am able to sort by date, however, the Tools button itself still doesn't function on the Google search bar. The dropdown for time shows up so I can edit from there but only the Tools button doesn't work. It's as if something is being blocked preventing me from solely hitting that button.
I'll see if I can look through the web console. For the time being, I've been using duckduckgo or Google inprivate mode as that's the only way I can sort by time quickly.