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cannot choose preferences

  • 7 replies
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by FredMcD

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The latest upgrade of Firefox has killed my ability to choose preference. It is both a tab and a new window each time I go to a different page. I would like to have a new tab, but not a new window, and much less both, although the tab stays open but empty and the content appears only in the new window.

It is awfully annoying that they do "improvements" to make Firefox much worse.

The latest upgrade of Firefox has killed my ability to choose preference. It is both a tab and a new window each time I go to a different page. I would like to have a new tab, but not a new window, and much less both, although the tab stays open but empty and the content appears only in the new window. It is awfully annoying that they do "improvements" to make Firefox much worse.

Chosen solution

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options)
key, and then starting Firefox. A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh).

Is the problem still there?


Let’s do a full clean re-install; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link} Save the file. Then Close Firefox.

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) Mac: Open the "Applications" folder.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac Linux: Check your user manual.

Do Not remove the profiles folder.

Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done.


If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

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All Replies (7)

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What are in these new tab/window? Ads?

Adblock Plus {web link} Blocks annoying video ads on YouTube, Facebook ads, banners and much more. Adblock Plus blocks all annoying ads, and supports websites by not blocking unobtrusive ads by default (configurable).

Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon {web link} Adblock Plus Pop-up Addon extends the blocking functionality of Adblock Plus to those annoying pop-up windows that open on mouse clicks and other user actions.

Forum; Adblock Plus Homepage {web link}

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No, there aren't any ads. It is an empty page of yahoo.

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Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac=<Command>)<Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Remove yahoo Anything. Now do the same in the computers Programs Folder.

Windows: Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs. Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.

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Unfortunately I can't open add-ons anymore that I can open preferences. I try, but it does not open at all, whether I use the firefox command or the keys shortcut. Therefore I can't select anything!

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Chosen Solution

Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options)
key, and then starting Firefox. A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh).

Is the problem still there?


Let’s do a full clean re-install; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link} Save the file. Then Close Firefox.

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) Mac: Open the "Applications" folder.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac Linux: Check your user manual.

Do Not remove the profiles folder.

Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done.


If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

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Many, many thanks. I started Firefox in safe mode, and I was able to change my preferences back to MY preferences. I now see the options about add-ons, and the tabs and windows work as I like them. Again, many thanks.

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Have you removed/disabled what you think caused the problem?