Certain security software like AVG Linkscanner blocks the Enter key to complete a web address. Test by running Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. If it functions properly in that configuration, then one of your extensions is the culprit.

You might also need the latest version of Flash to be installed since older plugins can influence the way Firefox behaves. Download that from: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

There is a change in Firefox 4 in how Location bar search works.

• In Firefox 3.6.x, Location bar search uses Google "Browse by name" search. With the browse by name search, it performs a Google search and
  • if there is a clear match it will take you to the site
  • otherwise it shows the Google search result page
• Firefox 4's default is
  • to perform a Google search and present the Google search results page if you type something which is not recognized as a URL
  • you must type a complete URL, such as www.youtube.com , to go directly to the site
• To get the Firefox 3.6.x behavior in Firefox 4. you need to change a hidden preference.
  1. Type about:config into the location bar and press the Enter key
  2. If you see a warning, zccept it (promise to be careful)
  3. A list of preferences will open
  4. Filter = keyword.URL
  5. Double-click on that preference in the lower pane
  6. A small window will appear; copy the line below and paste into the box in that small window (or type it into the box in that window exactly as shown below):
     • http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=
• See:
  • http://kb.mozillazine.org/About:config
  • http://kb.mozillazine.org/Keyword.URL
  • http://kb.mozillazine.org/Location_Bar_search

You need to update the following:

• Shockwave Flash 10.2 r152

1. Check your plugin versions on either of the following links':
   • http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
   • https://www-trunk.stage.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
   • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
   • There are plugin specific testing links available from this page:
     • http://kb.mozillazine.org/Testing_plugins
2. Update the Flash plugin to the latest version.
   • Download and SAVE to your Desktop so you can find the installer later
   • If you do not have the current version, click on the "Player Download Center" link on the "Download and information" or "Download Manual installers" below
   • After download is complete, exit Firefox
   • Click on the installer you just downloaded and install
     • Windows 7 and Vista: may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
   • Start Firefox and check your version again or test the installation by going back to the download link below
   • Download and information: http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
     • Use Firefox to go to the above site to update the Firefox plugin (will also install plugin for most other browsers; except IE)
     • Use IE to go to the above site to update the IE ActiveX
     • Compare your version to the version listed in the table for your OS/browser; if a new version is available, click "Player Download Center" just above the table.
   • Download Manual installers.
     • http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/191/tn_19166.html#main_ManualInstaller
     • Note separate links for:
       • Plugin for Firefox and most other browsers
       • ActiveX for IE

dear 7677--you nailed it--thanks a million. Here's another one for you that's not really a big deal but possibly more arcane & a brainteaser? Whenever Mozilla goes to my home page, either by opening it up or hitting the Home icon, it opens a second tab with the Mozilla home page, which I never need & always just close out. Seen it before?

Have you checked your home page settings? Options > General > "Home Page:"

It is possible to have multiple home pages separated by the keyboard character "|".

Not sure what you mean by "...by opening it up..." but that can happen when multiple home pages are set and "...hitting the Home icon...". If you "...by opening it up..." means starting Firefox, then that can indicate multiple home pages are set.

ah, so simple . . . it never occurred to me that there could be more than one home page since I'm not a wealthy individual with more than one home, I guess). Sure enough, that's the simple answer with a simple fix-- you scored a bullseye again. Thanks a lot again!--Mark

You are welcome, memark.