Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

When I try to open a new window by clicking on the 'open new tab', it will not work.

  • 1 reply
  • 29 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Helper7677

more options

I have to go back to my desktop and click on Firefox icon to get a new window. I've uninstalled Firefox and reinstalled. It worked for a brief time and then stopped. I have 3.6.1 version of Firefox. I do NOT want 4.0 until the Norton issue is corrected.

I have to go back to my desktop and click on Firefox icon to get a new window. I've uninstalled Firefox and reinstalled. It worked for a brief time and then stopped. I have 3.6.1 version of Firefox. I do NOT want 4.0 until the Norton issue is corrected.

All Replies (1)

more options

Un-install the Ask Toolbar. Ask need to fix the problem with their toolbar that is causing new tabs to not open in Firefox.




You have an item installed that is considered malware/spyware/adware. To see the Plugins reported with your question, click "More system details..." to the right of your original question or, on the Firefox menu, click Tools > Add-ons > Plugins.

  • My Web Search Plugin Stub for 32-bit Windows

This type of pest is usually installed along with software you download from the internet; generally free programs, but not always. Carefully watch for "extra" items that will be installed and un-check or opt-out of them.

  1. You can check to see if you have any of these from Web Products" installed:
  2. Also see: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Uninstalling_toolbars
  3. You MAY need to change a preference if when typing one or two words in the URL/Location/Address Bar sends you to some search page other than the one you expect. To reset your default URL/location bar search provider:
    • Enter about:config in the address/URL bar and press the Enter key
    • If you see a warning, accept it (Promise that you will be careful)
    • Filter = keyword.URL
    • Below the Filter, if keyword.URL is bold, right-click on keyword.URL and choose "Reset"
    • Restart Firefox (File > Restart Firefox)
    • See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Keyword.url
  4. You MAY need to reset your homepage if some search page that you do not want or expect opens when you start Firefox. Firefox can open multiple home pages. Home pages are separated by the "|" symbol.




You need to update the following. The Plugin version(s) shown below was/were submitted with your question and is/are out of date. You should update to avoid known security issues with the version(s) you have installed. Click on "More system info..." to the right of your question to see what was included with your question.

  • Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape
  • Shockwave Flash 10.2 r159
  1. Check your plugin versions on either of the following links':
  2. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.
  3. 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
    • Download Manual installers.