Hello docdick1969, check it in [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-using-safe-mode Safe Mode], select "Start in Safe Mode" and see if this happen again, if not see: [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-extensions-themes-to-fix-problems Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems] also try to update to latest firefox 16.0.1, 15.0.1 it is unsupported thank you Please mark "Solved" the answer that really solve the problem, to help others with a similar problem.

Try to delete search.json file and a possible search.sqlite file in the Firefox Profile Folder. *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder: *Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Show Folder *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unable_to_search_or_add_new_engines