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How do I use the location bar to automatically load the top google hit?

carp800
carp800
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I recently re-installed Firefox 3.6.12 and created a new profile because my old one was malfunctioning. Before, when I typed something in the location bar (say "nyt") it would automatically load the first Google hit (so I didn't have to type "nytimes.com"). Now, it simply performs a Google search without loading the first page hit. I loved being able to save time this way. How do I restore this feature?

I recently re-installed Firefox 3.6.12 and created a new profile because my old one was malfunctioning. Before, when I typed something in the location bar (say "nyt") it would automatically load the first Google hit (so I didn't have to type "nytimes.com"). Now, it simply performs a Google search without loading the first page hit. I loved being able to save time this way. How do I restore this feature?

All Replies (1)

burntbroccoli
burntbroccoli
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I had this problem in FF4 and found the answer here: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/questions/756711#answer-

To quote TonyE:

Current release versions of Firefox by default use the Google "browse by name" search option for the location bar, but Firefox 4 beta 6 no longer uses this. You can restore it by changing a hidden preference. In Firefox 4 beta 6 it should have defaulted to a Google search rather than what you got. 

   Type about:config into the location bar and press enter
   Accept the warning message that appears, you will be taken to a list of preferences
   In the filter box type keyword
   Double-click on the preference keyword.URL and change it to the one shown below

http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=navclient&gfns=1&q=

Modified by burntbroccoli