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Why does Firefox stop adding tabs and, instead, opens up a new Firefox page/application?

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Everything works fine for a couple of days. Then my up and down arrows stop working correctly. When I use one, it highlights the page I am reading. Then, when I go back a page or click on a new favorite, it opens a new Firefox application. I cannot add any new tabs to the original opened Firefox application. When I restart my computer, this sequence repeats itself. I am running Windows XP and Firefox 14.0.1. This problem started with the last update.

Everything works fine for a couple of days. Then my up and down arrows stop working correctly. When I use one, it highlights the page I am reading. Then, when I go back a page or click on a new favorite, it opens a new Firefox application. I cannot add any new tabs to the original opened Firefox application. When I restart my computer, this sequence repeats itself. I am running Windows XP and Firefox 14.0.1. This problem started with the last update.

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The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.


Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).

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Tylerdowner, I did as you suggested and reset Firefox. I had to make a few changes to get back what I was used to. I also had to reload Adblock. After the reset, my computer was much improved. It ran a lot faster and smoother. However, after about two days, my original problem came back. Every time I opened a new page, a new FireFox window opened. Restarting my computer fixed the problem. So, thanks, Tylerdown, for fixing other problems. I much happier as a result. Any new ideas on the original problem?