Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Hyperlinks won't open on Google using Firefox, even with version 41.

denisee
denisee
more options

Hyperlinks on a Google search do not open when I click on them, they will only open with a right click in Firefox. This does not happen in Internet Explorer. Nor does it happen when I use DuckDuckGo, which I have as an add-on on my Firefox toolbar. Nor does it seem to be happening with other sites like Facebook, Ask, and Yahoo. I don't think it's an add-on issue as it doesn't happen universally on all web sites. So I am wondering if it is specifically a Google issue... has anyone had this problem and is there a fix?

Hyperlinks on a Google search do not open when I click on them, they will only open with a right click in Firefox. This does not happen in Internet Explorer. Nor does it happen when I use DuckDuckGo, which I have as an add-on on my Firefox toolbar. Nor does it seem to be happening with other sites like Facebook, Ask, and Yahoo. I don't think it's an add-on issue as it doesn't happen universally on all web sites. So I am wondering if it is specifically a Google issue... has anyone had this problem and is there a fix?

All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
more options

Hmm, it still might be an add-on issue. The reason is, when you "mouse down" on a result link in Google -- the first part of clicking -- a script changes the URL from a direct link to a tracking link that runs through an exit page on Google (the "url" script). If you mouse down and hold, or watch as you let the mouse button lift back up, you may see that the message in the lower left which usually display the URL has changed. If you have any anti-tracking add-ons, they may be trying to strip that and botching the job, or they might be blocking the modified link.

One way to rule out extensions as an issue is to test in Firefox's Safe Mode. That's a standard diagnostic tool to deactivate extensions and some advanced features of Firefox. More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
  • Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any difference?

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
more options

You know, I should have mentioned the following:

When you have a problem with one particular site that previously worked normally, a good "first thing to try" is clearing your Firefox cache and deleting your saved cookies for the site.

(1) Bypass Firefox's Cache

Use Ctrl+Shift+r to reload the page fresh from the server.

Alternately, you also can clear Firefox's cache completely using:

"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Advanced

On the Network mini-tab > Cached Web Content : "Clear Now"

If you have a large hard drive, this might take a few minutes.

(2) Remove the site's cookies (save any pending work first). While viewing a page on the site, try either:

  • right-click and choose View Page Info > Security > "View Cookies"
  • (menu bar) Tools > Page Info > Security > "View Cookies"
  • click the padlock or globe icon in the address bar > More Information > "View Cookies"

In the dialog that opens, you can remove the site's cookies individually.

Then try reloading the page. Does that help?