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Dragging an existing tab to the desktop (or below tab bar) does not open that URL in a new window, only a new window with an empty tab. FF4 RC2 (did it with RC1 as well).

  • 3 replies
  • 5 have this problem
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  • Last reply by Helper7677

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When I drag an existing open tab from the FF4 tab bar onto my desktop, a new window opens as expected but the tab within that window does not load the URL of the tab dragged from the previous window. The tab menu item "Move to New Window" does the same thing as well.

I have disabled Tab Mix Plus add-on but it has made no difference. Is there a setting somewhere that I am missing?

When I drag an existing open tab from the FF4 tab bar onto my desktop, a new window opens as expected but the tab within that window does not load the URL of the tab dragged from the previous window. The tab menu item "Move to New Window" does the same thing as well. I have disabled Tab Mix Plus add-on but it has made no difference. Is there a setting somewhere that I am missing?

Modified by REB154

Chosen solution

I use Tab Mix Plus and do not have that problem.


You may need to try Firefox Safe Mode to see if an add-on is causing the problem; see: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Safe_Mode

  • In Firefox 4, to enter Safe Mode, hold the Shift key while clicking on the Firefox 4 desktop icon.
  • Firefox Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that disables Extensions and some other features of Firefox. If you are using a theme, switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes before starting Safe Mode. When entering Safe Mode, do not check any items on the entry window, just click "Continue in Safe Mode". Test to see if the problem you are experiencing is corrected.
  • If the problem does not occur in Safe-mode then disable all of your Extensions and Plug-ins and then try to find which is causing it by enabling one at a time until the problem reappears. You MUST close and restart Firefox after EACH change via File > Restart Firefox (on Mac: Firefox > Quit). You can use "Disable all add-ons" on the Safe mode start window.
  • See the following for more information
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All Replies (3)

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Chosen Solution

I use Tab Mix Plus and do not have that problem.


You may need to try Firefox Safe Mode to see if an add-on is causing the problem; see: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Safe_Mode

  • In Firefox 4, to enter Safe Mode, hold the Shift key while clicking on the Firefox 4 desktop icon.
  • Firefox Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that disables Extensions and some other features of Firefox. If you are using a theme, switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes before starting Safe Mode. When entering Safe Mode, do not check any items on the entry window, just click "Continue in Safe Mode". Test to see if the problem you are experiencing is corrected.
  • If the problem does not occur in Safe-mode then disable all of your Extensions and Plug-ins and then try to find which is causing it by enabling one at a time until the problem reappears. You MUST close and restart Firefox after EACH change via File > Restart Firefox (on Mac: Firefox > Quit). You can use "Disable all add-ons" on the Safe mode start window.
  • See the following for more information

Modified by Helper7677

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Many thanks Helper7677 - it was indeed 2 add-ons that were independantly causing the problem - FlashGot and the Google Toolbar (surprisingly). I've uninstalled both and the drag-a-tab function now works just fine.

Thanks again.

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You are welcome.