Websites block use of backspace to go back a page
I regularly use the backspace key to go back a page. I have always had about:config for this function set to 0 which is supposed to allow this. But, it seems some websites prevent the backspace key from functioning (it does nothing). I am using the latest available version of Firefox for Vista.
How can this be fixed?
Solution choisie
On the BBB site, the cursor goes into the Find box in the blue bar near the top of the page. In a form field, the Backspace key deletes a character to the left and does NOT activate the "go back" function. You would need to click outside of a form field, for example, on a blank area of the page, for Firefox to interpret the Backspace key as "go back."
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Is this with many websites, some, a few?
Are you talking about following a link from one page to another, or paging thru a document?
Websites can intercept most keyboard shortcuts for their own purposes. Possibly other users found it annoying that Backspace went back if they pressed it by accident so the site disabled it?
In theory, it's possible to override how sites handle keyboard shortcuts, but it's not always easy to figure out how to do it.
Note that on Firefox 52 and Vista things might behave differently.
Can you post a link to a publicly accessible page (i.e. no authentication or signing on required)?
FredMcD said
Is this with many websites, some, a few? Are you talking about following a link from one page to another, or paging thru a document?
I go to a web page. When I am finished reading it, I normally use the backspace key to return to the previous page. This is blocked on some sites.
jscher2000 said
Websites can intercept most keyboard shortcuts for their own purposes. Possibly other users found it annoying that Backspace went back if they pressed it by accident so the site disabled it? In theory, it's possible to override how sites handle keyboard shortcuts, but it's not always easy to figure out how to do it.
Thank you for your reply and your insight. Can this be overridden or am I stuck with it?
cor-el said
Note that on Firefox 52 and Vista things might behave differently. Can you post a link to a publicly accessible page (i.e. no authentication or signing on required)?
https://www.bbb.org/us/co/centennial/profile/pet-sitting/pet-partners-pet-care-0885-90001394
Solution choisie
On the BBB site, the cursor goes into the Find box in the blue bar near the top of the page. In a form field, the Backspace key deletes a character to the left and does NOT activate the "go back" function. You would need to click outside of a form field, for example, on a blank area of the page, for Firefox to interpret the Backspace key as "go back."
I get around this by; When I find a link I want to check out, I open it in a new tab/window. Then when I am done, I close it and am back where I started.