Sites often use javascript:void(0) in a link when the action of the link is handled by a script attached using an onclick handler. javascript:void(0) basically does nothing, which is what you are getting, but you actually should be getting the action of the click handler (e.g., open an overlay for a login, display the next image in a slide show, etc.).

Now... it's puzzling that it doesn't work in Safe Mode, since extensions would be my first point of attack. Specifically:

• Since you use the NoScript extension, I'm sure you are familiar with checking its often extensive drop-down list when parts of a site do not work to see whether you need to enable additional servers. These can include related servers and content distribution networks (CDNs) used to offload work from the site's main server. It sometimes takes a second or third visit to the menu where scripts on one server call scripts on another server, etc. This is the first thing I check when site features are broken: what am I blocking, what should I unblock.

• If the problem isn't a blocked script, I would try to create a site exception in Adblock Plus and Ghostery to see whether that makes any difference.

For issues that also occur while Firefox is running in Safe Mode with all extensions disabled, the routine advice would be a good place to start: clearing your Firefox cache and deleting your saved cookies for the affected sites. Sounds as though at least part of that is routine.

Regarding a clean reinstall, there are two aspects:

(1) Firefox's profile folder.

Your settings, data, and extensions are stored here. You never want to delete this without a backup. However, you can create a parallel settings folder to test whether it is trouble-free. If the problem persists, then you can assume either it is inherent in Firefox, or is caused by something else on your system, such as a filter/proxy or DNS, or you Firefox program files are damaged. To test, see this article: Profile Manager - Create, remove or switch Firefox profiles.

(2) Firefox's program folder.

Not sure about Linux, but on Windows, re-using the program folder can sometimes lead to mysterious problems with different version files are mixed. Renaming the program folder before doing the reinstall avoids that issue. Note: this should be a completely separate folder from where your Firefox data is stored. Perhaps another Linux user can guide you on the best way to try this.

I've made site exceptions, I've even disabled every extension. I've cleared the cache. I think I'm going to end up uninstalling firefox and do a clean install. I have FEBE installed and it's files are stored in a different folder so I can get all my extensions and themes back. Thank you for trying. I'll wait a bit and see if any Linux users respond.