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With the latest version 38.0.1 I can no longer change options. Why?

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When I click on options, the options page shows, but I cannot change anything. I first noticed when I tried to change my home page by adding a tab and the change did not take effect. Today when I brought up the Options page I noticed that I could not change anything and could not go to any of the tabs on the Options page other than General. No amount of clicking on the page did anything. I am using Windows 8.1 and have successfully used Firefox for years.

When I click on options, the options page shows, but I cannot change anything. I first noticed when I tried to change my home page by adding a tab and the change did not take effect. Today when I brought up the Options page I noticed that I could not change anything and could not go to any of the tabs on the Options page other than General. No amount of clicking on the page did anything. I am using Windows 8.1 and have successfully used Firefox for years.

Asịsa ahọpụtara

Thanks for your help. Turning off add-ons did allow me to make changes in my options so I suspect one of my add-ons conflicts some way or another. Do you think that Tab Mix Plus might be the problem since its options can take over the built in Tab options. That is the first thing that comes to mind. I went ahead and change back to the pop-up method until everyone gets their act together. I'll keep your email if I need to readdress this issue.

Thanks again, bobbowser

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All Replies (4)

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Hmm, I don't know why your in-tab preference screens are not working.

If you're inclined toward a little more troubleshooting, could you try Firefox's Safe Mode to see whether the different panels open there? Details below.

If you prefer to switch back to the old dialog instead, there is a way to do that.

(1) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter/Return. Click the button promising to be careful.

(2) In the search box above the list, type or paste pref and pause while the list is filtered

(3) Double-click the browser.preferences.inContent preference to switch it from true to false

Note: I don't know whether that will be in Firefox forever or is a transitional feature. As you've probably noticed, the long-term trend is to remove things that pop up.


Testing in Firefox's Safe Mode

This is 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?

To return to regular browsing, exit Firefox and start it up again without holding down the Shift key.

Edeziri site na jscher2000 - Support Volunteer

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Asịsa Ahọpụtara

Thanks for your help. Turning off add-ons did allow me to make changes in my options so I suspect one of my add-ons conflicts some way or another. Do you think that Tab Mix Plus might be the problem since its options can take over the built in Tab options. That is the first thing that comes to mind. I went ahead and change back to the pop-up method until everyone gets their act together. I'll keep your email if I need to readdress this issue.

Thanks again, bobbowser

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Honestly, my eyes glazed over when I saw all your extensions... It would take quite a while to investigate, so perhaps running an extension update in a week and testing again would be the best plan for now.

To check for extension updates, you can use the "gear" button above the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Ctrl+Shift+a
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then the gear button should appear above the list, click that, then Check for Updates.

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You are right, I need to pare down the extensions. I have always been a "tester" and will try almost anything dealing with my PC. And no, I am smart enough to not have a computer full of viruses, etc. In fact this is probably the first time that I have felt the need to reach out since I usually am the one fixing a problem. My problem with my testing is that I don't go back and remove an extension, or even a new program, although I don't rely on it extensively. Tab Mix Plus is one extension that I have come to rely on, however; and think that it may well be the issue here. I will do an update check in a few days and revert to the new options method and see if it works. I may even disable Tab Mix Plus to do a test on that.

Again, thanks for your help bobbowser