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auto spellcheck not working after a reset

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  • Last reply by cor-el

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I had to reset firefox and since then my automatic spell check has stopped working. I have been into options and the 'check spelling while typing' is checked. I have rebooted, it is still not working. How do I get it working?

I had to reset firefox and since then my automatic spell check has stopped working. I have been into options and the 'check spelling while typing' is checked. I have rebooted, it is still not working. How do I get it working?

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Hi purplequeennl, Did the attribute change?

In about:config check these settings:

layout.spellcheckDefault

It should be 1.


The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information.
Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions and some Preferences.

  • Open websites will not be saved in Firefox versions lower than 25.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.

Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

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Note that you lose installed extensions when you reset Firefox and that include dictionaries.

Do you still have a dictionary installed and selected?

You can see which dictionary is selected if you right-click in a text area and open the Languages submenu. At least one dictionary should be installed and have a check mark to indicate that it is selected.

  • Open the "Add Dictionaries" link to install a dictionary if you do not have one.
  • Make sure that [X] "Check Spelling" in the right-click context menu is check-marked.

You can enable or disable spell checking globally:

  • Tools > Options > Advanced : General: Browsing: "Check my spelling as I type"

You can look here for dictionaries: