Start Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the extensions is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox (Tools) > Add-ons > Appearance/Themes).

• Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.
• https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Safe+Mode

If it does work in Safe-mode then disable all extensions and then try to find which is causing it by enabling one at a time until the problem reappears.

• Use "Disable all add-ons" on the Safe mode start window to disable all extensions.
• Close and restart Firefox after each change via "File > Exit" (Mac: "Firefox > Quit"; Linux: "File > Quit")

In Firefox 4 you can use one of these to start in Safe mode:

• Help > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
• Hold down the Shift key while double clicking the Firefox desktop shortcut (Windows)

• https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes

I have this problem too. When typing a search into the search bar for google, it goes to the webpage instantly. However, when searching from the address bar (which I do since it is selected when opening a new tab) it takes precisely 19 seconds to load on my computer. So long as it isn't something I have already searched for, in which case it loads instantly.

I suspect this is because the awesomebar is searching history and such. But this is dead annoying. Hitting enter needs to stop it and go to the search immediately. However, going to Options > Privacy and setting the drop down under Location Bar to 'Nothing' it doesn't speed up.

Safe Mode with add-ons disabled does not help.

hey guys...i installed the addon omnibar (firefox 12) and it works great...no wait time when i search from the address bar.