How to get scrollwheel-clicking to open links in a new tab in Firefox?

December 13, 2007 5:30 PM

The scrollwheel-click has suddenly stopped working in Firefox. I don't recall making any changes in preferences, but all of a sudden, what used to open up links in new tabs, no longer does so. Instead wheel-clicking on a link does nothing. Any idea how to fix this problem? I feel like I'm browsing with one less finger! (Mac OSX.4.11, Firefox 2.0.0.11, Safari is unaffected by the problem.)

I searched google and AskMe, both of which suggested changing settings in about:config, but I was unable to successfully fiddle around with this to get it working.

posted by ruwan to computers & internet (6 comments total)

Did you install any gesture extensions or ones that mess with the scrolling? If they got corrupted or you uninstalled them improperly, they can often screw up something. I'd suggest reinstalling the extension and seeing if it gets scrolling working. Then, go to the website and look up the proper way to remove the extension. Or keep it if you decide you like the extension after all or don't mind more memory usage for features you don't use.
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:37 PM on December 13, 2007

PS: Don't forget to try updating all your extensions, too.
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:55 PM on December 13, 2007

I get this on windows some times and the only way to fix it is to restart firefox. If that doesn't work restart the comp. I have never had it survive that.
posted by DJWeezy at 7:05 PM on December 13, 2007

Are the mouse settings correct? Look into the specific software installed with your mouse and make sure middle clicking isn't set to do something weird. It should be set to autoscroll.
posted by almostmanda at 9:53 PM on December 13, 2007

Do you use Tab Mix Plus? It's what I use to control the middle-click, i.e, to get it to open a link in a new tab. Using Mac OSX.4.11, Firefox 2.0.0.11, like you.
posted by TheRaven at 5:32 AM on December 14, 2007

This happened to me when I used a family member's computer. Turned out they installed some freeware program that made the middle click open a special menu.

My point is that I think installed programs can take over this function and you may just want to do a system restore to a point in the past where you didnt have this problem. Or sort recently added programs by date and remove some suspects.

This is a Windows centric solution, and I know how it feels to lose that middle click. Good Luck!
posted by Blandanomics at 12:13 AM on December 15, 2007