firefox 3.6 starts in taskbar mode, not normal screen mode
Firefox opens only as an item on the Windows taskbar, instead of in "normal" screen mode. I then have to click on the taskbar item to get Firefox to open in normal screen mode.
By normal screen mode, I mean the mode where Firefox fills up part of the computer screen and Firefox can then be resized or moved around the screen as one desires. I am not talking about opening Firefox in what is variously called "full screen," F11, or maximized mode --- and I do not want Firefox opening in such a mode.
I have a wide screen monitor which I use to open and view several software programs at the same time, something which is very handy when you want to compare information from a program on one's computer with information from a Web site, and I need Firefox to open in normal screen mode to permit me to do this multiple program viewing.
I have tried the following plugins , but they either do not solve my problem, or only allow me to start Firefox in full screen mode: - AutoHide - Full Fullscreen - FullerScreen
I have tried searching the Firefox help database, and have done a more general internet search using Google, and have not found any information on this problem.
Is there a Firefox configuration setting I can make to direct Firefox to always open in normal screen mode?
All Replies (6)
Resolved.
I have not had this problem since I updated Firefox to version 3.6.15. At the same time, Microsoft has issued several updates to Windows 7 Professional in the past few weeks. I am not sure which set of updates resolved the problem.
Unresolved again... and now occuring in Firefox 4:
Since I wrote in March, 2011, saying this problem was resolved, it started to occur again occasionally in Firefox 3.6. I have since upgraded to Firefox 4.0.1 and the problem occurs most of the time in Firefox 4.
Did you check the Properties of the Firefox desktop shortcut via the right-click context menu to make sure that you do not open Firefox Minimized?
Modified by cor-el
Reply to Cor-el:
I do not use the Firefox desktop shortcut to open Firefox. Instead, I use a key on a Microsoft internet keyboard. The related keyboard software only asks for the name and location of the Firefox executable file on the hard drive. I suppose there could be "command line" type options which could be used in addition to the file name, but I do not use any such options.
Thank you for your suggestion. Though it does not solve the problem for me, it may assist others who are having this same problem.
Does Firefox open the same way if you create and use a desktop shortcut?
Reply to Cor-el's June 6th message: I created a desktop shortcut and tested it a few times, both various times during computer sessions and a few times just after I had powered up my desktop computer. The shortcut always opens Firefox in "normal screen mode." I also tested opening Firefox from the Start button menu item I have had for several years. The menu item also always opens Firefox in "normal screen mode."
It is only when I use the Web/Home button on the Microsoft internet keyboard that Firefox opens in "taskbar mode." Also, this problem has only been occuring for the past 6 or 7 months. Before that, I could always open Firefox 3 in "normal screen mode" using the Web/Home button.
Note to the other eight people who also indicated they have this problem: My version of the problem seems to be with Firefox's interaction with the software for the Microsoft internet keyboard. I would appreciate it if you could post a reply to this discussion informing everyone whether you have this Firefox startup problem when you use a dedicated keyboard key, or if you have the startup problem when you use just a desktop shortcut or a Start button menu item. Thank you.