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Most every time I close a tab, a new, 'invisible' tab is created, only viewable and closeable through the Tab Group menu. How can this be fixed?

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My problem is stated in the opening statement.

Also, every time I re-enter Firefox, a new invisible tab is opened, again, only viewable and closeable through the Tab Group menu.

Only one tab is created during each instance, as far as I can tell.

An invisible tab is not created upon opening Firefox for the first time after computer boot-up.

I've tried re-installing Firefox, and that didn't work. I've also looked at another user's question in the Mozilla Firefox Support Forum, and have tried the solution for myself, but it did not work.

My current add-ons are Greasemonkey 3.1 (for a Twitch.tv Emote Menu), Adblock Plus 2.6.8, Magic Actions for YouTube 6.8.5.1, Reddit Enhancement Suite 4.5.4, and Youtube ratings preview 2.02. I doubt any of these would be causing a problem, but I'm certainly not sure.

A solution would be greatly appreciated.

My problem is stated in the opening statement. Also, every time I re-enter Firefox, a new invisible tab is opened, again, only viewable and closeable through the Tab Group menu. Only one tab is created during each instance, as far as I can tell. An invisible tab is not created upon opening Firefox for the first time after computer boot-up. I've tried re-installing Firefox, and that didn't work. I've also looked at another user's question in the Mozilla Firefox Support Forum, and have tried the solution for myself, but it did not work. My current add-ons are Greasemonkey 3.1 (for a Twitch.tv Emote Menu), Adblock Plus 2.6.8, Magic Actions for YouTube 6.8.5.1, Reddit Enhancement Suite 4.5.4, and Youtube ratings preview 2.02. I doubt any of these would be causing a problem, but I'm certainly not sure. A solution would be greatly appreciated.

All Replies (4)

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What do you mean by invisible tab?

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Previously something like this was associated with the "Download Youtube Videos as mp4" extension, and perhaps something about posting on Live Journal: When I exit Firefox, it claims to have one more tab open than is shown. How do I see the hidden tabs?

Do you notice any pattern with your hidden tab?

Does the tab appear if you close the hidden tab and start Firefox in its Safe Mode? That's a standard diagnostic tool to deactivate extensions and some advanced features of Firefox. More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.

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

Not all add-ons are disabled: Flash and other plugins still run

After Firefox shuts down, a small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Reset).

Any difference?

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Note that Firefox will open one normal tab with the startup page if you only had pinned tabs open when you closed Firefox the previous time.


You can also check for malware.

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The hidden tabs don't seem to be created in safe mode. I guess I need to do a trial-and-error test on my add-ons and see which one(s) are causing it.