Right click either the Back / Forward buttons to get a list of sites visited.

If that doesn't work either, try running Firefox in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. If it functions properly in that configuration, then one of your add-ons is the culprit.

Please also visit the Plugins Check page and update where necessary. Outdated plugins are a security risk.

See http://www.adobe.com/support/security/advisories/apsa11-02.html

I have had this problem for over a year now and have gone back to version 3.16, which works perfectly. I want to use the latest firefox but the lack of functionality with the back, forward and reload is not worth the grief. Right click does not work either on the forward or back buttons. The reload button illuminates when I click it but nothing happens .

Toolbar misbehavior could be due to a problematic add-on (e.g., theme or extension), or a corrupted settings file. Next time you upgrade -- and for security reasons, it is highly recommended -- try Firefox's Safe Mode to see whether you can pin it on an add-on or custom setting. You also could clear your toolbar settings.

More info on Safe Mode:

First, I recommend backing up your Firefox settings in case something goes wrong. See Backing up your information. (You can copy your entire Firefox profile folder somewhere outside of the Mozilla folder.)

Next, restart Firefox in Safe Mode using

Help > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

In the Safe Mode dialog, do not check any boxes, just click "Continue in Safe Mode."

Does the toolbar work correctly?

More info on clearing toolbar settings: Changes to toolbars and window sizes are not saved

A possible cause is a problem with the file places.sqlite that stores the bookmarks and the history.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Bookmarks_history_and_toolbar_buttons_not_working_-_Firefox
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file

You can also try to repair the places database with this extension:

• https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/places-maintenance/

You can also try to reset your Firefox profile via the Help > Troubleshooting Information page.

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Using+the+Troubleshooting+Information+page
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/reset-firefox-easily-fix-most-problems

I removed all add ons and started in safe mode. no change. thank you for your input though.

cor-el. the direction you sent me quotes exactly the problem I am having. I tried to go further into the file system but I am only a surface dweller when it comes to fixing software problems. Are you able to guide me into the workings of the files so that I can modify the faulty settings?

Did you try to use the above mentioned extension as running it once may fix your problem?

• https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/places-maintenance/

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

• Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Bookmarks+not+saved#w_fix-the-bookmarks-file

I appreciate your efforts and I think you have identified where my problem is. I have downloaded the app and run it but I still have the same problem.