Iceweasel/Firefox 3: how to work-around random/erratic right-click action
19th July 2008
Update: as of FireFox/IceWeasel 3.0.14, this bug appears to be fixed.
When right-clicking many links in FF3/IW3, it quite often happens so that a random action is performed instead of opening the context menu (bug report).
One of the solutions work-arounds (suggested by Andre Pirard) is to slow-right-click, that is to hold the right mouse button down until the menu actually appears, then – and only then – release it. Or, you can even slow-right-click, move the pointer over the desired menu item, and then release – that will perform the desired action in a single long right click (instead of more common single right click with a following single left click.)
Alternative workaround (found at the bug report page): install the mouse gestures add-on, and restart firefox. Tested: works for me.
This bug/behaviour is otherwise unsolved.
August 2nd, 2008 at 0:22
This should not be titled as a fix but a work around, as it does not FIX the problem
August 2nd, 2008 at 20:06
Shane, you are right, I modified the post title.
August 24th, 2008 at 13:00
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March 31st, 2009 at 9:33
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April 1st, 2009 at 8:01
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May 9th, 2009 at 13:42
Yes I figured out this work-around too. But, then I go to work and use Firefox on Windows, and find myself holding down the button for a menu that will never appear until I release the button.
May 9th, 2009 at 17:34
exactly the same for me, but for Opera in Linux.
this right-click bug might be even worse than the need to press “OK” in N proxy login/password boxes, when starting firefox with N tabs saved from previous time – that one is a real bugger, I even keep firefox open overnight at work to avoid starting it up
I’ve checked the bug report – it has another workaround (which I added to the post).
May 9th, 2009 at 22:38
An alternative work-around (installation of “mouse gestures” add-on) works like a charm for me! Now I have to get used to normal-right-clicking, I’m still holding the button for too long – but now nothing appears