I've got this same issue too. After a quick troubleshoot it is indeed a Flash plugin issue. This problem is present on two separate computers in my house. It appears to happen when there is Flash content on a page that you open in a new window from a link, and it's the first time you've done it in your current browser session. Subsequent tries in the same session don't exhibit the behavior.

I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the Flash plugin but that does not fix it. Ever since this issue popped up a while back Firefox updates and Flash updates have not corrected it. It's a very annoying bug and I hope it's fixed soon.

Well, my sequence of tabs/windows are Craigslist, eBay in first window. Facebook in 2nd window. I guess there is a sort of workaround; I can work around it. It isn't critical but just annoying!

I've got this same problem - open a new window, then it's like "Back" is "clicked," instantly and automatically. It's starting to wear me out. My 'workaround' is to mouse to the taskbar and click the window that I just opened. The above suggested workaround of opening a couple new tabs isn't working for me. When the "Shockwave Flash" plugin is disabled the problem is gone.

I see 4 ways of dealing with this: 1) go back to FFv13, 2) disable Flash (But how long would you keep toggling this? It's really a hassle!), 3) keep mousing to the toolbar and refocussing the new window, 4) different browser.

And a plea that it's the fault of the Flash plugin may have some validity, but can I point out that the plugin works fine in v13? Will Firefox or Flash fix this in an update? Maybe, but it doesn't seem like enough people have been affected.

I think it's a little odd that so few people have this problem. Doesn't just about everybody have the Flash plugin? And a HUGE number of people are still using Firefox. Doesn't make sense that there hasn't been an uproar. I'm guessing there's another piece of the puzzle that's missing.

Ben - Vista64 on LenovoT500. FF16, but not sure how long I can do this...

I got this issue as well (W7, FF16). I suppose, most people work with tabs instead of windows, that might be the reason why only a couple of users have this problem. Unfortunately it's not clear who's responsible Flash or FF, so we likely have to wait quite a long time for a fix.

I still get the problem, but it doesn't seem to happen as much in FF16 as it did in 15.

I just updated to FireFox 16.0.2 and the problem persists. Win 7 32bit on two computers using Flash 11.4.402.287.

With one computer I use NoScript which basically disables javascript and Flash, and of course with this configuration there's no problem until I enable scripting.

Same here, still no fix, how do we go about getting Firefox to fix the problem, we all seem to agree that there is a problem, but nobody seems to be able to take ownership and fix it?

there is another thread on this same topic with no solution. (support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/938033#answer-379898). Also, another help website (http://forums.techguy.org/web-email/1075696-firefox-returning-previous-page.html) has a discussion but not fix.

Mozilla - how hard can it be to delete the buggy code and replace with the code that actually worked? Hello, Hello Mozilla - are you out there?

I've about had it with this problem. I've heard Flash might be the issue but I have tried with everything blocked using no-script and I still get sent back to the original window. Three versions and these clowns havent resolved this issue, makes you wonder what type of other issues we are not aware of, such as security. Seems to be a lot of incompetance. I guess its back to Explorer for me.

I had the same problem. I disabled RealDownloader Plugin and the RealJukebox NS plugin and lo and behold....the problem is gone. Why in the world they would cause firefox open in new window problem, is beyond me. Let me know if this works for you.

Well, I don't use realplayer so that isn't the problem for me.

I am having this issue too, still with FF17 now also.

What plugins do you have? I would disable anything to do with music or videos one at a time and each time check if you're still having the same problem. Firefox plugins and some extensions/add-ons cause so many problems. Can't figure out why FF doesn't check the most used add-ons before they come out with new browsers.

I use quicktime and flash. nothing really fancy. the only other thing that I used is related to video is download helper. I'm stumped on this.

Hi Slam5,

Real downloader helper is one I disabled. I can still download videos using RealPlayer. Real downloader helper was the one causing the problem. Try disabling download helper and see if that fixes it.

Let me know.

Yeah, download helper is the cupid. i guess it will be fixed eventually.

Any page with flash. no flash, no problem.

The problem definitely happens in "open in new tab" cases as well as "open in new window" cases.

The best solution I have found is to install an older version of Flash Player.

To use an older version of Flash: Uninstall Flash Player with their uninstaller. It is important to use their uninstaller. http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-windows.html#main_Download_the_Adobe_Flash_Player_uninstaller

Direct link: http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe

Re-install an older Flash Player version. I'm using version 11.1.102.63 which solves the problem. http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/archived-flash-player-versions.html

If you get a message to 'update plugins' on flash sites, you can hide that nag if desired: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/928032

Good luck!

well, that probably does work but I rather not as I'm not sure if that will cause other compatibility/security problem. At least, I'm chicken that way.