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Search function disabled on USPTO site Firefox version 37.0.2

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  • Last reply by Billatfarristech

All search functions are disabled - two on the site as I recall and one for the browser.

All search functions are disabled - two on the site as I recall and one for the browser.

All Replies (4)

Do you mean that Firefox's built-in Find in page feature is not working (Ctrl+f) or that some features of the website itself are not working? Could you post a more specific URL to the problem page?

Please note: if you are using TESS, do not post a link containing your session identifier as that might give others access to your results.

More generally, when you have a problem with one particular site, a good "first thing to try" is clearing your Firefox cache and deleting your saved cookies for the site.

(1) Bypass Firefox's Cache

Use Ctrl+Shift+r to reload the page fresh from the server.

Alternately, you also can clear Firefox's cache completely using:

"3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Options > Advanced

On the Network mini-tab > Cached Web Content : "Clear Now"

If you have a large hard drive, this might take a few minutes.

(2) Remove the site's cookies (save any pending work first). While viewing a page on the site, try either:

  • right-click and choose View Page Info > Security > "View Cookies"
  • (menu bar) Tools > Page Info > Security > "View Cookies"
  • click the padlock or globe icon in the address bar > More Information > "View Cookies"

In the dialog that opens, you can remove the site's cookies individually.

Then try reloading the page. Does that help?

Thank you for helping. Neither the web site’s search function or the ctrl F find function works. I accomplished your #1 and no change. I tried to accomplish #2 but when I reached the second bullet point there was no tool icon in my menu bar (as far as I could tell.) Two developments: on another part of the USPTO site their search function works and the problematic section is an “image section.” Again this part has its own unworking search function and ctrl F is available but not working. The site is generically www.uspto.gov Bill

Hi Bill, any of the 3 bulleted methods of removing cookies works, so if you did one, you're good.

But Ctrl+f works normally on other sites, just not uspto.gov??

Could you test in Firefox's 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.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: 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

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement?

Ctrl F works on the two other sites I checked, but not in at least one part of the USPTO site.