cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Clearing Browser history in Firefox

shutter
Community Veteran
Posts: 22,206
Thanks: 3,769
Fixes: 65
Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Clearing Browser history in Firefox

I use CCleaner (latest version) every night when I shut down my computer ... However, despite all the settings showing that Browsing History should be cleared/deleted there are about 10 URL`s still showing , in the drop down box, when I open up the address bar and delete backwards from the www.google.co.uk to the www.
I have also used Free Internet Eraser, with no difference, they still show, even after shutting down, and re-booting.
Please, can anyone recommend a FREE browser cleaner that WILL work with FIREFOX?
16 REPLIES 16
dvorak
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29,473
Thanks: 6,623
Fixes: 1,482
Registered: ‎11-01-2008

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

You could always use FF3.5 with private browsing once, it does all that at the end of your session.
Customer / Moderator
If it helped click the thumb
If it fixed it click 'This fixed my problem'
shutter
Community Veteran
Posts: 22,206
Thanks: 3,769
Fixes: 65
Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

OK Adiewoo, am downloading it now.... will report when I have it installed !  Thanks
dvorak
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29,473
Thanks: 6,623
Fixes: 1,482
Registered: ‎11-01-2008

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

Use Ctrl+shift+p to switch it on when you open up FF
Customer / Moderator
If it helped click the thumb
If it fixed it click 'This fixed my problem'
shutter
Community Veteran
Posts: 22,206
Thanks: 3,769
Fixes: 65
Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

Have used Tools drop down menu to switch on private browsing
BUT/...
The previous browsing history is still available in the drop down box under http://www.
Despite previous to downloading the FF3.5 clicking on Tools> clear recent history
The URL`s are from yesterdays use of bookmarks......
Looks like I shall have to revert to I.E. Undecided
DarrenB1707
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: ‎08-07-2009

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

Its not your history that is showing up in the address bar (or location bar as Firefox calls it), its a feature that was introduced since Firefox 3.0.  Its called the Smart Location Bar.
If you want to disable/change its settings, here's what you do:
Follow the steps below to completely disable it :-
    * In the address field of Firefox 3.0, type about:config, then press Enter.
    * In the filter field, type browser.urlbar.
    * Click on the line with browser.urlbar.matchBehavior, change the value to 0 (zero).
    * Click on the line with browser.urlbar.maxRichResults, change the value to 0 (zero) also.
    * Now exit FireFox and open it again.
If you want it to behave like Firefox 2.0 then do the following :-
    * In the address field of Firefox 3.0, type about:config, then press Enter.
    * In the filter field, type browser.urlbar.
    * Double click on the line with browser.urlbar.matchOnlytyped, the value will automatically change to true.
    * Now exit FireFox and open it again.
Hope this helps you....wouldn't want you having to endure IE for something so simple!!  Grin
shutter
Community Veteran
Posts: 22,206
Thanks: 3,769
Fixes: 65
Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

Hi DarrenB.
Thanks very much for the "noddy`s guide"  ! ! !....  I have carried out "part one", and it seems to have worked !... Much appreciated.  Wink Smiley
Pity they can`t put something like an "auto" one click solution in the Help section .... e.g. " how do I clear my browser "....
Will keep I.E. on the back burner !  Cheesy
DarrenB1707
Newbie
Posts: 4
Registered: ‎08-07-2009

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

A lot of people have complained about this new 'feature' since it was introduced.  You're right though....the setting should be in the options somewhere rather than hidden in about:config section
Glad I was able to help though!  Grin
shutter
Community Veteran
Posts: 22,206
Thanks: 3,769
Fixes: 65
Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

Thanks Darren..... Perhaps you could write a script of something to bring it back into the help or options ? ? ? ?  Smiley
scootie
Grafter
Posts: 4,799
Thanks: 1
Registered: ‎03-11-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

has FF got the feature of ie8 that dosent wipe you fav's history
jelv
Seasoned Hero
Posts: 26,785
Thanks: 971
Fixes: 10
Registered: ‎10-04-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

Quote from: DarrenB1707
Its not your history that is showing up in the address bar (or location bar as Firefox calls it), its a feature that was introduced since Firefox 3.0.  Its called the Smart Location Bar.
If you want to disable/change its settings, here's what you do:
Follow the steps below to completely disable it :-
<snip>

Rather complicated - see attached!
jelv (a.k.a Spoon Whittler)
   Why I have left Plusnet (warning: long post!)   
Broadband: Andrews & Arnold Home::1 (FTTC 80/20)
Line rental: Pulse 8 Home Line Rental (£14.40/month)
Mobile: iD mobile (£4/month)
pierre_pierre
Grafter
Posts: 19,757
Thanks: 3
Registered: ‎30-07-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

@Shutter
If you stopped looking at dirty sites, you wouldnt have to clean them Grin
shutter
Community Veteran
Posts: 22,206
Thanks: 3,769
Fixes: 65
Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

Oi! Pierre.... stop casting nasturtiums !....  Shocked  Shocked
The problem was that whenever I wanted to type in a url, I kept getting the drop down box with "suggestions"....
I consider this to be tantamount to "junk mail" or "unwanted phone calls" from window merchants or "cheaper electric company" etc.  Angry
(usually I could type  the url quicker than trying to find it in the drop down box anyway) !  !
It annoyed me..... but thanks to the above instructions, I am no longer annoyed by them !  Smiley
shutter
Community Veteran
Posts: 22,206
Thanks: 3,769
Fixes: 65
Registered: ‎06-11-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

@ Jelv..... appears to be complicated..... but it worked.... and, yes, your solution to the problem does seem to be a lot simpler.....(but not really an "obvious" route, unless you know what it is ! !) Smiley
Oldjim
Resting Legend
Posts: 38,460
Thanks: 787
Fixes: 63
Registered: ‎15-06-2007

Re: Clearing Browser history in Firefox

As a point I use the Oldbar addon which makes it much less obtrusive