Firefox ignores setting for new-tabs default page after update to V41

Question

I use the Super Start add-on with Firefox (it's a "speed dial" and organizer for URLs). I have it set as the home page and the default content for new tabs. Since Firefox was updated to version 41.0, this new-tab setting has been ignored. New tabs now display Firefox's own feature, with tiles for frequently used URLs.

I've found instructions online for specifying a URL as the new-tab default (in about:config). However, Super Start isn't a URL. It has its own setup, which includes an option to use it for new tabs:

This has worked for previous versions of Firefox. However, this setting is now ignored. (Super Start still works if you open it via its toolbar icon).

How can I manually configure Firefox 41 to use an add-on, like Super Start, as the default display for new tabs?

Answer 1

According to the Mozilla Support Forum:

Firefox 41 no longer uses the browser.newtab.url setting in about:config because it was constantly attacked by malware. Starting in Firefox 41, you need an add-on to change the new tab page.

There are several questions about this on Mozilla's forum and many solutions. I'll post several of the solutions here.

• If you already use the Classic Theme Restorer extension: There is an option in its extensive settings dialogs to select a different new tab page.

• If you want to use your home page on the new tab: Try https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/new-tab-homepage/ [This was my situation. I loaded this one and it worked.]

• If you want to set a different page or a completely blank page: Try https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/new-tab-override/ [More flexibility than the previous add-on. Haven't tested it myself.]

Please only use one of these methods at a time, otherwise there may be conflicts and dysfunctionality.

---

If you use the New Tab Override add-on (third bullet, above), you need to set it up.
(the following instructions apply only to that add-on):

After installing this extension, you need to use its Options page to set the desired new tab page (instead of using about:config).

Open the Add-ons page using either:

• Ctrl+Shift+a (Mac: Cmd+Shift+a)
• "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
• Or from the menu: Tools | Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then on the right side, find New Tab Override and click its Options button.

Depending on the height of your screen, you may need to scroll down to enter the desired address into the form.

For example:

• Page thumbnails (default) => about:newtab
• Blank tab => about:blank
• Built-in Firefox home page => about:home
• Any other page => full URL to the page

Then tab or click away from that form field and you can test using Ctrl+t.