Firefox Clipboard Problems

Firefox interacts with the operating system in which it is installed to utilize the clipboard functions--copy, cut and paste. As with any program that interacts with the clipboard, issues can arise that cause the clipboard to no longer function within Firefox. Fixing these issues is a simple matter of diagnosing the cause of the problem. With Firefox, clipboard issues usually arise because of a few different conflicts.

Troubleshooting

If you are having troubles with the clipboard in Firefox, it is important that you isolate what is causing the issue. Be sure to note all programs running when the problem started. Look closely at the exact scenario in which the clipboard is not working. Is it within an email program, in a text editor, in a simple comment box, in the Firefox chrome itself? Noting all of these details will aid in quickly resolving the problem.

Malware or Virus Infections

The most common cause of clipboard problems in Firefox are viruses and malware infections. These viruses and malware target the Windows registry to enable exploitation and abuse of the clipboard contents by third parties. Usually, these viruses or malware will create a registry item called AppInit_DLLs which will interfere with proper clipboard function in Firefox and other browsers. These problems can be resolved with frequent spyware and virus scans and by installing real-time virus and spyware protection software.

Multiple Windows

In Windows, the clipboard functionality is shared by virtually all applications. When running multiple windows, particularly programs that utilize the clipboard at a high rate such as word processing or spreadsheet software, it can often happen that the clipboard contents are lost when switching the window focus. As of November 2009, this bug exists at the operating system level and within Firefox. This problem is resolved by simply launching a new window of Firefox.

Rich Text Editors

Some rich text editors used on websites include toolbar items to copy, cut and paste. Firefox disables this functionality within the rich text editor as a security precaution. In opening the clipboard up to usage by websites, the possibility exists that other websites could exploit the information within the toolbar without explicit permission. Firefox does continue to allow the usage of keyboard shortcuts to copy, cut and paste thus providing a sufficient workaround to this issue.

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