See these articles for some suggestions:

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Firefox+has+just+updated+tab+shows+each+time+you+start+Firefox
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/How+to+set+the+home+page - Firefox supports multiple home pages separated by '|' symbols
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Preferences_not_saved

None of these "solutions" fixed this.

Did you try to delete the files prefs.js and possible prefs-##.js with a number and user.js in the Firefox Profile Folder or move the files to another location to get Firefox to create new files?

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

• Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox

No I haven't. This is new territory for me. I did find the prefs.js file in my profile. I will delete it and see what happens.

I deleted that file, then closed Firefox. When I opened it back up, I still have the same issue. Any suggestions?

You need to remove the file while Firefox is closed.
Otherwise it doesn't have any effect.

Cool. Will try.

Gave it a try. Didn't work. Do I need to adjust any settings before closing firefox and deleting it?

What do you mean with: the program searches for the latest version?

Do you see a pop-up window that you need to close?

Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems.

See "Basic Troubleshooting: Make a new profile":

• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Basic+Troubleshooting#w_8-make-a-new-profile

There may be extensions and plugins installed by default in a new profile, so check that in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions & Plugins" in case there are still problems.

If that new profile works then you can transfer some files from the old profile to that new profile, but be careful not to copy corrupted files.

See:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox

I apologize, my statement: "the program searches for the latest version" is incorrect. It is actually a pop-up window called: "Checking for add on compatibility", which is open for only a second, then I get the 2 tabs.

Did you try a new profile?

Which security software (firewall, anti-virus) do you have?

I fixed it by creating a new profile. Thank you very much for your help. This was even more grueling to deal with right now because I am sick. You wouldn't happen to know how I can get my 'adblock plus' icon back onto my toolbar would you? I had it there on my other profile, but can't figure out how to get it onto my new profile. I already have it as an add on for my new profile, I just don't have it on my toolbar. Thanks Tom