Reset Firefox -fix most problems

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If you're having problems with Firefox, resetting it can help. The reset feature fixes many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information like bookmarks and open tabs.

Reset Firefox to its default state

  1. At the top of the Firefox window, click the Help menu and select Troubleshooting Information.At the top of the Firefox window, click the Firefox button, go over to the Help sub-menu and select Troubleshooting Information.On the menu bar, click the Help menu and select Troubleshooting Information.
    Reset Firefox 1 - WinXPTroubleshooting info - winTroubleshooting info - mac
    If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting information page.
  2. Click the Reset Firefox button in the upper-right corner of the Troubleshooting Information page.
    Reset Firefox 2 - WinXPReset Firefox - Win - 1Reset Firefox - Mac - 1
  3. To continue, click Reset Firefox in the confirmation window that opens.To continue, click Reset Firefox in the confirmation sheet that slides down.
  4. Firefox will close and be reset. When it's done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish and Firefox will open.Firefox will close and be reset. When it's done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Done and Firefox will open.
  1. Click the menu button New Fx Menu and then click help Help-29.
  2. From the Help menu choose Troubleshooting Information.
    If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting information page.
  3. Click the Reset Firefox… button in the upper-right corner of the Troubleshooting Information page.
  4. To continue, click Reset Firefox in the confirmation window that opens.
  5. Firefox will close and be reset. When it's done, a window will list the information that was imported. Click Finish and Firefox will open.

What does the reset feature do?

All of your Firefox settings and personal information are stored in a profile folder. The reset feature works by creating a new profile folder for you while saving your important data.

Firefox will save these things:

  • Bookmarks
  • Browsing history
  • Passwords
  • Cookies
  • Web form auto-fill information
  • Bookmarks
  • Browsing history
  • Passwords
  • Cookies
  • Web form auto-fill information
  • Personal dictionary
  • Bookmarks
  • Browsing history
  • Passwords
  • Open windows, tabs and tab groups
  • Cookies
  • Web form auto-fill information
  • Personal dictionary

These items and settings will be removed:

Note: Your old Firefox profile will be placed on your desktop in a folder named "Old Firefox Data." If the reset didn't fix your problem you can restore some of the information not saved by copying files to the new profile that was created. If you don't need this folder any longer, you should delete it as it contains sensitive information.

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