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Firefox stops connecting to the internet shortly after using the "delete parent.lock" fix.

  • 8 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 3 views
  • Last reply by coupd

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I recently upgraded to 36 and am running Windows8.0.

I opened up Firefox after the update and it worked fine until it suddenly stopped connecting to the internet. It doesn't say that it can't connect to the website, it just sits there with the loading charm circling endlessly.

I can restart my computer and use the "Delete Parent.lock" fix, but it doesn't last for more than about 5 minutes. I also can't untick the box for "Read Only" on the folders for profiles. Rather, I can, but it reverts after hitting "OK" and closing the Properties.

Refreshing Firefox after rebooting my computer worked for about the same length of time, so that fix will not work.

I recently upgraded to 36 and am running Windows8.0. I opened up Firefox after the update and it worked fine until it suddenly stopped connecting to the internet. It doesn't say that it can't connect to the website, it just sits there with the loading charm circling endlessly. I can restart my computer and use the "Delete Parent.lock" fix, but it doesn't last for more than about 5 minutes. I also can't untick the box for "Read Only" on the folders for profiles. Rather, I can, but it reverts after hitting "OK" and closing the Properties. Refreshing Firefox after rebooting my computer worked for about the same length of time, so that fix will not work.

All Replies (8)

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Further information I forgot to put in:

When I close Firefox after starting it once, it doesn't close all the way and says "Firefox is already running, but is not responding. The old Firefox process must be closed to open a new window."

All fixes for this do not work beyond the above-mentioned "Delete parent.lock" file.

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

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

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Do you have the Firefox icon on your quick launch? Right click on it, and select Open New Window. Sometimes this works. If it opens, close it by Menu > File > Exit.


This is not a cure but will make it easier if Firefox locks up in Windows. https://support.mozilla.org/questions/997866 {web link}


Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac Options)
key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?


Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites.

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

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cor-el said

Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problem. See "Creating a profile": If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

This fix seems to be working. I will see if it continues to work for the next day or so, but I think it is fixed.

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supermikan said

This fix seems to be working. I will see if it continues to work for the next day or so, but I think it is fixed.

It was working, but now the problem is back.

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Please describe what happens. Anything more than what was posted?

I've called the big guys to help you. Good luck.

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Some common causes for the parentlock file is that Firefox does not close properly or there is a locked preference See Also: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_in_use#Restoring_data_from_a...

Since it eventually comes back after using a new profile make sure ALL of your extensions are up to date: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/

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Happening to me at the moment too, with exactly the same symptoms., Driving me mad and I'm pretty fed up of restarting the computer to get it to work. If I hear anything helpful or find anything that works I'll be sure to get back to you.