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Firefox freezes for 5 seconds every 5 seconds

  • 5 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by FredMcD

FireFoxFan1
FireFoxFan1
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I was recently updated to the most recent version of Firefox, and have noticed that unlike other versions if I've been on for a long time and/or have quite a few windows open that there comes a time when the browser begins to hang every five seconds or so for five or more seconds a time per hang. Once this happens, it's basically a good as it crashing because you can work on that. I did a reset of Firefox, I've ran all kinds of anti-malware and anti-virus software to see if that helped, and none of this has helped. All of my extensions and add-ons seem up to do. I've tried messing around with my options (toggling on and off hardware acceleration for instance).

Is this a problem specific to this new version? It seems to be using a lot more memory. I've noticed this particular when multiple Twitter windows are open in the browser. Sometimes I'll scroll down and the graphics blink out or begin to overlap or the pictures don't load. All around, it's just become a mess. I wish I could be more specific, but perhaps people are having the same general problems.

I was recently updated to the most recent version of Firefox, and have noticed that unlike other versions if I've been on for a long time and/or have quite a few windows open that there comes a time when the browser begins to hang every five seconds or so for five or more seconds a time per hang. Once this happens, it's basically a good as it crashing because you can work on that. I did a reset of Firefox, I've ran all kinds of anti-malware and anti-virus software to see if that helped, and none of this has helped. All of my extensions and add-ons seem up to do. I've tried messing around with my options (toggling on and off hardware acceleration for instance). Is this a problem specific to this new version? It seems to be using a lot more memory. I've noticed this particular when multiple Twitter windows are open in the browser. Sometimes I'll scroll down and the graphics blink out or begin to overlap or the pictures don't load. All around, it's just become a mess. I wish I could be more specific, but perhaps people are having the same general problems.

All Replies (5)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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We have had browsers that do so once in a while. This is the first I have heard of repeated hangs as you describe.

Please describe what you are doing at the time. What type of web pages do you have open? Any running clips? Does this happen just with many pages / tabs open? What else can you add?

This may help; Flash block {web link} Never be annoyed by a Flash animation again! Blocks Flash so it won't get in your way, but if you want to see it, just click on it

FireFoxFan1
FireFoxFan1 Question owner
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Kind of surprised by the response, as I think I'd offered quite a bit of information. There really seems to be no rhyme or reason, only that the browser has been open for hours. I've noticed it when I've had multiple twitter pages open, but that's also the last thing I do during most of my sessions. I added all of the troubleshooting information as well as how I use the browser. I'm honestly not sure what more I could add.

FredMcD
FredMcD
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A "hang" is mostly caused because the computers CPU is overworked. There can be many causes including a separate program or a bad add-on. Without a clear reason, we have to try doing one thing at a time. Because you say this happens after running for a while, normal things, like starting Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} may not be helpful.

Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac:<Command>)<Shift> A)

Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.

Look thru the add-ons list. Disable any that you can.

Type about:preferences#advanced<Enter> in the address bar.

Under Advanced, Select General. Look for and turn off Use Hardware Acceleration.

Restart Firefox. Let us know how it goes.

FireFoxFan1
FireFoxFan1 Question owner
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You can see from the troubleshooting data attached to my original post which add-ons I have on. Anyway, I just went to an instagram page, and it hung for a few seconds before I was able to close out. This seems to be an issue that pops up with social media galleries (facebook, twitter, and instagram). I have more than enough memory on my computer. The only add-ons I regularly have turned on are Java, Flash, and Adobe Acrobat. I've turned off Flash quite a few times, that's not the issue, it seems.

As far as extensions, I'm using Classic Theme Restorer, QuickJava, and Status-4-Evar. However, all of this should show up in the troubleshooting data I posted above.

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Have you installed Flash Block? Any difference?

What anti-virus are you using? Have you disabled its add-on?

Are you using any social media add-ons / programs? Disable them.

Use this link to check that your plugins are up-to-date. If any are listed as unknown or research, do not worry about them.

check this:

  • see if there are updates for your graphics drive drivers

https://support.mozilla.org/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

  • disable protected mode in the Flash plugin (Flash 11.3+ on Windows Vista and later)

https://forums.adobe.com/message/4468493#TemporaryWorkaround

  • disable hardware acceleration in the Flash plugin

https://forums.adobe.com/thread/891337 See also: