Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Javascript can't be enabled

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 11 views
  • Last reply by 1firebird

1firebird
1firebird
more options

Hi all, have a long-standing problem which forces me to use other browsers for many important websites. Hope someone can help:

I have a Mac and up-to-date Firefox (45.0.1). Websites that need javascript never work in Firefox - I always get a "Problem Loading Page" message. The full message is:

"The address wasn't understood. Firefox doesn't know how to open this address, because one of the following protocols (javascript) isn't associated with any program or is not allowed in this context."

I have recently updated my OS from Snow Leopard to 10.11.4 but the problem persists. I do not have the problem with Chrome or Safari. 

I have checked about:config and javascript is enabled.

In about:config there are a lot of options for different javascript things to either enable or not allow - I'm attaching a screen shot if these.


Thanks in advance!

Hi all, have a long-standing problem which forces me to use other browsers for many important websites. Hope someone can help: I have a Mac and up-to-date Firefox (45.0.1). Websites that need javascript never work in Firefox - I always get a "Problem Loading Page" message. The full message is: "The address wasn't understood. Firefox doesn't know how to open this address, because one of the following protocols (javascript) isn't associated with any program or is not allowed in this context." I have recently updated my OS from Snow Leopard to 10.11.4 but the problem persists. I do not have the problem with Chrome or Safari. I have checked about:config and javascript is enabled. In about:config there are a lot of options for different javascript things to either enable or not allow - I'm attaching a screen shot if these. Thanks in advance!
Attached screenshots

Chosen solution

You can check the network.protocol-handler.external.javascript pref on the about:config page and possibly check other javascript prefs to see if any are user set (bold).

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (4)

user633449
user633449
more options

Hello,

The Refresh feature (called "Reset" in older Firefox versions) can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your bookmarks, history, passwords, cookies, and other essential information.

Note: When you use this feature, you will lose any extensions, toolbar customizations, and some preferences. See the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article for more information.

To Refresh Firefox:

  1. Open the Troubleshooting Information page using one of these methods:
    • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click help Help-29 and select Troubleshooting Information. A new tab containing your troubleshooting information should open.
    • If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting Information page.
  2. At the top right corner of the page, you should see a button that says "Refresh Firefox" ("Reset Firefox" in older Firefox versions). Click on it.
  3. Firefox will close. After the refresh process is completed, Firefox will show a window with the information that is imported.
  4. Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.

Did this fix the problem? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Chosen Solution

You can check the network.protocol-handler.external.javascript pref on the about:config page and possibly check other javascript prefs to see if any are user set (bold).

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

It sounds a little malware-ish.

Generally speaking, legitimate sites do not use the javascript protocol during loading, although you occasionally may see a link that uses the javascript protocol like this --

<a href="javascript:void(0)">

-- when it is wired to a script and the author wants to deaden the link. But links shouldn't be automatically clicked during loading.

The Refresh usually resolves any issues with unwanted extensions, but if the problem continues, please check your list on the Add-ons page. Either:

  • Command+Shift+a
  • "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then cast a critical eye over the list on the right for anything you do not remember installing yourself and disable or remove it.

1firebird
1firebird Question owner
more options

Thanks a lot for all your answers. It was indeed the config preference

network.protocol-handler.external.javascrip

No idea how that got changed...

Thanks a million!