Firefox won't start, no error message not in task manager...
Hi all,
I've been using Firefox since Netscape and all has been fine - using it last night and everything was fine. Then all of a sudden, Firefox won't start up today (there has been no Windows updates). When I click on it, the icon does not show on the task bar, the Task Manager shows Firefox briefly then it disappears (Details tab) and there are no error messages. When I boot into Safe Mode, it loads up and I used the Mozilla Refresh Firefox while it was up in Safe Mode but when I return back to my normal Windows 10 environment, it won't start up again. I've disabled Norton Anti-Virus and tried launching with SHIFT pressed and still no go. I've rebooted many times and even uninstalled and reinstalled the application. My work laptop still runs Firefox fine, just my Home Desktop is having this problem all of a sudden. I'm running Windows 10 1703 64bit. I'm at a loss, please advise, I don't know what to do now. (unfortunately I'm accessing these forums with Edge right now)
Chosen solution
I don't think Norton is the problem. Many Firefox users use Norton.
Here is something else to consider if the problem immediately followed a Firefox update.
One of the main effects of the Firefox 56.0.1 update was to migrate 64-bit Windows users from the traditional 32-bit version of Firefox to the 64-bit version. We've received a number of puzzling reports of Firefox either not starting or not loading any pages after this migration.
One user discovered that Windows was silently killing Firefox at startup and recording it in the Windows event logs (you can view event logs using the Event Viewer). Based on one of the reports in the log, we were able to trace that to an out-of-date Logitech camera driver, of all things. Another user reported that uninstalling the Logitech camera resolved their problem as well.
- https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1179822#answer-1019375
- https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1181740#answer-1021470
Do you want some assistance in looking at event logs, or do you have such a camera?
If the investigation doesn't yield any solutions, or there's no time for that right now, it is worth trying a return to 32-bit Firefox.
While normally this kind of change is seamless -- the installer detects your existing data and preserves everything -- you might want to make a backup "just in case."
- Back up and restore information in Firefox profiles
- How to opt out of 32-bit Firefox migration to 64-bit
Note: If you decide to try 64-bit Firefox on the same system at some point in the future, see: How to switch from 32-bit to 64-bit Firefox.
Read this answer in context 👍 3All Replies (15)
What's your Firefox version? When was the last update to Firefox?
Note: Others have the same issue.
Some problems occur when your Internet security program was set
to trust the previous version of Firefox, but no longer recognizes your
updated version as trusted. Now how to fix the problem: To allow
Firefox to connect to the Internet again;
- Make sure your Internet security software is up-to-date (i.e. you are running the latest version).
- Remove Firefox from your program's list of trusted or recognized programs. For detailed instructions, see
Configure firewalls so that Firefox can access the Internet. {web link}
Start your Computer in safe mode with network support. Then start Firefox. Try Safe websites. Is the problem still there?
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode Starting Any Computer In Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia
Thanks,
I have completely uninstalled Norton Security and the problem persists. I have created a new account in Windows 10 and it still doesn't launch in the new account. I check the Task Manager and it briefly appears in there as I double click the FireFox icon, but it immediately drops out of the processes. I have tried the Profile Manager solution, but again that doesn't load up, same Firefox process in Task Manager for a brief second then it drops out (no running processes) and nothing launches. It does load up when Windows is in Safe Mode. Help, I've really grown accustomed to using FireFox and its been great all these years, now all of a sudden only my desktop doesn't work, my work laptop is still fine - what could be the problem? I'm running out of things to try. Please help.
And the Computer in Safe Mode?
It launches fine in Windows Safe Mode. There are no error logs or anything.
This means something on the computer is blocking Firefox. First, disable your Firewall. If there is still a problem, disable your other protection programs.
Only try to access Mozilla.org as this is a safe website.
Please consider turning on send info to Mozilla before posting a question. This helps us help you.
Note : Firefox 56.0.2 is current release https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ Full Version Installer Note : Firefox 57 Quantum release date Nov 14th https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/quantum/ Note : Legacy Extensions will be disabled and or removed.
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Yes, I have completely uninstalled Norton Security and turned off Windows Firewall and still its not launching.
I have scanned for viruses and adware and my system shows up completely clean.
I cannot send info to Mozilla because Firefox will not launch at all therefore doesn't generate any error logs nor can I get into Firefox safemode or Profile Managers.
What are you using for virus protection?
I was using Norton Security (both Anti-virus & Firewall). But I uninstalled that thinking it might be interfering with FireFox at the moment, when I uninstalled that, Windows Defender kicks in automatically which I have now turned off the Firewall but still no luck.
Turn them back on, Install Norton. Do not run without protection. I use it, no issues.
Can uninstall then reinstall : Note : Firefox 56.0.2 is current release https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ Full Version Installer
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-caused-malware and https://www.malwarebytes.com/adwcleaner/ and https://forums.malwarebytes.com/topic/9573-im-infected-what-do-i-do-now/
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Yes I will, but I was trying to determine what was the cause and my first thought was to disable all Firewall elements. Unfortunately that wasn't it. So now I'm at a loss at what to do.
Chosen Solution
I don't think Norton is the problem. Many Firefox users use Norton.
Here is something else to consider if the problem immediately followed a Firefox update.
One of the main effects of the Firefox 56.0.1 update was to migrate 64-bit Windows users from the traditional 32-bit version of Firefox to the 64-bit version. We've received a number of puzzling reports of Firefox either not starting or not loading any pages after this migration.
One user discovered that Windows was silently killing Firefox at startup and recording it in the Windows event logs (you can view event logs using the Event Viewer). Based on one of the reports in the log, we were able to trace that to an out-of-date Logitech camera driver, of all things. Another user reported that uninstalling the Logitech camera resolved their problem as well.
- https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1179822#answer-1019375
- https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1181740#answer-1021470
Do you want some assistance in looking at event logs, or do you have such a camera?
If the investigation doesn't yield any solutions, or there's no time for that right now, it is worth trying a return to 32-bit Firefox.
While normally this kind of change is seamless -- the installer detects your existing data and preserves everything -- you might want to make a backup "just in case."
- Back up and restore information in Firefox profiles
- How to opt out of 32-bit Firefox migration to 64-bit
Note: If you decide to try 64-bit Firefox on the same system at some point in the future, see: How to switch from 32-bit to 64-bit Firefox.
OMG!!! You're the man!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU jscher2000.
Yes I do have an older Logitech Pro 9000 Webcam and had the old v2.0 software. As soon as I uninstalled it, Firefox started up like a champ! Man, I've been pulling my hair out uninstalling tons of drivers and recent software trying to find the conflict, but this Webcam software would have been one of the last things I'd try. I haven't run across anything in all my searches that pointed to this being the culprit. I have found at v2.80 Logitech driver from 2012 that is newer, I wonder if that one will work?
Again, thanks so much!!! (now I just gotta piece/install everything back together again - argh).
I can verify that the newest Logitech driver v2.80.853 (2012) for the Webcam Pro 9000 does work with FireFox 57 (64bit).
Wow, what a headache, thank god that's over now.
funny you said silently killing mine was not so quiet about it - the last time I launched Firefox and even shortly after I got pop up notifications that Edge was better, faster and that firefox was draining my battery!