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Running Windows 7 (64-bit). Two days ago, any time I started a new tab, I would get an error box similar to the one attached and the subjects line. About 3 to 4 times per tab open. No matter if I hit okay, or cancel, no difference. Everything worked as needed. Last night, firefox Quantum was forced installed, and now nothing works any longer. No internet connection, nothing. It's pretty much a dead piece of software.
I have uninstalled it using various methods. One was to rename the folders in Program files to old and re-install. No go. Used the Control Panel - Programs and Features. No go. Followed about all instructions I could find, but the error does not go away. Reboots, safe mode, you name it. I even installed the previous copy, an no matter how often I change settings to not automatically install updates, that Quantum update will eventually force it's way in and be installed, no matter what. I think that pending update is what broke this, and now it completely non-recoverable.
It's pretty much bricked at this point, and I have had to switch to Chrome for everything, while I used both depending on what I was doing in the past. The poor working and memory hogging of the past version forced me to use Chrome more and more, and I may have to give up on what once a good and decent product, as it apparently was not tested with Windows 7 as I see a series of similar issues, and no solutions. Everybody is provided with similar instructions, but I have yet to see a working solution.
Chosen solution
Many have reported issues using the 64bit Firefox. Install the 32bit version from; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}
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When I kill firefox through Task Manager, two instances will stay running. Any time I kill them and restart, I will get 5-6 instances, one for each error box. As I ok/cancel those, they disappear, but there will always be two running, and even if I kill the one using lesser memory, no change in behavior.
It is terrible to have a pending update break a product and to force it upon users with proper QA.
Let’s do a full clean re-install;
Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}
Save the file. Then Close Firefox.
Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.
Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)
Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac
Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux
If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do Not remove the profiles folder.
Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.
After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.
http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia
How to crash Firefox (All Systems); Instructions here; https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Mozilla/How_to_report_a_hung_Firefox
This link has a program that can crash Firefox.
FredMcD said
Let’s do a full clean re-install; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link} Save the file. Then Close Firefox. Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer. Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do Not remove the profiles folder. Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one. After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again. http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. As I indicated in my description, I found your reply to another user, with the same problem, and again, this does not work. I have downloaded this copy from the link, performed all the steps, and the product is just a useless piece of software currently. No indication of CPU or disk consumption, just does nothing.
I have spent hours on this already yesterday, and too much today. I have switched to another machine right now, as I am getting behind on work that needs to be completed. I will have to get back to this later, or hope they actually fix this terrible update.
Having been in IT for close to 30 years, it has been annoying to see Firefox going from the ones powerful alternative, to what it is today. I have done quite some troubleshooting in y life yet on different programs and software, and this type of forced update, handicapping a system is truly unacceptable.
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} by holding down the <Shift> (Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox.
A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh). Is the problem still there?
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
I'm trying to get some code ready for delivery tomorrow, so will have to try later.
Safe mode for the browser does not help, had tried that too already, should have mentioned this. Should I uninstall and re-install in safe mode, or just see if it starts in safe mode. If it works in safe mode and not in regular mode, what's next?
I also already tried disabling any firewall and antivirus, as well as removing the program from allowed firewall programs, and it was re-populated automatically after that, so none of that had made a difference. It's really such an oddity, but apparently I'm not the only Windows 7 user facing this.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-using-safe-mode
Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that temporarily turns off hardware acceleration, resets some settings, and disables add-ons (extensions and themes). If the problem goes away, that tells us one thing. If it does not, that tells us something else.
I obviously know what safe mode is, I was just curious what's next if it were to work in safe mode. Of if I should uninstall first and try to install in safe mode.
Try the 32-bit Firefox version.
You can find the full version of the current Firefox release (56.0.2) in all languages and all operating systems here:
FredMcD said
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} by holding down the <Shift> (Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox. A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh). Is the problem still there?
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
Okay, was out of town the past week for the holidays, so upon my return, I confirmed the problem was still there, then booted into safe mode and am now typing this update from inside safe mode, meaning the browser does work in safe mode. So I need to find out what what the difference is and what is causing it to not work in regular mode.
Disabled Norton IS completely and that doesn't make a difference, so need to figure out what else could be impacting this.
I run Norton. Norton is not a issue.
- Update your Video Card Drivers**
Run this just to make sure, reboot after : Repair System Registry and Files
(FOR DOING Above & Below - WINDOWS All OTHER VERSIONS - Use Search To Find Command Prompt ** Enter CMD.exe to Find COMMAND PROMPT Then Right Click & RUN AS ADMIN)
To run the SFC command use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt (Admin). Type "SFC /SCANNOW" (without quotes or copy/paste) and press Enter. For more information on using SFC, please refer to the Microsoft KB: Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files
Run the Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools as Administrator. The DISM and SFC tools scan the integrity of the Windows image and all protected system files replaces corrupted, damaged and incorrect versions. (FOR DOING Above & Below - WINDOWS All OTHER VERSIONS - Use Search To Find Command Prompt ** Enter CMD.exe to Find COMMAND PROMPT Then Right Click & RUN AS ADMIN) Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" (without quotes or copy/paste) and press Enter.
Windows 10 To run the DISM command use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu, then select Command Prompt (Admin). Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" (without quotes or copy/paste) and press Enter. While running DISM you may notice the process will appear to pause at 20%. After a few minutes the operation will continue.
Note : SFC fixes files locally using files found on your system. Note : DISM goes up to Microsoft for new ones.
Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.
Modified by Shadow110
If the above does not help,
It could be the work of one of your add-ons. Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control> (Mac=<Command>) <Shift> A)
In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Disable a few add-ons, then Restart Firefox.
Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All Of them.
If the problem continues, disable some more (restarting FF). Continue until the problem is gone. After, you know what group is causing the issue. Re-enable the last group ONE AT A TIME (restarting FF) until the problem returns.
Once you think you found the problem, disable that and re-enable all the others, then restart again. Let us know who the suspect is, detective.
FredMcD said
If the above does not help, It could be the work of one of your add-ons. Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control> (Mac=<Command>) <Shift> A) In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Disable a few add-ons, then Restart Firefox. Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All Of them. If the problem continues, disable some more (restarting FF). Continue until the problem is gone. After, you know what group is causing the issue. Re-enable the last group ONE AT A TIME (restarting FF) until the problem returns. Once you think you found the problem, disable that and re-enable all the others, then restart again. Let us know who the suspect is, detective.
I have started Firefox is safe mode before, with all add-ons disabled with no impact. I went to look in the plug-ins and add-ons, and I had removed/disabled all of these before already in part of troubleshooting. None of that makes a difference though. I will try the suggestion above, to see if that does anything.
The real need here is to Update your Video Card Drivers** as this is a common error for failing, older drivers. if you are AMD https://support.amd.com/en-us/download and know your card info enter it if not use Identify. If are Nvidia https://www.geforce.com/drivers and Identify, If https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/detect.html To find out if do not know please Copy/Paste about:support into the Address Bar then Enter go down to Graphics and should be listed under WebGL 1 Driver Renderer
Modified by Shadow110
Did you try the 32-bit Firefox version?
It is possible that some other software on your computer doesn't work properly with 64-bit Firefox.
- Updating Nvidia drivers to latest version and reboot - No Difference
- SCF C:\Windows\system32>SFC /SCANNOW
Beginning system scan. This process will take some time.
Beginning verification phase of system scan. Verification 100% complete.
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
- DISM - Apparently for Windows 7, not all the options listed are supported, so had to go with what is supported
C:\Windows\system32>DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /scanhealth
Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool Version: 6.1.7600.16385
Image Version: 6.1.7601.18489
................................................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ ................................................................................ ....................................................Completed running scanhealth , check logs at %windir%\logs\CBS\Checksur.log
The operation completed successfully.
Checked that log, and it's mostly hyphenation and spelling *.mum files that is complained about, but since I can only scan, no difference
Next thing to try is the 32-bit version. Was the older version 32-bit? Just curious why 64-bit would only be a possible cause for the latest version?
Chosen Solution
Many have reported issues using the 64bit Firefox. Install the 32bit version from; Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}