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firefox won't launch in Windows 7 after update

  • 23 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

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Since the last update to Firefox 65, it won't launch on my Windows 7 64 bit. It shows in the running process. I've gone through all the forums and helps. I've checked compatibility, cleared out my allowable programs and re-entered, checked my Windows defender, plus everything else I could find. It would not open in safe mode although I tried something once (no idea what) and it did open briefly to save my bookmarks but then I couldn't get out or back in. I'm at a loss what to do at this point and I really like Firefox. I'm not savvy with computers but I know some and can follow directions. Firefox worked fine until the update and nothing has changed on my computer since that point except downloading Chrome to have a browser.

Since the last update to Firefox 65, it won't launch on my Windows 7 64 bit. It shows in the running process. I've gone through all the forums and helps. I've checked compatibility, cleared out my allowable programs and re-entered, checked my Windows defender, plus everything else I could find. It would not open in safe mode although I tried something once (no idea what) and it did open briefly to save my bookmarks but then I couldn't get out or back in. I'm at a loss what to do at this point and I really like Firefox. I'm not savvy with computers but I know some and can follow directions. Firefox worked fine until the update and nothing has changed on my computer since that point except downloading Chrome to have a browser.

All Replies (20)

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Did the Firefox icon show in the computer's taskbar? It's possible the browser's window is opening where you can't see it.

Right-click on the browser icon and select Open New Window. If a window opens, close it by Menu > File > Exit.

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The icon is on the taskbar and also showed up as a shortcut on the desktop. I tried to open a new window and nothing happened.

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https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/changes-toolbars-and-window-sizes-are-not-saved You may have corrupt xulstore.json or Localstore.rdf files.

Close Firefox. Open your file browser to this hidden location:

  • Mac: *~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/Profiles
  • Linux: *~/.mozilla/firefox/Profiles
  • Windows: %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles
  • *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles
  • Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data
    \Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\

Search for the above files. Then rename or delete them. Restart Firefox.

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I found the file in question and deleted it. Still no launch. As an FYI, after the initial week i spent on this, i uninstalled firefox and installed a clean version and have had the same issue.

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Let's create a new profile. Close Firefox. Open your file browser to this hidden location:

  • Mac: *~/Library/Application Support/Firefox/
  • Linux: *~/.mozilla/firefox/
  • Windows: %AppData%\Mozilla\Firefox\
  • *C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\

Locate the profiles.ini file. Then rename or delete it.

Firefox should create a new profile. Use this new profile as is. Is the problem still there?

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The Win 7 64 bit download doesn't have profiles like the normal Firefox (at least I've never been prompted to create one and there is no profile.ini I can find).

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Just to add to this. I did find a profile folder which is empty however there is a profile text doc beside it with information on Profile 0, 1, 2 and 3 so now idea what that is.

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Firefox automatically creates a profile folder in each user account on the computer. The user can also create new profiles as needed.

Open your file browser and go here; C:\Users\==<User Name>==\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles

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I don't have a <user name> in my C:\Users\ location

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Your user name.

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I understand. The only folders I have in C:\Users\ is desktop and public and there is nothing in either except a couple empty folders

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Interesting.

Open your file browser to the root directory C:/ In the search box, enter key4.db

There may be more than one entry. Copy them and post them.

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This happened to me once when I updated Firefox and then ran ccleaner before restarting Firefox. No matter what I tried it wouldn't open again.

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As a shortcut, try typing or pasting

%APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox

into the Windows 7 Start menu search box, and press Enter to launch Windows Explorer into whatever Firefox data folder is associated with your current login.

Is this the Profiles.ini file you were looking at before?


You also could try:

Clean Reinstall

This takes about 5 minutes. It's not about your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. It's not essential to uninstall Firefox, but you can if you like, saying No to any request about removing personal data.

(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox to a convenient location:

https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/

(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

If you use Microsoft Office, please change your default browser to Internet Explorer temporarily before the next step.

(C) Using Windows Explorer/My Computer (hold down the Windows key and press E to launch it), right-click > rename the program folder as follows (you might have one or both):

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox =to=> C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox =to=> C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(D) Run the installer you downloaded in step (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Any improvement at your next startup?

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FredMcD said

Interesting. Open your file browser to the root directory C:/ In the search box, enter key4.db There may be more than one entry. Copy them and post them.

The item was not found.

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When I entered %APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox, I had a Profiles folder but it was empty. I do have a text doc not in that folder. The contents are below. Maybe you'll understand what it means.

[General] StartWithLastProfile=1

[Profile0] Name=default-1481277986866 IsRelative=1 Path=Profiles/4myiq8ya.default-1481277986866

[Profile1] Name=default-1481277986866-1549479648314 IsRelative=1 Path=Profiles/qp8e5km8.default-1481277986866-1549479648314

[Profile2] Name=Tracie IsRelative=1 Path=Profiles/hsjma0s7.Tracie Default=1

[Profile3] Name=Tracie-1551869579987 IsRelative=1 Path=Profiles/urxyrdnq.Tracie-1551869579987

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Name= is the name of a profile, so you currently have 4.

Let's try this: The file you posted above, rename it by adding .old to it.


After, 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) Note: Check Both Folders

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 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Look for, and remove any Mozilla or Firefox program folders. Do not remove the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.

Do Not remove any profile folders.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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

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After doing the above, Firefox should open with a new profile. Do not worry. Use the new profile as is. Is the problem gone?

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Suiterain said

When I entered %APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox, I had a Profiles folder but it was empty. I do have a text doc not in that folder.

When you have a Profiles.ini file listing folders that do not exist, you should get the error mentioned in the following article:

How to run Firefox when your profile is missing or inaccessible

If the file is Profiles.ini.txt then Firefox should ignore that and just create a new profile folder. To set Windows to show all file extensions, see the steps here:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-show-file-extensions-in-windows/

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I followed the above steps and a new profile was created (I actually have data in the Profile folder now) however, Firefox still won't launch but is running in the processes. I've been at this since the end of January and I'm about ready to throw in the towel.

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