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Certain websites won't work correctly on Firefox, but only on one of my computers (Mac OS)

  • 2 replies
  • 0 have this problem
  • 27 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

Chopppp
Chopppp
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Hi,

I've had an issue for a long time where certain websites just won't work properly on Firefox. This issue seems to be specific to this particular configuration of Firefox I have, as the problem doesn't occur on my other MacBook, nor on other browsers, and this problem persists even through upgrading this MacBook from an Intel-based processor to Apple silicon. I've exhausted all of the troubleshooting methods suggested by Mozilla here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-and-diagnose-firefox-problems. My last hope is that it has something to do with Firefox's browser internals, though I'm not tech-savvy enough to understand what may or may not be working correctly with said internals.

As a few examples of what I mean when I write that certain websites won't "work properly," a reading on Coursera seems to have a scrollbar that can scroll indefinitely without ever actually scrolling the page down for me to read additional text from the article. Certain websites will fail to display certain videos or interactive media. And certain other websites will fail to display anything at all. (I wish I could be more specific in describing these "certain websites," but I can't recall what they are at the moment.)

Let me know if you need any additional information to help diagnose this issue.

I greatly appreciate any time and effort that you may spend trying to help me with this issue!

See the Question details for the Troubleshooting information.


(removed troubleshooting information as this is also present in the system details - c)

Hi, I've had an issue for a long time where certain websites just won't work properly on Firefox. This issue seems to be specific to this particular configuration of Firefox I have, as the problem doesn't occur on my other MacBook, nor on other browsers, and this problem persists even through upgrading this MacBook from an Intel-based processor to Apple silicon. I've exhausted all of the troubleshooting methods suggested by Mozilla here: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-and-diagnose-firefox-problems. My last hope is that it has something to do with Firefox's browser internals, though I'm not tech-savvy enough to understand what may or may not be working correctly with said internals. As a few examples of what I mean when I write that certain websites won't "work properly," a reading on Coursera seems to have a scrollbar that can scroll indefinitely without ever actually scrolling the page down for me to read additional text from the article. Certain websites will fail to display certain videos or interactive media. And certain other websites will fail to display anything at all. (I wish I could be more specific in describing these "certain websites," but I can't recall what they are at the moment.) Let me know if you need any additional information to help diagnose this issue. I greatly appreciate any time and effort that you may spend trying to help me with this issue! See the Question details for the Troubleshooting information. ''(removed troubleshooting information as this is also present in the system details - c)''

Modified by cor-el

All Replies (2)

willjoe24421
willjoe24421
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Why does Firefox not work with some sites? If clearing the cookies and cache didn't help, you should check your computer for malware. Certain types of malware are known to target Firefox and can prevent it from loading various websites: If you have an antivirus or Internet security program, update its detections database and do a full scan of your system. Regards, Will

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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If you use extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) that can block content (Adblock Plus, NoScript, DuckDuckGo PE, Disconnect, Ghostery, Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin) always make sure such extensions do not block content.

Firefox shows a purple shield instead of a gray shield at the left end of the location/address bar in case Enhanced Tracking Protection is blocking content.

  • click the shield icon for more detail and possibly disable the protection

You can check the Web Console for relevant-looking messages about blocked content.

You can try these steps in case of issues with webpages:

You can reload webpage(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.

  • hold down the Shift key and left-click the Reload button
  • press "Ctrl + F5" or press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows,Linux)
  • press "Command + Shift + R" (Mac)

Clear the Cache and remove the Cookies for websites that cause problems via the "3-bar" Firefox menu button (Settings).

"Remove the Cookies" for websites that cause problems:

  • Settings -> Privacy & Security
    Cookies and Site Data: "Manage Data"

"Clear the Cache":

  • Settings -> Privacy & Security
    Cookies and Site Data -> Clear Data -> [X] Cached Web Content -> Clear

Start Firefox in Troubleshoot Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration or if userChrome.css/userContent.css is causing the problem.

  • switch to the Default System theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Themes
  • do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Troubleshoot Mode start window

You can create a new profile as a quick test to see if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works, you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

Modified by cor-el