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Firefox automatically minimizes and maximizes when visiting certain websites

  • 2 replies
  • 3 have this problem
  • 6 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

pie8terg
pie8terg
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I have windows 7 with all the latest updates. My FF version is 24, and I've had this issue for over a year but this getting to be very annoying. So it's not specific to version 24.

My extensions are adblock plus, downloadhelper and noscript. Plugins are Java platform SE 7 U25, and shockware Flash 11.8.800.94.

Whenever I visit certain websites using firefox, my entire desktop freezes, and I can't click on anything except CTR-ALT-DEL. When the desktop is frozen, firefox automatically minimizes to the taskbar (no firefox on the screen) and automatically maximizes after 4 seconds later. After FF is automatically maximized, the desktop is unfrozen. If I close the browser, reopen and go back to the same website, I don't have the freeze up until I shut the PC down. The entire episode lasts for good 6 to 10 seconds. This happens even if I disable all the add-ons and extensions.

How come when everything is frozen on the desktop, firefox can automatically minimize to the taskbar, stay there for 3 seconds, then automatically maximize and unfreeze the desktop for use?

I have windows 7 with all the latest updates. My FF version is 24, and I've had this issue for over a year but this getting to be very annoying. So it's not specific to version 24. My extensions are adblock plus, downloadhelper and noscript. Plugins are Java platform SE 7 U25, and shockware Flash 11.8.800.94. Whenever I visit certain websites using firefox, my entire desktop freezes, and I can't click on anything except CTR-ALT-DEL. When the desktop is frozen, firefox automatically minimizes to the taskbar (no firefox on the screen) and automatically maximizes after 4 seconds later. After FF is automatically maximized, the desktop is unfrozen. If I close the browser, reopen and go back to the same website, I don't have the freeze up until I shut the PC down. The entire episode lasts for good 6 to 10 seconds. This happens even if I disable all the add-ons and extensions. How come when everything is frozen on the desktop, firefox can automatically minimize to the taskbar, stay there for 3 seconds, then automatically maximize and unfreeze the desktop for use?

All Replies (2)

[disabled user]
[disabled user]
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Hi pie8terg!

Thanks for writing to us today! It seems like it is a computer problem. Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.

Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

If that doesn't help, report back to us!

Thanks.

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Try to disable hardware acceleration in Firefox.

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).

  • Do NOT click the Reset button on the Safe Mode start window.