Knowledge Base discussions

Firefox 13 Updates

  • 25 Replies
  • Last reply by Michele Rodaro
  1. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    Here are the new features and what I think needs to be created and updated (let me know if I missed something):

    Here are the new features and what I think needs to be created and updated (let me know if I missed something): * '''[https://wiki.mozilla.org/Tab_on_demand Tab on demand]''' - the preference to "don't load tabs until selected" during a session restore is now on by default. ** [[How to set the home page]] ** [[Options window - General panel]] ** [[Firefox takes a long time to start up]] ** [[Session Restore]] ** [[Firefox does not ask to save tabs and windows on exit]] * '''[https://wiki.mozilla.org/Smooth_scrolling Smooth scrolling]''' - this preference is now on by default. ** [[Options window - Advanced panel]] * '''[https://wiki.mozilla.org/Firefox/Features/New_Tab_Page New Tab page]''' - When you create a new tab you see thumbnails for your top sites. These can be customized or turned off. ** New article - "New Tab Page - show, hide and customize top sites" (this will get linked to in marketing about the feature) * '''[https://wiki.mozilla.org/Features/Desktop/Firefox_Home_Tab New default home page]''' - the new default home page is styled differently and now contains icons at the bottom that link to: Downloads, Bookmarks, History, Add-ons, Sync, Settings, and Restore previous session. ** New article - "Firefox's default home page has quick links to common features" (this will get linked to in marketing about the feature) ** [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/templateadddevices Template:adddevices] - used in [[How do I add a device to Firefox Sync?]], [[How do I sync Firefox between my desktop and mobile?]], [[How do I set up Firefox Sync?]] and [[How to sync Firefox settings between computers]] * '''[https://wiki.mozilla.org/Support/Firefox_Features/Clean_up_user_profile Reset Firefox]''' - this first implementation is a button in about:support. It automatically creates a new profile and migrates over your bookmarks, history, passwords and form data. ** Rename [[How do I fix Firefox?]] to "Reset Firefox – easily fix most Firefox problems" - new version of the article documents this feature. Note: this article was originally created as temporary solution while this feature was being worked on. ** Create a template or templates that mention that this feature can be used instead of troubleshooting steps. It can be included in these articles: *** [[Profiles]] *** [[Managing profiles]] *** <strike>[[Backing up your information]]</strike> *** [[Recovering important data from an old profile]] *** [[Basic Troubleshooting]] *** [[Firefox crashes]] *** [[Fix problems with your home page or search]] *** [[Safe Mode]] *** [[Uninstalling toolbars]] *** [[Troubleshooting extensions and themes]] *** [[The bookmarks and history system will not be functional]] *** [[Firefox is slow or takes too long to start]] *** [[Installing a previous version of Firefox]] *** [[Firefox hangs]] *** [[Firefox is slow]] *** [[Resetting preferences]] *** [[Unable to download or save files]] *** [[Firefox takes a long time to start up]] *** [[Searches are redirected to another site]] *** [[Cannot uninstall an add-on]] *** [[Preferences are not saved]] *** [[Unable to install add-ons]] *** [[Firefox keeps opening many tabs or windows]] *** [[Could not initialize the browser security component]] *** [[Bookmarks not saved]] *** [[Firefox does not work]] *** [[Using the Troubleshooting Information page]]

    Modified by Michael Verdi on

  2. scoobidiver
    scoobidiver 1275 posts
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    Verdi said

    New article - "New Tap Page - show, hide and customize top sites" (this will get linked to in marketing about the feature)

    This tap raises privacy issues and dumb people can't use it:-)

    * '''Tab on demand''': There are also [[Session Restore]] and [[Firefox does not ask to save tabs and windows on exit]] to update. ''Verdi [[#post-46446|said]]'' <blockquote> New article - "New Tap Page - show, hide and customize top sites" (this will get linked to in marketing about the feature) </blockquote> This tap raises privacy issues and dumb people can't use it:-)
  3. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    scoobidiver said

    Thanks! Edited the list in my initial post.

    Verdi said

    New article - "New Tap Page - show, hide and customize top sites" (this will get linked to in marketing about the feature)
    This tap raises privacy issues and dumb people can't use it:-)

    Of course that title should be "New Tab Page" instead of "New Tap Page." Privacy concerns should be mentioned in the article (is there any way to shut this feature off entirely?). We'll have to make a big deal of the toggle button in the upper right corner - nobody notices that.

    ''scoobidiver [[#post-46450|said]]'' <blockquote> * '''Tab on demand''': There are also [[Session Restore]] and [[Firefox does not ask to save tabs and windows on exit]] to update. </blockquote> Thanks! Edited the list in my initial post. ''Verdi [[#post-46446|said]]'' <blockquote> New article - "New Tap Page - show, hide and customize top sites" (this will get linked to in marketing about the feature) </blockquote> <blockquote> This tap raises privacy issues and dumb people can't use it:-) </blockquote> Of course that title should be "New Tab Page" instead of "New Tap Page." Privacy concerns should be mentioned in the article (is there any way to shut this feature off entirely?). We'll have to make a big deal of the toggle button in the upper right corner - nobody notices that.
  4. AliceWyman
    AliceWyman 6154 posts
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    Verdi said

    • Reset Firefox - this first implementation is a button in about:support. It automatically creates a new profile and migrates over your bookmarks, history, passwords and form data.

    It's worth noting that the "Reset Firefox" button on the Help -> Troubleshooting Information (about:support) page only appears when using the "default" profile. I have a separate "beta" profile set up for Firefox 13 Beta and was wondering why I didn't have a "Reset Firefox" button!

    ''Verdi [[#post-46446|said]]'' <blockquote> * '''[https://wiki.mozilla.org/Support/Firefox_Features/Clean_up_user_profile Reset Firefox]''' - this first implementation is a button in about:support. It automatically creates a new profile and migrates over your bookmarks, history, passwords and form data. </blockquote> It's worth noting that the "Reset Firefox" button on the Help -> Troubleshooting Information (about:support) page only appears when using the "default" profile. I have a separate "beta" profile set up for Firefox 13 Beta and was wondering why I didn't have a "Reset Firefox" button!

    Modified by AliceWyman on

  5. Michele Rodaro
    Michele Rodaro 414 posts
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    Hello Alice :)

    I use a Mac OS X 10.6. On my default profile I use Firefox 12, but I created several profiles. I also have two Firefox Beta profiles: a profile for testing the newness of the beta versions (synchronized via Sync with my default profile), and another profile for creating screenshots to update the Sumo KB articles. Currently on those profiles I have the version 13 beta. I start them by clicking a Firefox icon I created in to my dock, and via profile manager I choose the profile I need. On both Firefox 13 beta profiles I have the "Reset Firefox" button.


    Maybe I don't understand properly the issue you're encountering, so, please, forgive me. I suppose you are using Firefox 12 as your default profile and Firefox 13 beta as a secondary profile. Could you better explain the problem you're experiencing (if you think it is a case for further explanation, of course)?

    Hello Alice :) I use a Mac OS X 10.6. On my default profile I use Firefox 12, but I created several profiles. I also have two Firefox Beta profiles: a profile for testing the newness of the beta versions (synchronized via Sync with my default profile), and another profile for creating screenshots to update the Sumo KB articles. Currently on those profiles I have the version 13 beta. I start them by clicking a Firefox icon I created in to my dock, and via profile manager I choose the profile I need. On both Firefox 13 beta profiles I have the "Reset Firefox" button. Maybe I don't understand properly the issue you're encountering, so, please, forgive me. I suppose you are using Firefox 12 as your default profile and Firefox 13 beta as a secondary profile. Could you better explain the problem you're experiencing (if you think it is a case for further explanation, of course)?
  6. AliceWyman
    AliceWyman 6154 posts
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    Hi, michro, Thanks for asking!

    I'm not testing Firefox 13 on Mac OS but on Windows 7, when I use Firefox 13 Beta with my "beta" profile, which I open from a shortcut to "C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox Beta\firefox.exe" -P beta, I don't see a "Reset Firefox" button. When I start Firefox 13 Beta with the Profile Manager and select my "default" profile, I do. https://wiki.mozilla.org/Support/Firefox_Features/Clean_up_user_profile under paragraph 7, says this:

    • Migration to a new profile
      • Use profile migrator infrastructure
        • Can only migrate from the default/selected profile since the Toolkit Profile Service is going to be replaced in bug 214675

    My "default" profile is the profile set to start without asking ("Don't ask at startup" checkbox in the Profile manager) and it's listed as follows in the profiles.ini file: 

    [Profile1]
Name=default
IsRelative=1
Path=Profiles/hj5gj798.default
Default=1

    .... so that's the profile that opens if I simply start firefox.exe without specifying a profile. Here's the explanation I found in bugzilla:

    https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=717070#c35

    Matthew N. [:MattN] 2012-03-10 01:56:30 PST (In reply to Larry Snow from comment #34) Larry, this feature is only supported on the "default" profile in an application and I suspect that Firefox portable doesn't use a "profiles.ini" file to keep track of profiles. You can still use the feature on other profiles in profiles.ini by temporarily setting them as the default.

    (Quoting Mano from comment #6) > 1. Why is the "profile" environment variable needed? It would probably be > better to support recovering just from the default profile (If you use > multiple profiles, you most likely do not need recovery tools like this).

    P.S. If I start Firefox 13 Beta with the Profile Manager and select my "beta" profile, or if I set my "beta" profile as the "default" in the Profile Manager/profiles.ini file and then start my "beta" profile from my Firefox 13 shortcut, I also see the "Reset Firefox" button on the about:support page. In other words, the issue for me was starting Firefox 13 with my "beta" profile from a shortcut, while a different profile was selected as the default in the Profile Manager/profiles.ini file.

    Hi, michro, Thanks for asking! I'm not testing Firefox 13 on Mac OS but on Windows 7, when I use Firefox 13 Beta with my "beta" profile, which I open from a shortcut to '''"C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox Beta\firefox.exe" -P beta''', I don't see a "Reset Firefox" button. When I start Firefox 13 Beta with the Profile Manager and select my "default" profile, I do. https://wiki.mozilla.org/Support/Firefox_Features/Clean_up_user_profile under paragraph 7, says this: *Migration to a new profile **Use profile migrator infrastructure ***Can only migrate from the default/selected profile since the Toolkit Profile Service is going to be replaced in [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=214675 bug 214675] My "default" profile is the profile set to start without asking ("Don't ask at startup" checkbox in the Profile manager) and it's listed as follows in the '''profiles.ini''' file: [Profile1] Name=default IsRelative=1 Path=Profiles/hj5gj798.default Default=1 .... so that's the profile that opens if I simply start firefox.exe without specifying a profile. Here's the explanation I found in bugzilla: <blockquote> https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=717070#c35 <br><br> Matthew N. [:MattN] 2012-03-10 01:56:30 PST (In reply to Larry Snow from comment #34) Larry, this feature is only supported on the "default" profile in an application and I suspect that Firefox portable doesn't use a "profiles.ini" file to keep track of profiles. You can still use the feature on other profiles in profiles.ini by temporarily setting them as the default. <br><br> (Quoting Mano from comment #6) > 1. Why is the "profile" environment variable needed? It would probably be > better to support recovering just from the default profile (If you use > multiple profiles, you most likely do not need recovery tools like this). </blockquote> P.S. If I start Firefox 13 Beta with the Profile Manager and select my "beta" profile, or if I set my "beta" profile as the "default" in the Profile Manager/profiles.ini file and then start my "beta" profile from my Firefox 13 shortcut, I also see the "Reset Firefox" button on the about:support page. In other words, the issue for me was starting Firefox 13 with my "beta" profile from a shortcut, while a different profile was selected as the default in the Profile Manager/profiles.ini file.

    Modified by AliceWyman on

  7. scoobidiver
    scoobidiver 1275 posts
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    * [[Using the Troubleshooting Information page]]:<br>[https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=631909 bug 631909 - about:support label 'Modified Preferences' is incorrect] (Fx 12), [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=559500 bug 559500 - On about:support, "Open Containing Folder" is misleading] (Fx 12), [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=559501 bug 559501 - On about:support, "Profile Directory" should be "Profile Folder"] (Fx 13), [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=641025 bug 641025 - (IncrementalGC) Incremental GC] (Fx 13), [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=673381 bug 673381 - about:support - add some runtime library version numbers (NSPR/NSS)] (Fx 13)
  8. scoobidiver
    scoobidiver 1275 posts
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    It will be hard for a user to know which one among Reset Firefox preferences to troubleshoot and fix problems and Reset Firefox – easily fix most Firefox problems is appropriate.

    It will be hard for a user to know which one among [[Resetting preferences]] and [[How do I fix Firefox?|Reset Firefox – easily fix most Firefox problems]] is appropriate.
  9. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    I'm going to start by writing about the Reset Firefox feature and creating a template to use in that long list of articles. Also on my to-do list this week are the new tab and new home page articles.

    It would be super cool if someone(s) could work on the "tabs on demand" and "smooth scrolling" updates. Any takers? Anything I can do to help?

    I'm going to start by writing about the Reset Firefox feature and creating a template to use in that long list of articles. Also on my to-do list this week are the new tab and new home page articles. It would be super cool if someone(s) could work on the "tabs on demand" and "smooth scrolling" updates. Any takers? Anything I can do to help?
  10. AliceWyman
    AliceWyman 6154 posts
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    I have a question about suggesting the Reset Firefox feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database. I'm asking because deleting places.sqlite to create a new Places database is a solution given in a number of articles. For example, Fix "The bookmarks and history system will not be functional" error message article now has a note for fx13 under Solution 2: Create a new places database, that suggests a Firefox reset, before going though a lengthy troubleshooting process.

    How are bookmarks and history migrated to the new profile? If it's done by copying over places.sqlite wouldn't that transfer the problem if the file is corrupt ... or is the file "cleaned up" before it's copied over?

    Related bug reports: Bug 717070 - Create button to initiate migration to a clean Firefox profile and Bug 273874 - Firefox migrator for new profiles

    I have a question about suggesting the '''[https://wiki.mozilla.org/Support/Firefox_Features/Clean_up_user_profile Reset Firefox]''' feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database. I'm asking because deleting '''places.sqlite''' to create a new Places database is a solution given in a number of articles. For example, [[The bookmarks and history system will not be functional]] article now has a note for fx13 under '''Solution 2: Create a new places database''', that suggests a Firefox reset, ''before going though a lengthy troubleshooting process''. How are bookmarks and history migrated to the new profile? If it's done by copying over '''places.sqlite''' wouldn't that transfer the problem if the file is corrupt ... or is the file "cleaned up" before it's copied over? Related bug reports: [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=717070 Bug 717070 - Create button to initiate migration to a clean Firefox profile] and [https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=273874 Bug 273874 - Firefox migrator for new profiles]

    Modified by AliceWyman on

  11. Chris Ilias
    Chris Ilias 2447 posts
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    any screenshots of about:home will need to be updated. I was looking at Common questions after upgrading from Firefox 3.6 which has a screenshot for the "restore previous session" button, and thought "Whoa. I haven't seen that version about about:home in a while" :)

    any screenshots of about:home will need to be updated. I was looking at [[Common questions after upgrading from Firefox 3.6]] which has a screenshot for the "restore previous session" button, and thought "Whoa. I haven't seen that version about about:home in a while" :)
  12. Underpass
    Underpass 773 posts
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    Excuse me, I've got the beta version installed on Linux but I cannot see the "Reset Firefox" box in the Troubleshooting page. In Windows the box shows up.

    Which is the beta version whith this new feature?

    Thanks.

    Excuse me, I've got the beta version installed on Linux but I cannot see the "Reset Firefox" box in the Troubleshooting page. In Windows the box shows up. Which is the beta version whith this new feature? Thanks.

    Modified by Underpass on

  13. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    underpass said

    Excuse me, I've got the beta version installed on Linux but I cannot see the "Reset Firefox" box in the Troubleshooting page.

    The feature is in all the betas, but, like Alice discovered, if you start Firefox using a profile that isn't the default you won't see the button.

    ''underpass [[#post-46579|said]]'' <blockquote> Excuse me, I've got the beta version installed on Linux but I cannot see the "Reset Firefox" box in the Troubleshooting page. </blockquote> The feature is in all the betas, but, [https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/knowledge-base-articles/708334#post-46497 like Alice discovered], if you start Firefox using a profile that isn't the default you won't see the button.
  14. Underpass
    Underpass 773 posts
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    Ok, thanks. Is it by design? Is it going to be fixed in future relases?

    Ok, thanks. Is it by design? Is it going to be fixed in future relases?
  15. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    underpass said

    Ok, thanks. Is it by design? Is it going to be fixed in future relases?

    That's by design. The feature only works with the default profile because we will eventually remove the profile manager (creating alternate profiles will be handled by a stand-alone application).

    ''underpass [[#post-46622|said]]'' <blockquote> Ok, thanks. Is it by design? Is it going to be fixed in future relases? </blockquote> That's by design. The feature only works with the default profile because we will eventually remove the profile manager (creating alternate profiles will be handled by a stand-alone application).
  16. AliceWyman
    AliceWyman 6154 posts
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    Michael, Are you researching my question about suggesting the Reset Firefox feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database or dis you just miss it? (see above)

    Michael, Are you researching my question about suggesting the Reset Firefox feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database or dis you just miss it? ([https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/knowledge-base-articles/708334#post-46569 see above])
  17. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    AliceWyman said

    Michael, Are you researching my question about suggesting the Reset Firefox feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database or dis you just miss it? (see above)

    Yes - I emailed Matthew Noorenberghe and asked him to comment.

    ''AliceWyman [[#post-46630|said]]'' <blockquote> Michael, Are you researching my question about suggesting the Reset Firefox feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database or dis you just miss it? ([https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/knowledge-base-articles/708334#post-46569 see above]) </blockquote> Yes - I emailed Matthew Noorenberghe and asked him to comment.
  18. Ibrahima
    Ibrahima 58 posts
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    Hi, Just to mention that it is not always safe that people are allowed to "Restore previous session" in Firefox without warning the previous user that session will be saved and can be restored by user or someone else.

    Also: I am only using Firefox Aurora since 8! So I cannot see all features in Beta or final. Can you point me to a help page where I can learn how to use Aurora/Beta and Firefox final releaser on the same computer? Regards to all

    Hi, Just to mention that it is not always safe that people are allowed to "Restore previous session" in Firefox without warning the previous user that session will be saved and can be restored by user or someone else. Also: I am only using Firefox Aurora since 8! So I cannot see all features in Beta or final. Can you point me to a help page where I can learn how to use Aurora/Beta ''and'' Firefox final releaser on the same computer? Regards to all
  19. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    ibrahima.sarr said

    Also: I am only using Firefox Aurora since 8! So I cannot see all features in Beta or final. Can you point me to a help page where I can learn how to use Aurora/Beta and Firefox final releaser on the same computer? Regards to all

    There's no problem using Aurora, Beta and Release on the same computer. You just can't use them all at once without doing crazy things.

    ''ibrahima.sarr [[#post-46733|said]]'' <blockquote> Also: I am only using Firefox Aurora since 8! So I cannot see all features in Beta or final. Can you point me to a help page where I can learn how to use Aurora/Beta ''and'' Firefox final releaser on the same computer? Regards to all </blockquote> There's no problem using Aurora, Beta and Release on the same computer. You just can't use them all at once without doing crazy things.
  20. Michael Verdi
    Michael Verdi 1755 posts
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    Verdi said

    AliceWyman said
    Michael, Are you researching my question about suggesting the Reset Firefox feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database or dis you just miss it? (see above)

    Yes - I emailed Matthew Noorenberghe and asked him to comment.

    In the current implementation, the places database is copied so you are right - we should remove the note from Fix "The bookmarks and history system will not be functional" error message and Can't add, change or save bookmarks - How to fix. I'll do that now.

    ''Verdi [[#post-46633|said]]'' <blockquote> ''AliceWyman [[#post-46630|said]]'' <blockquote> Michael, Are you researching my question about suggesting the Reset Firefox feature for problems caused by a corrupt Places database or dis you just miss it? ([https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/forums/knowledge-base-articles/708334#post-46569 see above]) </blockquote> Yes - I emailed Matthew Noorenberghe and asked him to comment. </blockquote> In the current implementation, the places database is copied so you are right - we should remove the note from [[The bookmarks and history system will not be functional]] and [[Bookmarks not saved]]. I'll do that now.
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