it could be a malware problem. Firefox 22 should work on Windows 8 and be more secure than Firefox 21. You may have display problems (or improvements) in Firefox 22, as there has been a change in how it handles the scaling of pages

• Webpages are large and blurry after updating Firefox - how to fix
• Install an older version of Firefox
• Quick fixes if your Firefox slows down

Running old versions of Firefox is not recommended. It may be worth you using Firefox 21 for a few days and meanwhile downloading and trying Firefox portable 22. That is an unofficial build and may be installed as a separate additional browser. If you can get that to work it should be easy to also get the standard Release Firefox 22 to work.

• http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable
• The quickest fix for Firefox 22 may be to try a Firefox reset Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings But read the article first.You may wish to bookmark open tabs for instance as they will be lost.

Instructions on checking for malware

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 Safety Scanner
• MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
• TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility
• Hitman Pro
• ESET Online Scanner

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.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

My system is clean and clear I do not appreciate the comment on my system.

Hi again evilmorbius,

Fair enough if you wish to take additional risks that is up to you. We can only recommend against using unsupported and insecure Firefox versions. (We will not try to stop you and even provide the necessary links for those wishing to download the installers)

My system is clean and clear I do not appreciate the comment on my system. 

Sorry if you find it offensive to consider malware could put your system and data at risk.

For all I know you may be running Firefox in a virtual machine &/or have well rehearsed bare metal recovery plans. Those are the sort of things that users may consider to mitigate risks if using an unsupported and insecure version of Firefox on the internet. If so restore your system, and only update as far as a clean Firefox 22 install problem solved.

There are posts on this forum about preventing upgrades, I know as I have made some of them, and I am sure you are well capable of finding them if you look. Pity the search facilities on this forum are rather primitive, I may even say abysmal - something else I have posted about.

I will let my comments stand regarding malware and risks, as other readers of this thread may wish to heed that advice, and not be taking the same advanced precautions as you may be doing.

As trouble shooting steps have you tried

1. Running Firefox in Firefox's safe mode, and with all plugins disabled
   • Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode
2. Doing that in Windows Safe Mode
3. What security related software is in use ?

The first step giving improvements suggests problems relating to Firefox or Firefox extensions or maybe graphics and hardware acceleration. The second step helps when problems relate to Windows other software. Thirdly it may be noted that in some circumstances security related software, especially multiple unmatched programs may possibly cause problems.

I ran one of the suggested malware scans and found nothing so I took a chance and was pleasantly surprised that the issue I had with the firefox 22 upgrade has been fixed and I am now operating on firefox 22 thank you for your time and candor.

Glad you seem happier now with a working Firefox.

If you want a simple no risk method of reviewing Firefox 23 then (unofficial advice and unofficial version) may I suggest you consider installing Firefox 23 portable as an additional browser.

• http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable

With any luck you may like it and reconsider your decision about upgrading. If there are problems with Firefox 23 let us know and we will try to help.