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firefox unable to open initial window. (windows7 updated)

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When I start Firefox, the hourglass shows for seconds then disappears. No window is opened. This happens after an automated update to my Windows overnight Tuesday 9Dec. Internet Explorer is evidently OK. All other programs OK.

Have tried - no change:

 restart computer; 
 reinitialize modem and wifi home set;
 install new firefox (using "stub" 35.0.5);
 hold shift key down during launch;
 Windows "troubleshoot compatibility" reports "An error occurred while
   troubleshooting".  


After any start attempt, Task Manager reports there is at least one firefox.exe *32 process (tab), but no related Application (tab). Dialog from "automatically add" can't open this file....

When I start Firefox, the hourglass shows for seconds then disappears. No window is opened. This happens after an automated update to my Windows overnight Tuesday 9Dec. Internet Explorer is evidently OK. All other programs OK. Have tried - no change: restart computer; reinitialize modem and wifi home set; install new firefox (using "stub" 35.0.5); hold shift key down during launch; Windows "troubleshoot compatibility" reports "An error occurred while troubleshooting". After any start attempt, Task Manager reports there is at least one firefox.exe *32 process (tab), but no related Application (tab). Dialog from "automatically add" can't open this file....

Asịsa ahọpụtara

please use malwarebytes as well - in my experiences it yields the best results (just leave the option to run a trial for the pro version unchecked)...

Gụọ azịza a na nghọta 👍 2

All Replies (5)

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hello jpwoodruff, since this can sometimes be caused by malware active on a system, please run a scan with different security tools like the free version of malwarebytes, adwcleaner & microsoft safety scanner.

Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware

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It gets worse

Microsoft safety scanner reports nothing to remove. (malwarebytes untried because the downloader seemed untrustable - too many "take this too"s frighten me away)

I uninstalled firefox entirely on a freshly rebooted windows7. Then try to install new. Stub 34.0.5 goes through the motions but leaves NO installed firefox.

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Asịsa Ahọpụtara

please use malwarebytes as well - in my experiences it yields the best results (just leave the option to run a trial for the pro version unchecked)...

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Success. Thank you phillipp

malwarebytes found and removed "hijack.startpage". all's well

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great, thanks for reporting back :))