I'm very happy to see that many others have commented in this question thread. I'm also happy to see that, as of this posting, 261 people have reported the same (or similar) problems as me with Firefox 28/29.

On the other hand, I'm not happy to see that the problems have not yet been fixed. Take the config.trim_on_minimize property, for example. I actually don't know whether 1) I had it in my Firefox installation before updating to 28, and it disappeared, or 2) I didn't have it in my Firefox installation to begin with. I also don't know whether the config.trim_on_minimize property has never been included by default in any version of Firefox (i.e. has it always had to be added manually).

Regardless, I've added the config.trim_on_minimize property and set it to "true". There's been marginal improvement - my Firefox installation doesn't crash roughly every day anymore. Now it's every few days to a week. Still not good. Furthermore, using the config.trim_on_minimize property strikes me as a hacky work-around. So I'm not pleased with this.

I'm also not pleased that even this hacky work-around doesn't do much to improve Firefox's memory usage on my system. I remain convinced that there are one or more memory leaks in Firefox. Even after upgrading to 29.0.1, performance has not noticeably improved for me.

As I mentioned previously, the issues with Direct2D have no bearing in my case, as my operating system is (still) 32-bit Windows XP. So I don't consider my issues with Firefox to really be resolved at all. Pointing to work-arounds does not a *solution* make. In fact, doing nothing *but* pointing to work-arounds tells me that no one wants to work on the problems. But as a software engineer myself (yes, really), I consider memory leaks to be Serious Business. It pains me to see that the developers and/or management at Mozilla apparently don't share the same commitment to quality.

So, in a nutshell, I don't feel like things have been fixed, so I'm "pinging" the thread. Expect me to do this on a regular-ish basis until the issues I've reported have been resolved to my satisfaction.

Let me add something, because apparently I haven't made it sufficiently clear yet (since I haven't received a sufficiently satisfactory response yet):

What galls me the most about all of this is the utter opacity coming from Mozilla. To date, I don't feel like I've received any real *explanation* about what has changed with Firefox 28/29 to cause the problems that I've seen. Yes, I understand that the people who run the support forum are volunteers, but I consider that to be irrelevant here. One would think that the volunteers in this forum would actually care even more about the quality of Firefox than a "mere" user. Maybe putting it this way will help: if these problems can't get fixed right away, then at the *very* least, I'd like to know *why* these problems are occurring in the first place.

Go ahead and accuse me of violating ettiquette in this forum. I don't care. As far as I'm concerned, Mozilla is violating ettiquette *toward its user base* with how it's handled this situation thus far.

I have ran both FF29 and FF28 for while now and had found myself using FF28 more and removed my FF29 Copy. For work I still have to use IE for some internal sites, but not very often. Work IE is IE10, and As I use it very little and for one job pieces of work I had not even noticed the newer IE design basically very same to the new FF29 in terms of tabs on top, no menu in top tc, I done a quick search to try and reset these menus to where I like and same probs as FF29, and in further research the IE users have been complaining about this for last couple of IE versions, at lot of these users were saying that they were moving to Firefox due to this. My point here is what the hell have the Firefox team been doing, it seems a lot of people defected to from IE to Firefox of the last few IE versions, and now Firefox in is great wisdom introduced the same problems into FF29, Firefox team must not be a user collaboration any more as a quick search shows what people have been complaining about in IE and other browsers and as far as i can see FF29 introduced most things that people have been complaining about in other browsers. Well done Firefox

It took me a half hour just to figure out how to register with Mozilla Support, because anyone who had managed to do so to point out that the sign in page doesn't have a register option was told "well, you're here, aren't you?" Finally some user provided the link that support folks weren't willing to provide, which seems really obtuse minded.

That said, my issue is with the inability to do things like click the old orange button in the upper left hand corner to access things like turning off certain toolbars like the navigation bar to save vertical space when viewing videos, or to restore closed windows with a single click.

I tried the classic theme restorer, and it caused the top layer (with the red X to close the page, and the minimize/maximize buttons (sorry, I don't know the technical names)) to be nearly obscured to the point of inaccessibility, and still didn't allow for the navigation toolbar to be turned off without going through about 5 different steps instead of a single click.

The old way was so much more functional and offered these options which IE and other browsers didn't have, and looking through various support threads attempting to lead users through a winding maze of steps to barely approximate what once was a terrific platform is just mind-numbing and infuriating.

Finally on a thread which Moses closed because users were discussing such issues despite being assured how much better the new system is, I found out about Pale Moon, installed it, and for now I have the platform I really want, not a weak imitation which doesn't offer the old customization I found so helpful.

Just to ramble on (despite the risk of getting this thread closed for being off topic (though it is about the new problems)) when I try to use full screen with flash player on sites like Yahoo or Vimeo, with the new build, Firefox insists on leaving the navigation/address bar pasted at the top of the video, instead of filling the screen with only the video, and thus also slightly shrinks that picture to accommodate the toolbar, which is completely counter to the purpose of enjoying video in full screen without competing visual distractions. Perhaps there is another long series of add-ons and adjustments to fix this, but that is completely ridiculous.

This is called fixing what wasn't broke to begin with, and leaving a mess in its place. I sincerely hope Mozilla gets the message and allows users to choose to enjoy the old functionality with updated security measures, etc, without being forced to contend with these confusing and barely functional workarounds to approximate what we found so good about it.

Until then, I guess it is Pale Moon for me, and I'll be helping my family members (whom I set up with Firefox and are probably more confused than me) to make the switch as well.  :(

I'm appalled that the volunteer staff in this forum have actually gone so far as to close entire threads that they've (apparently) disliked. That, to me, is the exact opposite of how support-forum staff should behave.

Anyway, my main concerns have been with the performance of Firefox 28/29, but the UI changes have bothered me as well. I installed the "Classic Theme Restorer" immediately after upgrading to Firefox 28, and it's been adequate for me (though who knows how much it's contributing to my performance problems).

To be fair, I checked back and was incorrect about one thing, that it was a moderator in one thread which helped users locate the hidden register page, calling a bug, but in other related threads, they blew past it.

Guess I'm lucky insomuch v29 did not stress out my processor, which may be due to a reasonably powerful processor (2nd gen i7 with Sandy Core and 16 Gb RAM), but I didn't even notice any extra CPU usage, so I feel for your situation. Because this was a thread entitled "full of problems", and it wasn't closed, I chose to vent my frustrations here, given that I had problems too, though clearly of a differing nature.

Moses closed one thread which was actively rebelling against the UI as am I, with the OP wishing for a return the v28, with buttons and functions where they used to be, where a stroke survivor was explaining that it was too difficult to adapt to the new UI, and other folks were chiming in about no matter how cheerily the moderators said "we're not saying 'get used to it', but 'give it a chance', without a choice, effectively the answer was "take it or leave it".

Somewhere between skeptically calling the v29 "ChromeFox" and singing the praises of Pale Moon, it ended with, "This thread will be closed as it's gone off-topic from the original post" https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/997009?page=2 , so I hope I don't get you shut down.

I really did try the classic theme add-on, but as described above, it didn't jive properly with what may be the title bar at all, which for all I know may be due to my usage of "Tree-Style Tabs", which I use due the efficient usage of vertical space on a laptop screen, and it didn't allow for the same control over the toolbars without jumping through numerous hoops each time. I just don't understand why anyone would make Firefox less customizable while touting how it is supposedly moreso, and then offering convoluted workarounds just to make it look, but not function the same as before.

Thus far, the only annoyance I have with Pale Moon is the inability to read PDF documents, but it is otherwise exactly the same as before. Also risking a shutdown of your thread, here are the technical details describing the differences between the two, if you should be interested. Cheers.

http://www.palemoon.org/technical.shtml

I was having this issue. I uninstalled FoxIt Reader (including the browser plugin that came with it). I installed Adobe Reader instead. Now when I go to a page with flash it works. YouTube is working for me now also.

Since I use Firefox both at work and home and it wasn't crashing at work I reasoned it had to be the FoxIt Reader plugin. It was the only thing that was different between my PCs.

Due too so many mentioning Pale Moon, I decided to try it and wow I'm impressed .. It even returns the status bar that was removed by FF a couple of versions and provides more options without having to add an addon like STATUS4EVER. Also the migration tool was excellent, it pulled in all my bookmarks and put them where as I like and wanted in folders on toolbar below address bar, all my saved passwords and certs for both personal and work, all addons were also installed also on my Win 7 8GB ram machine, it used less memory albeit I have not used it long enough to confirm this, but running both FF and PM side by side, I can see that FF will increase memory consumption by just sitting there while PM stays at what even size it becomes and also PM seems to release the used memory quicker and better when a tab is closed. So first impression is very good, it seems to have all that I personally like. Its seem to me that PM is what people have been asking for

Classic Theme Restorer appears to be the catch-all answer to all of FF29's many, MANY shortcomings.

I have managed to recover about half of my customizations, but NONE of the other problems I'm having have been addressed.

Hi JBS1949, Can you start a new question with your customization questions, this may be better addressed in a new question. Thank you.

I already did, before I joined this thread.

That's how I know Classic Theme Restorer doesn't fix everything that FF29 broke!

My 2 cents: I've been with Firefox since before it changed its name from Firebird. I also use Chrome which appears to be slightly faster on my PC. That hasn't bothered me too much though.

But I don't like V29 and I don't like where this is heading. I like to have the refresh button on the left side, which is where it is on Chrome. Sadly, I'm looking to migrate to another browser.

My advice to FF is to have a serious regrouping of strategy and pay attention to what users are saying to you.

WADR, which is minimal, what complete and utter MORON decided to not just remove the refresh button from the toolbar, but to remove it completely from Firefox???

That has to be one of the most utterly ridiculous and asinine things they have ever done. It is literally nonsensical.

I'm trying to reprogram myself to use the F5 key, but it's difficult. I believe there is an add-on extension that will give the refresh button back to you. I'll probably find it and install it.

I have also been with Firefox since it was Firebird, and it is sad to watch it degrade the way it has over the years. All of the additional features and functionality don't make up for the losses, much less the continuous stupidity.

I wanted to move away, too, but unfortunately there is no true viable alternative. The closest you will find is Pale Moon, which is looking better and better and is almost a replacement now.

Classic Theme Restorer has the refresh button in it. You just have to go into settings and click you want that.

EDIT: Please note that any further off-topic threads regarding Australis' development may be closed as this is not the correct place for feedback. The Mozilla approved way is to use the Input site. You may also want to take it over this forum and consider several different alternatives.</b> You could consider the developers mailing list

• https://mail.mozilla.org/listinfo/firefox-dev

Or to an alternate discussion forum such as

• http://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/
• or http://forums.mozillazine.org/

Directed towards robbyrob's comment here

  I'm appalled that the volunteer staff in this forum have actually gone so far as to close entire threads that they've (apparently) disliked. That, to me, is the exact opposite of how support-forum staff should behave.

We don't close threads just for the hell of it. We close them because they're off-topic and they simply don't belong here. Period. We're breaking forum policy by allowing threads to stay open that don't refer to technical support. Before version 29 was released, this forum was for technical support but now it seems like a place for feedback. It's not. Please try asking a Moderator WHY it was closed before assuming that Moderators close threads just because they can and they don't like what users are saying.

In response to vibradiant's comment here

  It took me a half hour just to figure out how to register with Mozilla Support, because anyone who had managed to do so to point out that the sign in page doesn't have a register option was told "well, you're here, aren't you?" Finally some user provided the link that support folks weren't willing to provide, which seems really obtuse minded.

 To be fair, I checked back and was incorrect about one thing, that it was a moderator in one thread which helped users locate the hidden register page, calling a bug, but in other related threads, they blew past it. 

The link you're referring to is a sign up link used for new contributors only. The reason it's not provided is because that registers you as a contributor. If you are here simply to post a question, then the correct way is to go through the Ask A Question flow (/questions/new) then at the end, you'll be asked to create an account. Most users come here for technical support which is why the forum is set up that way.

 Finally on a thread which Moses closed because users were discussing such issues despite being assured how much better the new system is, I found out about Pale Moon, installed it, and for now I have the platform I really want, not a weak imitation which doesn't offer the old customization I found so helpful. 

Pale Moon strives itself in being the "original Firefox" (my definition) before Australis hit. I personally use Pale Moon, Chromium, and Firefox Nightly on a regular basis and Pale Moon has the original Firefox look that many old time users will love if Firefox 29 isn't up to par with what they want. Please remember though that if people on this site recommend you to use Pale Moon or something else isn't telling you, "Well since you don't like Firefox, you can stop using it." No it's not what we're telling you. We're simply pointing you to use an alternative browser because what's the point of staying on a browser you dislike/hate?

In response to JBS1949's comment here

guigs2 said:

Hi JBS1949, Can you start a new question with your customization questions, this may be better addressed in a new question. Thank you.

JBS1949 said:

I already did, before I joined this thread. That's how I know Classic Theme Restorer doesn't fix everything that FF29 broke!

Are you sure you created a new thread? I don't see a new question listed on your profile. I've been following this thread very loosely so I haven't seen you ask anything about what's bothering you. You should create a new thread this time at /questions/new as more than likely, this thread is merely discussing amongst yourself.

I'm aware of the Classic Theme Restorer for the refresh button. Thing is, why would you create a build that requires an extension to do something which was available in the older version?

I'll keep Firefox for now as I'm attached to it on a nostalgic level and it does have some great features. I'm hoping they'll listen to complaints and fix things in the next build.

Just in case, though, I have located an alternative browser that I am happy with and quite fast.

Thanks Moses for your consideration.

Specifically, as mentioned before, my issue with the Classic Theme Restorer add-on is how the titlebar gets obscured by sharing space with the navigation toolbar. Much worse yet, when I try to click the bookmark icon, if I am anywhere in the upper half of that field, it will activate the red X instead, and close the window and all my tabs. :(

Here is the upper left of the window: https://support.cdn.mozilla.net/media/uploads/images/2014-05-29-00-52-09-0849fb.png

And the upper right: https://support.cdn.mozilla.net/media/uploads/images/2014-05-29-00-52-29-f52e42.png

You can see how about two-thirds of the title bar is cut-off, but without video, I can't show how the bookmark icon closes the window. I tried the options in the CTR add-on to see if this could be altered, but to no avail.

Also, even though it attempts to mimic the look, the drop down menu of the orange Firefox bar no longer allows the same customizations and controls with a single click.

Here is the old version courtesy of Pale Moon: https://support.cdn.mozilla.net/media/uploads/images/2014-05-29-01-06-02-e88a49.png

And here is the new: https://support.cdn.mozilla.net/media/uploads/images/2014-05-29-01-05-07-93dd4d.png

Can't just hide toolbars like before, but need to open the CTR controls and go from there, and still don't have the same degree of customization as before. As long as this is purported to make it the way it was, might as well do that, no?

Anyway, I'd be happiest just learning how to prevent the bisection of the titlebar, as it makes it too easy to close the window without trying. And I'm sorry to have violated protocols by avoiding normal channels as you mentioned in your reply.

Browsers are the vehicles by which we netizens navigate the byways of the internet. We know where the gears are, where the coffee holder is, how the radio function. Suddenly and without ceremony, my vehicle had not just changed gears, but changed where the gears were, and if I could operate them. So I let my fingers do the googling, found myself clicking on some of these threads straight from a search page, wondered how to ask my own questions, and then googled that.

Didn't know there was a generalized process to whittle down my specific issue which would result in signing up an account, because that isn't how I came to be here. I just hope that instead of writing us discontented ones as "hating" Firefox, that you will realize we actually have adored the simplicity, usefulness and flexibility it has offered over such products as IE, and just want our voices heard.

I really and genuinely am confused as to why these changes would be rolled out in such an abrupt and seemingly final manner. I like Firefox. I have installed it in all my family members' computers, singing its praises all the way. And suddenly it became almost unrecognizable and convoluted.

Please hear that and let those in charge of such decisions know, and I just hope there might be a compromise which allows for those who appreciated the old to hold onto the legacy features and still enjoy updated security, etc.

Thanks again, and how do I correct the titlebar issue while using CTR add-on?

vibradiant First, thanks for your very informative reply. I wasn't expecting that at 3 in the morning ;)

 Please hear that and let those in charge of such decisions know, and I just hope there might be a compromise which allows for those who appreciated the old to hold onto the legacy features and still enjoy updated security, etc.

Unfortunately, I am just a volunteer and I have about the same power as you do to make devs revert to the previous design as they've spent 2 years perfecting it. I, for one, love the Australis look and don't use CTR at all. I used it at one point, but aesthetically, it didn't work for me. I've been on the Australis UI back when it hit Nightly, so I knew it was coming. Regular users such as yourself and many others didn't know and I agree that Mozilla should've listed the major changes where the user could see them. (I know that there was release notes issued with Firefox 29 which DOES say (or at least imply) that it has a new design. (https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/29.0/releasenotes/)

 Thanks again, and how do I correct the titlebar issue while using CTR add-on?

Since I personally don't know how to work with CTR, I strongly suggest you create a new question (/questions/new) to get support with this. We have some really awesome people that answer questions here that are more familiar with CTR than I

Heh, it would've been 2 in the morning if I didn't discover the hard way that when going to preview a reply, if I click on my own pic link just to be sure it works, when I click back a page, the entire post disappears. O.o

Perhaps I will start my own thread as soon as I figure out how, just to ask the question about the add-on and the titlebar. Apparently the add-on itself has its own support page (here ) and more hoops to figure out how to ask questions.

From a cursory look, I may be one of a select few to have the titlebar issue, and since I've got the account now, maybe these forums are the best place to start. Now to bed.

Heh, it would've been 2 in the morning if I didn't discover the hard way that when going to preview a reply, if I click on my own pic link just to be sure it works, when I click back a page, the entire post disappears. O.o

Haha, yeah this forum does that. I always use Lazarus Form Recovery. Literally, one of the best form saving add-ons available for Firefox. Try it here: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/lazarus-form-recovery/