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When I try to start Firefox, I get a warning it is already running?? I rebooted the computer, didn't help. I uninstalled then reinstalled and I still get the same message that Firefox is already running ??? What should I do? I am using windows XP

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  • Last reply by John99

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This is the warning that pops up... Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system.

This is the warning that pops up... Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system.

All Replies (6)

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See firefox is already running but is not responding

does that help ?

Note you should always end Firefox sessions using Firefox Button -> exit; unexpected closedowns are one factor likely to cause your problems.

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Also might check out https://support.mozilla.com/questions/866027

John99 answer first part tells what to do now, second part how to reduce problem. If you are just intending to immediately restart Firefox suggest "Restartless Restart" which actually does the best to avoid problems.

Rebooting system did not help check out parent lock in the referenced articles.

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I opened task manager and Firefox is not present in the processes. I click on the link for your answer in the email and get the error through Microsoft Office: General Failure: The URL was (your question link) the system cannot find the file specified. The only way I can get to the internet is through internet explore and paste the link in. I still cannot get fire fox to open/run. I uploaded two print screens one is the Firefox is already running error the other is what happens when I click on the emailed answer from Firefox. I have disabled the firewall to see if that would help, it did not.

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I created a new profile and was able to get Firefox to start. I used:"C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" -ProfileManager So now I have two profiles. I want my old default profile to run since it has all the links I want already set up. It will not run, I tried to rename it and it still will not run with the new name. Is there a way to get the links restored to the new profile?

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Hi Zane Elliott,

Using multiple profiles is considered an advanced topic and can be a bit less than straightforward. It is probably best not to re-name profiles because (unless you do it by manually editing files and file paths, which is even more complicated) the renaming results in a mismatch between folder names and profile names which may be rather none intuitive. I suggest you read both sets of notes under, even if you need to use the second method.

Do NOT delete profiles
(unless you are absolutely certain that you will never need them or their contents again, and remembering folders with old names may now contain newer information).
I assume you are referring to the bookmarks when you mention since it has all the links I want already set up. Do not worry as long as you do not delete profiles that info is retained, it is relatively easy to make the info available in the other profile.

  • if both profiles will run the easiest method is
    1. run the original profile Firefox, export the bookmarks, place them somewhere safe such as the Windows desktop (do not use the Firefox Profile or Program paths to store your own backup copies of bookmarks ). Close down that instance of Firefox in the ordinary manner using Firefox button -> exit
    2. run the new profile firefox, back up any bookmarks you have on that, in case you also need them. This time because you may need to append them instead of overwrite your bookmarks, export them as HTML files. Now import the original bookmarks from your desktop, that overwrites your library with the old set of bookmarks, then import the HTML bookmarks, that appends the new bookmarks to the library.
  • If the old profile will not run
    there are methods of transferring the data still, because Firefox has stored the bookmarks in a database called places.sqlite and will also have made backup copies.
    • basically you need to make a copy of the file places sqlite from the old profile, and replace the places sqlite of the new profile with that copy.
      1. back up the bookmarks in the new profile by exporting as HTML so you do not loose them and can append them later on, also back them up as firefox backups, just to be safe
      2. the quickest method of finding the location of the profile in a working and running firefox is to use Firefox button -> Help -> Troubleshooting Information -> profile [open containing folder]
    • for the old profile you will probably need to use the Windows XP search feature and look for the file places.sqlite make sure you get the correct copy !
      (Probably a good idea to make spare copies of both files places.sqlite before doing any replacement. The file size should help you differentiate the original profile's sqlite from the new profile's sqlite.)
      Copy the original sqlite over the new one.
    • see also http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox
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If you get messages about firefox continuing to run you may need to find and kill the firefox process, eg use Task Manager. It is however best where possible to close firefox normally using the Firefox menu options

I do not know what the problem was with the link in the automated e-mail, maybe IE is having problems with https links ?
Does the link work ok pasted into the firefox location bar ?