hello tracy, other users with this problem all had an embedded intel hd3000 graphics card with an old driver present. in case this also applies to you, here would be a link to update the driver, which in turn should also address the black firefox problem: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=23764 (for win7 64 bit)

in case this doesn't solve the issue or does not apply to your system, start firefox into safemode by pressing the shift key while the application is launching & disable hardware acceleration in the firefox menu ≡ > options > advanced > general (that setting will take a restart of the browser to take effect).

Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems

Hi Philipp, thank you so much for your reply! The driver upgrade says it's for 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ Processors with Intel® HD Graphics 3000/2000 . I followed the "Identifying your Intel Graphics Controller" steps, and mine says it's an "Intel(R) HD Graphics Family." In the "adapter string" box, it says it's an HD Graphics 2000. So I'm assuming this would be a compatible upgrade..?? I'm being very cautious, as I have no computer knowledge once things go wrong :) If you can answer this I'd be most grateful. And even if you can't, I do appreciate your help up to now! Tracy

hi tracy, thanks for reporting back & looking into your adapter's details. yes the link i provided above should be compatible with your HD Graphics 2000 graphics hardware type, that you have looked up. (in case it wasn't, the installer would probably detect that, inform you about that and refuse to update)

Philipp, You are the BEST! Thank you! I'm back on Firefox! I did the upgrade as you suggested, and it only took a few minutes. Firefox worked right away. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help. Have a great weekend!

Tracy

I just updated to w8.1 & always use mozilla/firefox (don't like IE) all of sudden the increase/decrease blacked out! I keep getting flash player crashed also. I've downloaded (even tho 8.1don't need it so they say) latest version, have enabled hardware acceleration, have reset Firefox without addons & in safe-mode. Also troubleshoot compatibility & others nothing came up. What do I need to do to get my icons back in the upper right hand corner? Be waiting to hear from you, Thanx so much!!

Hi mgddebi, I'm afraid you won't get an answer to your question, because you posted it as an answer to my question, which I marked a few weeks ago as "solved." (At least I think I did :) It may be buried in my question and not get the attention it deserves. Please repost as a new question and I bet someone will be able to help you out! philipp was spot-on. Good luck! Tracy