What's your computer system and Firefox version?

Please explain the problem in detail. What happens? Error messages?

Let’s do a full clean re-install;

Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}

Save the file. Then Close Firefox.

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)

Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac

Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux

If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do Not remove the profiles folder.

Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia

If you are using Windows XP,

As of Firefox 53 in March 2017, WinXP and Vista won't be supported any longer. http://www.ghacks.net/2016/09/27/firefox-53-no-support-for-windows-xp-or-vista/

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/end-support-windows-xp-and-vista?cache=no

Install Older Version Of Firefox {web link} Be sure to read everything here.

If you still want to downgrade, look under; I still want to downgrade. Click the Directory of other versions and languages link. Look for the directory of the version that you want. But, remember that old versions may have security issues.

You should also check out Firefox; Extended Support Release {web link} ESR Notes System Requirements

I use Windows XP and had a recent version of FIrefox working perfectly OK until this happened. I cannot run the reinstall program because it tells me Firefox is open and I need to close it though there are NO ERROR MESSAGES to confirm this. All I get when I click on the Firefox icon is the hourglass for a few seconds and then NOTHING. Chrome works fine, but I much prefer Firefox, which had all my bookmarks.

Reboot the computer, then run the installer.

Exactly the same result, hourglass runs for a few seconds, then nothing. If I look at the task manager it tells me there are no applications running, and the only relevant process is firefox.exe.

Start your Computer in safe mode. Then start Firefox. Try Safe websites. Is the problem still there?

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode Starting Any Computer In Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia

Firefox opened in safe mode (thank you for the link to Linux on how to do this - you assumed correctly that I am computer illiterate) but when I restarted in normal mode the problem was exactly the same.

It could be the work of one of your add-ons. Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control> (Mac=<Command>) <Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Disable a few add-ons, then Restart Firefox.

Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All Of them.

If the problem continues, disable some more (restarting FF). Continue until the problem is gone. After, you know what group is causing the issue. Re-enable the last group ONE AT A TIME (restarting FF) until the problem returns.

Once you think you found the problem, disable that and re-enable all the others, then restart again. Let us know who the suspect is, detective.

According to Firefox I have only 2 extensions, both of which have been deactivated as incompatible with Firefox. All the addons have "ask to activate/always activate/never activate" as options and all are set to ask to activate.

I am having to reboot every time, switching from normal to safe mode, as safe has no internet connection

Try disabling graphics hardware acceleration in Firefox. Since this feature was added to Firefox it has gradually improved but there are still a few glitches.

You will need to restart Firefox for this to take effect so save all work first (e.g., mail you are composing, online documents you're editing, etc.,) and then perform these steps:

In Firefox 54 and below:

1. Click the menu button and select Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac, Linux).
2. Select the Advanced panel and the General tab.
3. Uncheck Use hardware acceleration when available.
4. Close Firefox completely and then restart Firefox to see if the problem persists.

In Firefox 55 and above:

1. Click the menu button and select Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac, Linux).
2. Select the General panel.
3. Under Performance, uncheck Use recommended performance settings. Additional settings will be displayed.

   

4. Uncheck Use hardware acceleration when available.
5. Close Firefox completely and then restart Firefox to see if the problem persists.

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

If the problem is resolved, you should check for updates for your graphics driver by following the steps mentioned in these Knowledge base articles:

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

• Upgrade your graphics drivers to use hardware acceleration and WebGL

Thank you.

I can only open Firefox in safe mode

When I open the options menu under general are options for scrolling and under advanced are selecting home page. Nothing about display.

I am having to close the computer and restart every time, switching from safe to normal, as only in normal can I open email, using a horrible clunky version of Chrome.

I suspect because I can only view the internet in normal, and open Firefox in safe that most of he information you require is not displayed. I am at the point of giving up and looking for another browser.

I called for more help.

Start the Computer in Safe Mode. Open the Programs Folder and remove the Mozilla and Firefox folders.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)

After, reboot the computer.

Done that. Now do I download Firefox or what? This presupposes that the problem was something in the (now deleted) old FIrefox

Now install Firefox. If it works, great.

If there is still a problem,

Use these links to create a new profile. Use this new profile as is. Is the problem still there?

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox#Navigating_to_the_profile_folder

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-run-firefox-when-profile-missing-inaccessible

Type about:profiles<enter> in the address bar.

This is all too much for a bear of very little brain. I could not even find "windows login" in Documents and settings!

farang9 said

I could not even find "windows login" in Documents and settings!

Windows login is when you log onto Windows.

Have you reinstalled Firefox? What happens?

Exactly the same as before - hourglass runs for a few seconds, then nothing. If I use WIndows task manager to check processes it shows firefox.exe is running, but that's all.

I'm out of ideas.

Sadly I have uninstalled Firefox and am running Opera instead. Lost all my bookmarks, so it will be "fun" trying to remember them. Google search will be working overtime!

It may be related to your profile. Can you try to manage your data as exlained in this page and then reinstall Firefox ?