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FireFox is using too much memory causing programs to freeze

  • 5 replies
  • 9 have this problem
  • 10 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

KEFCOPRES
KEFCOPRES
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Since a few updates ago, Firefox has been consuming more and more memory to the point where it freezes or causes other programs to freeze. It doesn't matter how many programs are open or if the browser is all that's open. It would take usually 15-20 minutes. Since the 55 update a few days ago, it now does it in about 5 minutes. One thing I noticed is a while back about the time this started, I started showing two entries for Firefox on the task manager as appears in the attached screenshot. the top one normally is higher and it has gotten over 1G at times. And if I end the bottom one, both close, but if I end the top one the bottom one stays open. I've tried reinstalling, but that did nothing. Well I tried uploading a screenshot of my Task Manager, but it won't load. And I've had to shut down the browser twice since starting this and the second time was with only this and Task Manager running. It may load when I submit it, but the top entry was at 804,032k and the one below was 152,852k. I would appreciate any help. Be aware that I am a heating, cooling, plumbing contractor so it may be a day or two for me to be able to respond.

Since a few updates ago, Firefox has been consuming more and more memory to the point where it freezes or causes other programs to freeze. It doesn't matter how many programs are open or if the browser is all that's open. It would take usually 15-20 minutes. Since the 55 update a few days ago, it now does it in about 5 minutes. One thing I noticed is a while back about the time this started, I started showing two entries for Firefox on the task manager as appears in the attached screenshot. the top one normally is higher and it has gotten over 1G at times. And if I end the bottom one, both close, but if I end the top one the bottom one stays open. I've tried reinstalling, but that did nothing. Well I tried uploading a screenshot of my Task Manager, but it won't load. And I've had to shut down the browser twice since starting this and the second time was with only this and Task Manager running. It may load when I submit it, but the top entry was at 804,032k and the one below was 152,852k. I would appreciate any help. Be aware that I am a heating, cooling, plumbing contractor so it may be a day or two for me to be able to respond.

All Replies (5)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Separate Issue; Your System Details shows;

Installed Plug-ins

Shockwave Flash 16.0 r0 Shockwave Flash 18.0 r0 Shockwave Flash 26.0 r0
Having more than one version of a program may cause issues. You must remove the older programs. Then get the current full installer.

Flash: Grab the uninstaller from here:

http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-windows.html Uninstall Flash Player | Windows

http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-mac-os.html Uninstall Flash Player | Mac

Then reinstall the latest version.

Note: Windows users should download the active_x for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the active_x.

Flash Player Version 26.0.0.151

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} by holding down the <Shift> (Mac=Options) key, and then starting Firefox.

A small dialog should appear. Click Start In Safe Mode (not Refresh). Is the problem still there?

https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Firefox+is+already+running+but+is+not+responding

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-slow-how-make-it-faster

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-uses-too-many-cpu-resources-how-fix

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-hangs-or-not-responding

KEFCOPRES
KEFCOPRES Question owner
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Thanks for your help FredMcD. Removing the flash seemed to help or at least slowed down the rate. I may back to where it will take longer to build up to the point of freezing. I still have the two entries for firefox.exe*32. the upper one is fluctuating between 120000-300000k and the lower 50000-175000k. Starting in safe mode appeared to have had no effect that I could tell. I haven't froze up since I tried your suggestions, so it is a definite improvement. I'll see once I have several tabs open for my supply houses, tech support sites. Thanks again. I appreciate your help.

KEFCOPRES
KEFCOPRES Question owner
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Nope. I opened a few (3) and both were above 400000k. Closed those and dropped back to 350000 and 220000k.

Modified by KEFCOPRES

FredMcD
FredMcD
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More than one process is normal for the current Firefox. http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/22/multi-process-firefox/

Multi-process Firefox is codenamed "e10s". https://wiki.mozilla.org/Firefox/multiprocess


Try to disable multi-process tabs in Firefox. You can disable multi-process tabs in Firefox by setting the related prefs to false on the about:config page.

browser.tabs.remote.autostart = false browser.tabs.remote.autostart.2 = false

http://www.ghacks.net/2016/07/22/multi-process-firefox/

Type about:config<enter> in the address bar. If a warning screen comes up, press the Be Careful button. At the top of the screen is a search bar.