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Firefox causes BSOD every time I launch it on Windows 8.1

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  • 4 have this problem
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  • Last reply by moonsword17

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Every time I start Firefox, it will run just fine for about 30 seconds or so, then my computer freezes and crashes with a BSOD. I have tried turning off hardware acceleration,running sfc /scannow, running chkdsk, defragging, reinstalling Firefox, and updating every driver I could find on my machine. It still crashes the computer. The BSOD error is DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION, which is what led me to trying these various solutions. Has anyone else on here had a similar problem? The Firefox version is 56.0.2 64-bit.

Every time I start Firefox, it will run just fine for about 30 seconds or so, then my computer freezes and crashes with a BSOD. I have tried turning off hardware acceleration,running sfc /scannow, running chkdsk, defragging, reinstalling Firefox, and updating every driver I could find on my machine. It still crashes the computer. The BSOD error is DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION, which is what led me to trying these various solutions. Has anyone else on here had a similar problem? The Firefox version is 56.0.2 64-bit.

Chosen solution

I decided to switch browsers. Thank you for taking the time to try and assist me with this issue.

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All Replies (5)

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Please consider turning on send info to Mozilla before posting a question. This helps us help you. As I have no info from your system that would help see things that cause issues. This would have provided me with important information.

BSOD DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION is usually associated to Windows 10 or the OS as well Anti-virus program issues.

So since no info... What A/V program are you using ? Have you update or can you update the drivers for the motherboard ? Cpu-Z https://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html will provide info on make and model. Go to the manufactures site to see if they have a driver page that is up still. Alternatively go to the maker of the systems site for support if a page still is there.

Use GPU-Z to find out make and model of your Graphics Card https://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/ Update the drivers.

Try : Repair System Registry and Files

(FOR DOING Above & Below - WINDOWS All OTHER VERSIONS - Use Search To Find Command Prompt ** Enter CMD.exe to Find COMMAND PROMPT Then Right Click & RUN AS ADMIN)

To run the SFC command use the Windows key + X keyboard shortcut to open the Power User menu and select Command Prompt (Admin). Type "SFC /SCANNOW" (without quotes or copy/paste) and press Enter. For more information on using SFC, please refer to the Microsoft KB: Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files

Run the Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools as Administrator. The DISM and SFC tools scan the integrity of the Windows image and all protected system files replaces corrupted, damaged and incorrect versions. (FOR DOING Above & Below - WINDOWS All OTHER VERSIONS - Use Search To Find Command Prompt ** Enter CMD.exe to Find COMMAND PROMPT Then Right Click & RUN AS ADMIN) Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" (without quotes or copy/paste) and press Enter.

Note : SFC fixes files locally using files found on your system. Note : DISM goes up to Microsoft for new ones.

Please go to Device manager then click view then Show Hidden Devices. See if you have any yellow triangles there and tell me what they are on.

Also : https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-extensions-themes-to-fix-problems?redirectlocale=en-US&redirectslug=Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes

and https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-crashes-asking-support Read how to copy the bp- file as a url and reply with it please.

Report back about this please : https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/bluescreen-error-dpcwatchdogviolation/100cb707-0716-40d4-88a8-7bf9dd8f836d?auth=1

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

Modified by Shadow110

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In case you want to read up more on that issue, here are some threads on Microsoft's forums via Google:

DPC_WATCHDOG_VIOLATION site:answers.microsoft.com - Google Search

Something else to consider

One of the main effects of the Firefox 56.0.1 update was to migrate 64-bit Windows users from the traditional 32-bit version of Firefox to the 64-bit version. We've received a number of puzzling reports of Firefox either not starting (probably due to incompatibilities with 64-bit drivers that Firefox expects/requires) or not loading any pages after this migration. And in a few cases, crashes.

If system file checks and updates do not help, it is worth trying a return to 32-bit Firefox.

While normally this kind of change is seamless -- the installer detects your existing data and preserves everything -- you might want to make a backup "just in case."

Note: If you decide to try 64-bit Firefox on the same system at some point in the future, see: How to switch from 32-bit to 64-bit Firefox.

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@jschser2000

I tried installing the 32 bit version, but unfortunately, it refuses to load. Are there any other options available? I didn't bother with a backup since I'm really not losing much data. I just need to be able to use firefox for school.

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Since your issues and age of system and your OS moving to the Extended Release Version 52.4.1 would be appropriate. It receives critical updates but no fancy looks.

https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/organizations/all/

Please let us know if this solved your issue or if need further assistance.

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Chosen Solution

I decided to switch browsers. Thank you for taking the time to try and assist me with this issue.