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I hate Firefox Quantum, how do I get browsing back to normal?

  • 6 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by danjr33

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I absolutely hate everything about Quantum, except that it's fast. But if I wanted a fast browser, I would have switched to Chrome years ago. I've been a loyal Firefox as my main browser user for years because of other things that are now just gone, and I am very disappointed. I am using the current version of Quantum on Apple OSX.

I've searched online for help about this, but all I find are very general solutions (that I already know about) or click-baity articles talking about amazingly fast Quantum is. (It's actually not: it's about the same as Chrome, which is nice, but not worth the hassle of the rest of it being messed up.) Note: I am not an inexperienced or unaware Firefox user. I do web design. I can usually figure out problems myself. Etc.

I get upset just using my computer now, and it's really not OK.

Here are some specific problems:

1. Updating to Quantum removed the add-ons. This one is obvious, and others have talked about it, but this is the main reason I've been using Firefox. You're very close to losing a user here, just for that. That's why I used Firefox, not speed of course.

2. Updating reset the URL-bar autofill and similar preferences. I realize this sounds like a minor problem, and it's beginning to get refilled by using the browser often, but it's also incredibly annoying to have to fill these in again. I didn't realize how much I relied on that until this happened, but it's very important to me. The main reason is that I have some proxies (like through my university) to access paywalled (etc.) content, so that I could have previously typed in part of a URL and then changed the ending. For example, using a DOI to look up an academic article through my university's proxy. Now that works again because I manually repeated the URL enough times that it finally started filling it in automatically again. But other similar URLs are missing.

3. I would not complain so much if this was a one-time thing, but actually if I try to launch an older version of Firefox-- I tried to see if I could still use my add-ons when needed-- then it completely resets the new version as well. So just by OPENING the older version, all of my settings are reset in Quantum too, and I have to start over again. That's ridiculous. I would also like to see the option of running both simultaneously so I could have my add-ons in one window and current browsing in another, but I understand why that might be difficult. So while I would like access to the old version, now I refuse to open that app so it doesn't break my current app.

4. The worst part, and what I'd like the most help with, is why it keeps resetting my default "open with" applications FOR MY WHOLE COMPUTER. This is just infuriating, and every time it happens I consider deleting the Firefox app. This has happened to several kinds of files, but the one that I use often is PDFs. I want to open PDFs in Preview. Not Adobe Acrobat. But since Quantum, Acrobat keeps being re-selected as the default for my whole computer. Oddly this seems to be caused mostly by using print preview (via PDF). To reset this on the computer, I go to "Get Info" for any PDF file, then manually select Preview from the menu (it has disappeared from the default dropdown menu there oddly!), then I click "Change All..." to set that for all PDF files on the computer. And it works. But once I use Firefox again, either downloading a PDF, or using print preview (via PDF), often (not every time, but at least daily) everything is reset again, and Acrobat opens instead, and then ALL PDFs on my computer are opening with Acrobat again. That is not acceptable, and I'm tired of resetting this manually. I have of course set Preview as the default application in Firefox's preferences, but that doesn't seem to actually work.


I am hoping that maybe future updates, and add-on developers catching up, will make Quantum back to what it used to be. But I want to be very clear: if not, you're losing a user, and Firefox is going to end up extinct. Breaking it to try to catch up with other browsers was a horrible idea. You won't get new users because it's fast, and you also will lose your existing users because it no longer serves a different purpose. Very bad planning!

I cannot express how much of a negative impact this has had on my experience as a Firefox user. It was not a perfect browser before, but it did what I wanted. Sometimes when I had too many tabs open it would crash, and that was frustrating, but easily fixed by restarting it. Simple. Now it's fast but doesn't do the things I want, and it's messing up the settings on my computer. One step forward, two back. And I'm seriously considering abandoning Firefox for software that doesn't automatically update to an unusable state.

Oh, and a minor point: I hate the new look too. I don't want a fancy Firefox. I want my old Firefox back (try about 20 versions ago), rather than the constant tinkering to try to make it look cool. I find it invasive and pointless to change how the program looks, especially when it's just cosmetic. I'll deal with this because it doesn't really matter, but I want to say I'm not impressed by this either. As I said, I hate everything about Quantum, and I think you would find many other users who are having the same gut reaction to this mistake.

I absolutely hate everything about Quantum, except that it's fast. But if I wanted a fast browser, I would have switched to Chrome years ago. I've been a loyal Firefox as my main browser user for years because of other things that are now just gone, and I am very disappointed. I am using the current version of Quantum on Apple OSX. I've searched online for help about this, but all I find are very general solutions (that I already know about) or click-baity articles talking about amazingly fast Quantum is. (It's actually not: it's about the same as Chrome, which is nice, but not worth the hassle of the rest of it being messed up.) Note: I am not an inexperienced or unaware Firefox user. I do web design. I can usually figure out problems myself. Etc. I get upset just using my computer now, and it's really not OK. Here are some specific problems: 1. Updating to Quantum removed the add-ons. This one is obvious, and others have talked about it, but this is the main reason I've been using Firefox. You're very close to losing a user here, just for that. That's why I used Firefox, not speed of course. 2. Updating reset the URL-bar autofill and similar preferences. I realize this sounds like a minor problem, and it's beginning to get refilled by using the browser often, but it's also incredibly annoying to have to fill these in again. I didn't realize how much I relied on that until this happened, but it's very important to me. The main reason is that I have some proxies (like through my university) to access paywalled (etc.) content, so that I could have previously typed in part of a URL and then changed the ending. For example, using a DOI to look up an academic article through my university's proxy. Now that works again because I manually repeated the URL enough times that it finally started filling it in automatically again. But other similar URLs are missing. 3. I would not complain so much if this was a one-time thing, but actually if I try to launch an older version of Firefox-- I tried to see if I could still use my add-ons when needed-- then it completely resets the new version as well. So just by OPENING the older version, all of my settings are reset in Quantum too, and I have to start over again. That's ridiculous. I would also like to see the option of running both simultaneously so I could have my add-ons in one window and current browsing in another, but I understand why that might be difficult. So while I would like access to the old version, now I refuse to open that app so it doesn't break my current app. 4. The worst part, and what I'd like the most help with, is why it keeps resetting my default "open with" applications FOR MY WHOLE COMPUTER. This is just infuriating, and every time it happens I consider deleting the Firefox app. This has happened to several kinds of files, but the one that I use often is PDFs. I want to open PDFs in Preview. Not Adobe Acrobat. But since Quantum, Acrobat keeps being re-selected as the default for my whole computer. Oddly this seems to be caused mostly by using print preview (via PDF). To reset this on the computer, I go to "Get Info" for any PDF file, then manually select Preview from the menu (it has disappeared from the default dropdown menu there oddly!), then I click "Change All..." to set that for all PDF files on the computer. And it works. But once I use Firefox again, either downloading a PDF, or using print preview (via PDF), often (not every time, but at least daily) everything is reset again, and Acrobat opens instead, and then ALL PDFs on my computer are opening with Acrobat again. That is not acceptable, and I'm tired of resetting this manually. I have of course set Preview as the default application in Firefox's preferences, but that doesn't seem to actually work. I am hoping that maybe future updates, and add-on developers catching up, will make Quantum back to what it used to be. But I want to be very clear: if not, you're losing a user, and Firefox is going to end up extinct. Breaking it to try to catch up with other browsers was a horrible idea. You won't get new users because it's fast, and you also will lose your existing users because it no longer serves a different purpose. Very bad planning! I cannot express how much of a negative impact this has had on my experience as a Firefox user. It was not a perfect browser before, but it did what I wanted. Sometimes when I had too many tabs open it would crash, and that was frustrating, but easily fixed by restarting it. Simple. Now it's fast but doesn't do the things I want, and it's messing up the settings on my computer. One step forward, two back. And I'm seriously considering abandoning Firefox for software that doesn't automatically update to an unusable state. Oh, and a minor point: I hate the new look too. I don't want a fancy Firefox. I want my old Firefox back (try about 20 versions ago), rather than the constant tinkering to try to make it look cool. I find it invasive and pointless to change how the program looks, especially when it's just cosmetic. I'll deal with this because it doesn't really matter, but I want to say I'm not impressed by this either. As I said, I hate everything about Quantum, and I think you would find many other users who are having the same gut reaction to this mistake.

Modified by danjr33

All Replies (6)

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1) Can check if your addon is being updated still and when maybe available https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TFcEXMcKrwoIAECIVyBU0GPoSmRqZ7A0VBvqeKYVSww/edit#gid=0 and http://arewewebextensionsyet.com/#addons and looks for a alternative : https://mozilla.github.io/extension-finder/

https://www.howtogeek.com/333230/why-firefox-had-to-kill-your-favorite-extension/

Mozilla ok;s Extensions submitted by the Developers to be used with Firefox. They ok them only and give the Developer a web page to distribute their Extension from. This in no means that Firefox Support does the Developers Support when their page https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/video-downloadhelper/ has a Support link and a contact Link.

Note if go to the Extension site some sites say not compatible have seen some saying working on it. Also when there is a vacuum someone will fill it, matter of time.

2) As you say time will cure this inconvenience.

3) Can try running a 32 bit version and a 64bit version Current Release Firefox 57.0.1 with a Full Version Installer https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/

All versions of Firefox are being force updated Volunteer Support has no say or control over such things : To submit suggestions for new or changed features, may I suggest: Feedback: https://qsurvey.mozilla.com/s3/FirefoxInput/

Can also run a Developers Edition https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/developer/ which when finished installing has a compatibility mode so can run 2 versions.

Going back : unfortunately 56.0.2 and below is no longer safe to use for every day use do to secuity issues, but 52.5.0 ESR is. It will continue to get security updates until May 2018, and you can download and install it from this page: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/organizations/all/ Note : Legacy Extensions will be deleted or removed in any version update after May 2018.

You should make a backup of your Profile before going back and just because: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles

4) There maybe a little bug going on with this part. Copy/Paste about:preferences in to the Address Bar and Enter. Under Applications you choose what action you want Firefox to take with that type of file.

If you have a bug, file a bug report. https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/ Bug Writing Guidelines : https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Mozilla/QA/Bug_writing_guidelines

Have not heard of that one yet at all.

  • Changing Open File Preferences for your whole OS.

Am at a loss on this as am not a Mac person.

Please give your system a scan with this please : https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/

I gather this is not to important to you : https://www.howtogeek.com/333110/how-to-customize-firefox-quantum-and-remove-the-white-space-around-the-title-bar/ and https://www.howtogeek.com/334716/how-to-customize-firefoxs-user-interface-with-userchrome.css/ There are many, many ways coming out to change the look and feel. If get interested ask.

https://www.howtogeek.com/332449/whats-new-in-firefox-quantum/ https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/another-tor-browser-feature-makes-it-into-firefox-first-party-isolation/ https://www.howtogeek.com/334111/firefox-quantum-isnt-just-copying-chrome/

Since previous versions were using patched Netscape code it comes a long way from 5 yr development to now.

To submit suggestions for new or changed features, may I suggest: Feedback: https://qsurvey.mozilla.com/s3/FirefoxInput/

I have attempted to answer as best as possible and hope some of the suggests prove to be useful.

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

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Thank you for the reply. In general, waiting a while may fix it. Until then, I hate my browser.

Regarding 'Preferences' as a solution for #4, I've done that, and it doesn't help. One ("PDF file") is set to "preview in Firefox" (as desired), and the other ("Portable Document Format (PDF)") is set to "Always ask" (as desired). But instead of actually doing that, especially with print preview (via PDF), sometimes Adobe Acrobat pops open and then my whole system resets. Yes, maybe I should post a bug report for that problem. I agree it is very weird and would not expect that to be a problem, of course.

Modified by danjr33

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danjr33 said

Thank you for the reply. In general, waiting a while may fix it. Until then, I hate my browser. Regarding 'Preferences' as a solution for #4, I've done that, and it doesn't help. One ("PDF file") is set to "preview in Firefox" (as desired), and the other ("Portable Document Format (PDF)") is set to "Always ask" (as desired). But instead of actually doing that, especially with print preview (via PDF), sometimes Adobe Acrobat pops open and then my whole system resets. Yes, maybe I should post a bug report for that problem. I agree it is very weird and would not expect that to be a problem, of course.

Yes, I have seen a few of these but not seen a solution or would offer. Not seen it effect so many at one time also.

Is why provided the bug report info since can reproduce it it can be documented and maybe a fix in one of the nightly versions soon to test then will be in a update. Plus it is on a Mac so they may not have the info for that issue on it and documented.

Can always try this : Please : https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/export-firefox-bookmarks-to-backup-or-transfer and https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles then https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/refresh-firefox-reset-add-ons-and-settings TEST....... If no issues then Extensions which need to be added back in 1 at a time and tested ..... Or it is your Profile : Make a new one and test ...: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/profile-manager-create-and-remove-firefox-profiles

ummmmm...customizing it may help you enjoy it more when it is personalized the issue may not be so unbearable.

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

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Thank you. I have submitted a bug report. As for resetting things, I am worried about doing that now so I don't reset everything and lose it again (the URL autofills for example-- the actual saved bookmarks seem to be fine). I guess backing up my settings could be useful in case the next update decides to trash them again.

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danjr33 said

Thank you. I have submitted a bug report. As for resetting things, I am worried about doing that now so I don't reset everything and lose it again (the URL autofills for example-- the actual saved bookmarks seem to be fine). I guess backing up my settings could be useful in case the next update decides to trash them again.

Yes, that would do that to them all.

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Update: regarding the worst problem with default apps for file types on my system (especially PDF), I came across a solution elsewhere that seems to at least temporarily patch the problem, so I'm adding this note here in case it helps anyone else since the problem doesn't appear to be discussed online often and most search results are just the default (manual) way of resetting default apps.

The (partial?) solution involves the program Onyx rebuilding "LauncheServices". The details are here: https://forums.adobe.com/message/10117355

I'm still not a fan of Quantum, but at least that keeps the problems isolated to the browser rather than messing with my system. I'll also add that it is no longer clear that this originated in Firefox, since the other user with the same problem at that link didn't mention it. So it's unclear. But for me the problems began immediately when I updated Firefox, so maybe it corrupted LaunchServices in OSX somehow in the update.

Modified by danjr33