The fact that the plugin container causes problems tends to indicate that some other software (the plugin such as say FlashPlayer is having problems.)

I note you have FlashPlayer, Quick Time and other things installed.

I have an old XP with less than 1GB RAM and that often has no problems with firefox. Try disabling the Plugins, and for that matter the add-ons to try to find which ones cause problems. Also try to work out whether the problem is only on certain sites.

• see troubleshooting plugins
• and troubleshooting extensions and themes
• also firefox hangs

How much RAM is on the computer, firefox 3.6 needed less than firefox 5.

Thanks for the fast response. I'll try some tweeking. Though there might be a quick fix. I can't imagine I'm the only person with this problem.

The "quick fix" is to disable out-of-process-plugins, which could cause Firefox to crash instead of only the process which is causing a problem.

http://kb.mozillazine.org/Plugin-container_and_out-of-process_plugins#Disabling_crash_protection

Thanks. Will post when I sort the problem. Ta for all the advise guys.

Well, after disabling 8 plugins and 3 extensions, restarting them one at a time, I discovered "reloadevery" v5.0.0 was producing my seize up problem. I removed it, restarted FireFox, reinstated the extension, all was well. Interestingly enough, this extension didn't always show up in the extensions list. Thankyou for all advice guys, much appreciated.