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If Firefox keeps crashing when you try to start it and other solutions don't work, a clean reinstall can often fix the problem.

A ''crash'' is what happens when Firefox closes or quits unexpectedly and the [[Mozilla Crash Reporter|Mozilla Crash Reporter]] appears. If Firefox keeps crashing when you open it, this article will show you how to get it working again. Other problems with crashing: * If Firefox starts without crashing but then crashes later on, see the [[Troubleshoot Firefox crashes (closing or quitting unexpectedly)]] article for solutions. * If Firefox won't start at all, but the Mozilla Crash Reporter appears, see the [[Firefox won't start - find solutions]] article for other possible fixes. __TOC__ {for not fx88} = See if you can start in Firefox Safe Mode = As a first step you should see if Firefox starts in [[Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode|Firefox Safe Mode]]. This special startup mode temporarily turns off hardware acceleration among other settings and disables installed extensions that may prevent Firefox from starting. If you can start in Firefox Safe Mode, see the article [[Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems]] for solutions. = Try a clean install = If crashes are preventing you from starting Firefox, even in Firefox Safe Mode, a clean install will often fix the problem. {note}'''Will I lose my bookmarks, passwords and add-ons?''' A clean install will not delete your bookmarks, saved passwords, add-ons or other personal information. This information is stored separately in your [[Profiles - Where Firefox stores your bookmarks, passwords and other user data|profile]] folder.{/note} Here's how to do a clean install of Firefox: {/for} {for fx88} = See if you can start in Firefox Troubleshoot Mode= As a first step you should see if Firefox starts in [[Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode|Firefox Troubleshoot Mode]]. This special startup mode temporarily turns off hardware acceleration among other settings and disables installed extensions that may prevent Firefox from starting. If you can start in Firefox Troubleshoot Mode, see the article [[Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems]] for solutions. = Try a clean install = If crashes are preventing you from starting Firefox, even in Firefox Troubleshoot Mode, a clean install will often fix the problem. {note}'''Will I lose my bookmarks, passwords and add-ons?''' A clean install will not delete your bookmarks, saved passwords, add-ons or other personal information. This information is stored separately in your [[Profiles - Where Firefox stores your bookmarks, passwords and other user data|profile]] folder.{/note} Here's how to do a clean install of Firefox: {/for} {for win} #[[Uninstall Firefox from your computer]]. #Delete the Firefox installation folder (normally located in one of these folders by default): #*C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox #*C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox #[[Image:download firefox win 32x32|link=https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/new/]][https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/new/ Download a fresh copy of Firefox]. #Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the prompts to continue the installation process. For more information on how to install Firefox, see [[How to install Firefox on Windows]]. {/for} {for mac} #Delete Firefox from the ''Applications'' folder. #[[Image:mac download 32x32|link=https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/new/]][https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/new/ Download a fresh copy of Firefox]. #Open the downloaded file and drag the Firefox icon to the ''Applications'' folder when prompted. For more information on installing Firefox, see [[How to download and install Firefox on Mac]]. {/for} {for linux} #Use your distributor's package management system to uninstall Firefox (please refer to their documentation). If that doesn't work, delete the ''firefox'' folder from your ''Home'' folder. #* Often the Firefox folder is within a hidden ''.mozilla'' folder. See also [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders#Linux] <!-- folder names case sensitive and likely in this instance to be lowercase for Firefox & Mozilla (but Home=Home)--> #Install Firefox through your package management system or follow these steps to manually install Firefox: #* [[Image:download linux 32x32|link=https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/new/]][https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/new/ Download a fresh copy of Firefox]. #* Extract the file to your ''Home'' folder. #* For more detailed instructions also see [[Install Firefox on Linux]]. {/for} = Uninstall software known to cause crashes = Some programs are known to cause crashes in Firefox and other browsers. Check your computer and remove any malware or software that might be causing problems: *Check the [https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/releases/ release notes] to see if there are any known issues for your version of Firefox. Check your computer's instructions on how to uninstall software that's causing problems. *Scan your computer for malware. Check the support site of your antivirus program for help with scanning and removing malware. For more information, see [[Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware]]. = Get help fixing the problem = If you need more help, you can ask a question in the support forum. If possible, please include a crash Report ID when you post your question. See [[Troubleshoot Firefox crashes (closing or quitting unexpectedly)#w_get-help-fixing-this-crash|Get help fixing this crash]] for details.