Some problems occur when your Internet security program was set to trust the previous version of Firefox, but no longer recognizes your updated version as trusted. Now how to fix the problem: To allow Firefox to connect to the Internet again;

• Make sure your Internet security software is up-to-date (i.e. you are running the latest version).
• Remove Firefox from your program's list of trusted or recognized programs. For detailed instructions, see

Configure firewalls so that Firefox can access the Internet. {web link}

Adding firefox to the firewall had no effect.

Try to start Firefox in Safe Mode to see if that works.

• Windows: hold down the Shift key while starting Firefox
• Mac: hold down the Options key while starting Firefox

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-using-safe-mode

Boot the computer in Windows Safe mode with network support to see if that has effect in case security software is causing problems.

• http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/
• http://www.7tutorials.com/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10

Firefox will not even start in safe mode. I have attempted to use the run command from the start menu in one of the help topics I ran across. When I attempted to run in safe mode it still hangs - it shows it is running in task manager. When I attempt to end process, it will not close and I have to restart the machine.

Did you try starting the Computer in Safe Mode with networking?

Okay, I was able to start Windows in safe mode with networking and that allowed Firefox to run.

Prior to this issue, I never had to deal with the Windows 7 settings. Anyone have an idea what I need to alter to let Firefox to run in the regular Windows home premium environment?

As a test, disable your protection programs. Then try to access this website.

First, thanks for taking the time to respond.

I will give it a shot. I have seen more of the innards of the win 7 OS than I ever thought I would want to the last few days...

Anyone have any other ideas? I have tried disabling the firewall, changed firewall settings, and have done windows safe mode with networking which is how I am able to enter this message.

When I try starting firefox normally, it just hangs up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Likely to not make a difference as Firefox should work fine on Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit just fine.

You could try the portable Firefox version as it can be run on internal storage drive (like a HDD, SSD, M.2) or even say off a usb flash drive.

https://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable

It is basically the same Firefox but with a custom launcher that keeps the Profile and Firefox self contained, hence why you can run completely off a external device.

Did you disable all of your protection programs?