Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

How to get Firefox working again

  • 3 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 7 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

more options

When I attempt to start Firefox, no window launches but Firefox.exe is listed in task manager. I have attempted starting in Firefox safe mode (FFSM) and I get a dialog box allowing reset to default settings and run in safe mode but get the same result (no window but shows in task manager. I AM able to start and run FF in windows safe mode (WSM). When I did I disabled all extensions and hardware acceleration. Went back to Windows in normal mode and attempted to start FF again with the same results. The use of the same name for Firefox and Windows reduced functionality (safe mode) is unfortunate since it has led to confusion in any forums I have visited. I am running Vista business edition with all service packs installed and all software updated, including extensions. I have tried uninstalling Firefox and reinstalling with no luck. Any other suggestions?

When I attempt to start Firefox, no window launches but Firefox.exe is listed in task manager. I have attempted starting in Firefox safe mode (FFSM) and I get a dialog box allowing reset to default settings and run in safe mode but get the same result (no window but shows in task manager. I AM able to start and run FF in windows safe mode (WSM). When I did I disabled all extensions and hardware acceleration. Went back to Windows in normal mode and attempted to start FF again with the same results. The use of the same name for Firefox and Windows reduced functionality (safe mode) is unfortunate since it has led to confusion in any forums I have visited. I am running Vista business edition with all service packs installed and all software updated, including extensions. I have tried uninstalling Firefox and reinstalling with no luck. Any other suggestions?

All Replies (3)

more options

Hello,

Try Firefox Safe Mode to see if the problem goes away. Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode, which disables most add-ons.

(If you're not using it, switch to the Default theme.)

  • You can open Firefox 4.0+ in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
  • Or open the Help menu and click on the Restart with Add-ons Disabled... menu item while Firefox is running.

Once you get the pop-up, just select "'Start in Safe Mode"

If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, and you need to figure out which one. Please follow the Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems article for that.

To exit the Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before opening Firefox for normal use again.

When you figure out what's causing your issues, please let us know. It might help other users who have the same problem.

Thank you.

more options

Does Firefox show up on the Windows Task Bar as though there should be a window, but no window is visible? Or is there zero visible evidence that Firefox is running?

If you get a Task Bar button, perhaps even with a preview, check out the tips in this thread for when Firefox is off-screen: When I go to open firefox it shows up on my tool bar but not on my screen where is it?

Does it make any difference if you start Firefox by double-clicking a web page shortcut instead of the Firefox program icon? Or if you start Firefox from the Start menu search box using firefox.exe about:blank and pressing Enter?

more options

I had a problem like this several times with some of the programs I run. The program shows on the task bar, but no window. It turns out that the window has open but guess where it was.......It was off the screen where it could not be seen, Why, I will never know. Anyway, try this; Right click the tab for the program. Select MOVE then wait. Using the arrow keys only, move the window back where you can get at it. Hope this helps.