If you didn't have Firefox on this laptop before, then you would only have completely new stuff in your cache and cookies.

How far do you get with Gmail: does the login page work? https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=mail

Do other Google pages work normally?

other Google pages work but I can't get to the sign in page for Gmail

other Google pages work and no I cannot get to the Gmail sign in page

other Google pages work and no I cannot get to the Gmail sign in page

So this link just times out, or is there any other error message?

https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=mail

Could you try two other tests:

• Load the page in a private browsing window, assuming you are currently in a regular window. You can do that by right-clicking the link (or long-pressing, if more applicable to Mac) and choosing Open Link in New Private Window. This will bypass any existing cached files and cookies set by Google in your normal windows.

• Try the site in Firefox's Safe Mode. That's a standard diagnostic tool to deactivate extensions and some advanced features of Firefox. More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. See below.

You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

• "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
• Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

Not all add-ons are disabled: Flash and other plugins still run

After Firefox shuts down, a small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Reset).

Any difference?

I ran Onyx and repaired permissions, scripts, etc and it works now. Thanks very much for the support, everyone.