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Updated to V 41.0 (win 7) then updated Flash. Hangs up every time.
After updating both, Firefox hangs (not responding) every time running Flash. I tried refresh.-didn't help. Then uninstalled/reinstalled Firefox, still hangs. Settings in Flash already match suggested settings in troubleshooting articles. Was working perfectly until I updated Firefox this morning. Is there a way to roll back to previous version? Read other threads which suggest driver issues and/or Windows version of Flash, etc. But EVERYTHING was working until the Firefox update. What can I do?
All Replies (9)
In your troubleshooting, did you disable the protected mode feature of the Flash player plugin. That feature has security benefits, but seems to have serious compatibility issues on some systems. You can disable it using the Add-ons page. Either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Plugins. On the right side, find "Shockwave Flash" and click the More link. Then uncheck the box for "Enable Adobe Flash protected mode" and try that for a day to see whether it helps.
Thank you for your time and suggestion. I found the Protected Mode option and it is selected. However, after reading the security reason why it is suggested, I do not want to disable it. As I said in my original post, Flash worked GREAT with previous Firefox version. It still works great with IE. Seems clear it is the updated version of Firefox. Is there a way to roll back or reinstall previous version? If not, I will be forced to go to different browser until Firefox fix.
There is a way to install any old version of Firefox, but for security reasons, it is not recommended. Security vs. security!
Maybe you'd like to try out a different variant of Firefox called the Extended Support Release (ESR). This is designed for companies that require a longer cycle time between feature changes, and currently is based on Firefox 38. It will get security updates over the next several months, but not get new features, so changes in Firefox 41 related to add-on compatibility will not kick in for quite a while.
If you decide to try it, here is how I suggest installing it:
Clean Reinstall
We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent, corrupted, or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.
(A) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 38.3.0esr from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/organizations/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(B) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).
(C) Rename the program folder, either:
(64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\Fx41
(32-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files\Fx41
(D) Run the installer you downloaded in (A). It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Success?
Note: Some plugins may exist only in that old folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- \Fx41\Plugins
- \Fx41\browser\plugins
I again want to thank you for the time you spent on the thoughtful responses. However, seems more "hassle" than needed just to get a browser to work well again. I will check for updates to this post and to Firefox, but will use different browser until Mozilla applies fix. Thanks
Well, unfortunately, since we haven't actually identified what is wrong with your Firefox+Flash, it would be pure luck if it happens to get fixed. Here's hoping!
That is true. Guess since there is nothing unusual about my settings, software, etc. and was working until the moment I applied update-think it may continue to be an issue for other users. You did mention there was a way to go back to previous version of Firefox. Understand security question...but could you please tell me how to do it? Thanks again
Hi Michelese, to use an older version of Firefox, you would download its full installer and run that. It should discover your existing settings automatically. However, sometimes settings files change format between versions, so downgrading sometimes causes a little data loss. I don't think any important data (e.g., bookmarks, saved passwords) is at risk going back to Firefox 40.
For a link to the installers, please see this article: Install an older version of Firefox.
Great thanks. I would gladly give up smaller items to stop hanging up...