This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Avatar for Username

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

Hierdie gesprek is in die argief. Vra asseblief 'n nuwe vraag as jy hulp nodig het.

Firefox doesn't complete downloading of a file; locks up

Dennis1825
Dennis1825
more options

Every time I download a file from the Internet, about 5% away from completion, Firefox stops responding and locks up my computer. I go to task manager or click the close buttons; get a message saying Firefox is not responding. I shut down the computer; restart and when I attempt to open up Firefox I get a message indicating I have to restart the computer. So that gives me two restarts before I can get the download again. At that time, two downloads are starting. This happens every time I go to download a file from the Internet.

I am using Windows 8; 32 bit Firefox (should be using 64 bit); version 17.0.1 on a dual monitor setup

Every time I download a file from the Internet, about 5% away from completion, Firefox stops responding and locks up my computer. I go to task manager or click the close buttons; get a message saying Firefox is not responding. I shut down the computer; restart and when I attempt to open up Firefox I get a message indicating I have to restart the computer. So that gives me two restarts before I can get the download again. At that time, two downloads are starting. This happens every time I go to download a file from the Internet. I am using Windows 8; 32 bit Firefox (should be using 64 bit); version 17.0.1 on a dual monitor setup

All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Mozilla does not build a 64-bit version of Firefox for Windows, I think because of plugin compatibility concerns. The 32-bit version should work.

Could you try disabling Firefox's built-in virus scan feature? This submits the download to your antivirus software and there could be a problem with the hand-off. Most antivirus software will scan the download anyway, so this feature is redundant if your software supports "real time" scanning. (Which it should!!)

(1) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter. Click the button promising to be careful.

(2) In the filter box, type or paste scan and pause while the list is filtered

(3) Double-click browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone to switch its value from true to false. You're done with about:config.

Does it make any difference?

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

Here are some other things to check if that doesn't help: What to do if you can't download or save files.