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I can't watch NBC TV episodes because of ad-blocking. I don't see an ad-block plug-in, ad-on, or extension in Firefox. Help?

  • 6 replies
  • 1 has this problem
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  • Last reply by EdMc

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Tried to watch NBC television episodes but get this message-

"Sorry, we can't play this video in its intended experience because we're unable to load the accompanying message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and try loading the page again."

I don't have any ad blocking programs on my PC that I know of. I am able to watch the NBC episodes on Internet Explorer. Is there something in Firefox that's preventing me from viewing the television episodes?

Tried to watch NBC television episodes but get this message- "Sorry, we can't play this video in its intended experience because we're unable to load the accompanying message from our sponsors. If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and try loading the page again." I don't have any ad blocking programs on my PC that I know of. I am able to watch the NBC episodes on Internet Explorer. Is there something in Firefox that's preventing me from viewing the television episodes?
Attached screenshots

All Replies (6)

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One adblocker on one browser doesn't affect another browser. The screen says there is a adblocker type software installed.

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Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.

  • switch to the DEFAULT theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Appearance
  • do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Safe Mode start window

You can try these steps in case of issues with web pages:

You can reload web page(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.

  • hold down the Shift key and left-click the Reload button
  • press "Ctrl + F5" or press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows,Linux)
  • press "Command + Shift + R" (Mac)

Clear the cache and remove the Cookies from websites that cause problems via the "3-bar" Firefox menu button (Options/Preferences).

"Clear the cache:

  • Options/Preferences -> Privacy & Security -> Cached Web Content: "Clear Now"

"Remove the Cookies" from websites that cause problems.

  • Options/Preferences -> Privacy & Security -> "Use custom settings for history" -> cookies: "Show cookies"

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.

  • switch to the DEFAULT theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Appearance
  • do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Safe Mode start window
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cor-el said

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.
  • switch to the DEFAULT theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Appearance
  • do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Safe Mode start window
You can try these steps in case of issues with web pages: You can reload web page(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.
  • hold down the Shift key and left-click the Reload button
  • press "Ctrl + F5" or press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows,Linux)
  • press "Command + Shift + R" (Mac)
Clear the cache and remove the Cookies from websites that cause problems via the "3-bar" Firefox menu button (Options/Preferences). "Clear the cache:
  • Options/Preferences -> Privacy & Security -> Cached Web Content: "Clear Now"
"Remove the Cookies" from websites that cause problems.
  • Options/Preferences -> Privacy & Security -> "Use custom settings for history" -> cookies: "Show cookies"
Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.
  • switch to the DEFAULT theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Appearance
  • do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Safe Mode start window

When I start Firefox in Safe Mode, I AM able to watch NBC episodes. When I went back to regular Firefox and cleared the cache & NBC cookies, I still was NOT able to view the episodes. There is still something in Firefox that is preventing me from watching NBC television shows.

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That is weird since it is likely an extension issue if you would believe the warning.

Are you using Private Browsing mode?

Do you see a shield icon on the Navigation Toolbar indicating that Tracking Protection is actively blocking content?

I don't think that hardware acceleration could be causing this, but you can still give it a try.

Close and restart Firefox after modifying the setting to make the change effective.


You can create a new profile to test if your current profile is causing the problem.

See "Creating a profile":

If the new profile works then you can transfer files from a previously used profile to the new profile, but be cautious not to copy corrupted files to avoid carrying over problems.

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Not in Private Browsing, no shield in the Navigation Toolbar, and unchecking the "Use hardware acceleration when available" box did not solve the problem. I don't feel comfortable with the "Create a new profile" idea - guess I'll just have to watch the NBC episodes in Firefox Safe Mode?

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I figured it out. I have DISCONNECT and simply added NBC.com as a WHITELIST site. Thanks for all your feedback & help!