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.

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

On Firefox startup, homepage automatically moves to new page showing Error 404; however backspace button takes me back to homepage; fix?

  • 4 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by dkeltner

more options

Had the same homepage for several years; problem just started a few days ago with no warning. Tried reloading Firefox with no resolution. If I type in the URL for the homepage, it still moves to a new page showing Error 404 and backspace takes me to the homepage, but only with Firefox and only on this computer. Problem does not repeat with either Explorer or Firefox on another computer.

Had the same homepage for several years; problem just started a few days ago with no warning. Tried reloading Firefox with no resolution. If I type in the URL for the homepage, it still moves to a new page showing Error 404 and backspace takes me to the homepage, but only with Firefox and only on this computer. Problem does not repeat with either Explorer or Firefox on another computer.

Chosen solution

Clear the cache and remove cookies only from websites that cause problems.

"Clear the Cache":

  • Firefox/Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Cached Web Content: "Clear Now"

"Remove Cookies" from sites causing problems:

  • Firefox/Tools > Options > Privacy > "Use custom settings for history" > Cookies: "Show Cookies"

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

  • Switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance
  • Do NOT click the Reset button on the Safe Mode start window
Read this answer in context 👍 2

All Replies (4)

more options

Hi dkeltner, Is it possible to change the homepage then change it back to make sure that the url is still current. Please use How to set the home page for quick reference.

more options

No joy. Again, this only happens with Firefox. And yesterday, it started with another site I visit frequently. Uninstalling and reinstalling Firefox doesn't cure the problem either.

more options

Chosen Solution

Clear the cache and remove cookies only from websites that cause problems.

"Clear the Cache":

  • Firefox/Tools > Options > Advanced > Network > Cached Web Content: "Clear Now"

"Remove Cookies" from sites causing problems:

  • Firefox/Tools > Options > Privacy > "Use custom settings for history" > Cookies: "Show Cookies"

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

  • Switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance
  • Do NOT click the Reset button on the Safe Mode start window
more options

Success. Many thanks.