We're calling on all EU-based Mozillians with iOS or iPadOS devices to help us monitor Apple’s new browser choice screens. Join the effort to hold Big Tech to account!

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

upgraded to FF 38.0.1 and now can't open windows at all except in safe mode.

  • 6 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 26 views
  • Last reply by ideato

jf001
jf001
more options

Since upgrading to 38.0.1, after prompt for upgrade last week, I can't open windows at all except in safe mode. The problem started with Firefox hanging and crashing frequently. I've now uninstalled/deleted firefox but still the same prob.

I'm using win xp. Been all way through the win xp troubleshooting help guide, except for reinstalling xp which sounds a bit scary..

Can't do a system restore for some reason and after going through the help guide now for some reason all the restore points are erased!

I did 2 scans for viruses but nothing is showing.

Can this be a result of FF? Was there an upgrade notification last week or did I download something nasty?

I'm not techie so I'm now clueless. Any help appreciated.

With thanks.

Since upgrading to 38.0.1, after prompt for upgrade last week, I can't open windows at all except in safe mode. The problem started with Firefox hanging and crashing frequently. I've now uninstalled/deleted firefox but still the same prob. I'm using win xp. Been all way through the win xp troubleshooting help guide, except for reinstalling xp which sounds a bit scary.. Can't do a system restore for some reason and after going through the help guide now for some reason all the restore points are erased! I did 2 scans for viruses but nothing is showing. Can this be a result of FF? Was there an upgrade notification last week or did I download something nasty? I'm not techie so I'm now clueless. Any help appreciated. With thanks.

All Replies (6)

user633449
user633449
more options

Have you tried disabling Hardware Acceleration? Turning off hardware acceleration

jf001
jf001 Question owner
more options

Thanks, Tyler, but I didn't reinstall FF for now. My laptop only works now in Windows safe mode. So I'm using the lighter Midori until I can sort this out. I'll probably then try to revert to my earlier version of FF.

user633449
user633449
more options

Ah, so this is actually your operating system acting up, not Firefox. I'd suggest you contact a reputable local repair shop for help.

jf001
jf001 Question owner
more options

It only happened after upgrading FF and experiencing mega hanging & crashing. Might be coincidence?

For anyone else who has this problem, I appear to have fixed it for now. Deleted FF from my system and reinstalled the video adapter driver. Now I can open windows normally. Maybe reinstalling the video adapter driver would have been enough.

From my xp troubleshooter guide: "To uninstall and reinstall your video adapter driver - Open Device Manager, and then double-click Display adapters. - Right-click the appropriate video adapter, click Uninstall, and then click OK. - Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver."

Next step is to try install FF again. Would it be better to go with the previous version? Any thoughts?

Modified by jf001

user633449
user633449
more options

Please use the most recent version of Firefox, 38.0.1, and then make sure you have all Windows updates installed as well.

ideato
ideato
more options

jf001 said

It only happened after upgrading FF and experiencing mega hanging & crashing. Might be coincidence? For anyone else who has this problem, I appear to have fixed it for now. Deleted FF from my system and reinstalled the video adapter driver. Now I can open windows normally. Maybe reinstalling the video adapter driver would have been enough. From my xp troubleshooter guide: "To uninstall and reinstall your video adapter driver - Open Device Manager, and then double-click Display adapters. - Right-click the appropriate video adapter, click Uninstall, and then click OK. - Restart your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the driver." Next step is to try install FF again. Would it be better to go with the previous version? Any thoughts?

Hello, yeeeesss you are correct, great work :-), "If firefox works in Windows Safe mode then you have a problem with other software, like security software or maybe a system driver, that is running on your computer". (see a similar post from 2013)

you do it already, and you do it correct ! :-)

also Tyler's above reply is correct, go for the latest firefox now.

cheers