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Spinning wheel as soon as Firefox starts up. Unable to start in safe mode; disable add-ons

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by FredMcD

ssata
ssata
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Hi. I innocently tried to import Chrome bookmarks into Firefox. Each time, Firefox got hung up at the import with the spinning wheel. I forced quit each time. After trying five or so times, Firefox just spun as soon as it opened. Now I'm unable to start in safe mode, disable add-ons, or do anything.

I'm working on a MacBook Air, with OS X.11.1. I can't check the version of Firefox, since it just spins and spins.

If I need to do a clean re-install, could you please tell me the best way to trash everything before that? There are many old versions of instructions on this site and it's not always clear that they refer to old versions. Thank you. (note: this site isn't allowing me to attach the Troubleshooting doc. I'm having a day.)

Hi. I innocently tried to import Chrome bookmarks into Firefox. Each time, Firefox got hung up at the import with the spinning wheel. I forced quit each time. After trying five or so times, Firefox just spun as soon as it opened. Now I'm unable to start in safe mode, disable add-ons, or do anything. I'm working on a MacBook Air, with OS X.11.1. I can't check the version of Firefox, since it just spins and spins. If I need to do a clean re-install, could you please tell me the best way to trash everything before that? There are many old versions of instructions on this site and it's not always clear that they refer to old versions. Thank you. (note: this site isn't allowing me to attach the Troubleshooting doc. I'm having a day.)

All Replies (3)

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link} Save the file. Then;

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. Linux: Check your user manual.


Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox folders by adding .old to them.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done.

ssata
ssata Question owner
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Thanks Fred. I'm not super savvy on these things. How do I run a registry scanner on a Mac? Thank you.

FredMcD
FredMcD
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Sorry, I don't know Macs. Skip that for now.