Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems. See "Basic Troubleshooting: Make a new profile": *https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Basic+Troubleshooting#w_8-make-a-new-profile There may be extensions and plugins installed by default in a new profile, so check that in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions & Plugins" in case there are still problems. If the new profile works then you can transfer some files from the old profile to that new profile, but be careful not to copy corrupted files. See: *http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox

thanks cor-el the new profile does work as you anticipated I will transfer files carefully as you cautioned I do appreciate your help