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Firefox freezes for a while when the Downloads window pops up

  • 3 replies
  • 6 have this problem
  • 113 views
  • Last reply by cwir

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Whenever I start a file download (regardless of its size), Firefox freezes for a few seconds, sometimes longer. I deleted the downloads.sqlite file and it helped for a few days but it started happening again. I deleted downloads.sqlite again but this time it wouldn't help at all. I even installed DownThemAll add-on as some people suggested but it happens with it too.

I've been using Firefox for 7-8 years now and never had any issues that could not be resolved but this plus some other freezes or crashes from time to time is starting to be annoying. I have all major browsers installed because of my work but kept FF as default one but I'm starting to consider a switch after all these years.

Can anyone suggest a soluton? And I don't consider disabling the Downloads pop-up window a solution.

Win 7 64bit

Whenever I start a file download (regardless of its size), Firefox freezes for a few seconds, sometimes longer. I deleted the downloads.sqlite file and it helped for a few days but it started happening again. I deleted downloads.sqlite again but this time it wouldn't help at all. I even installed DownThemAll add-on as some people suggested but it happens with it too. I've been using Firefox for 7-8 years now and never had any issues that could not be resolved but this plus some other freezes or crashes from time to time is starting to be annoying. I have all major browsers installed because of my work but kept FF as default one but I'm starting to consider a switch after all these years. Can anyone suggest a soluton? And I don't consider disabling the Downloads pop-up window a solution. Win 7 64bit

Chosen solution

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.


Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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Chosen Solution

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.

To Reset Firefox do the following:

  1. Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
  2. Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
  3. Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
  4. Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.


Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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Try to delete the downloads.sqlite file in the Firefox Profile Folder

See:

You can use this button to go to the Firefox profile folder:

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder
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Thanks for your input but I already said that I deleted downloads.sqlite.