I just got a new computer with Win 8.1 and everytime I open firefox I get dozens of popup windows.
I turned this popup option off in the options. Why is this happening? They are all over the screen, some little popup windows and other are full size Firefox. It's driving me nuts. It doesn't happen when I use Chrome. But I don't like Chrome. I'm on Firefox 31.0
Chosen solution
Hi babrown, if you're not sure your Firefox is a clean version, you can replace your program files without disturbing your settings using this Clean Reinstall procedure:
(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 31 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(2) Exit out of Firefox.
(3) Rename the folder (64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox
(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Hopefully then you can rest easier.
Note: Some recently installed plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox\Plugins
- C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox\browser\plugins
All Replies (5)
I suspect a bad add-on. Since add-ons often are installed externally to Firefox, I suggest starting here:
Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Take out as much trash as possible here.
Then, in Firefox, open the Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions.
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Finally, you can "mop up" remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools suggested in this support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.
Does that clear it up?
THANK YOU so much. I think that cleared it up. Found all kinds of junk to uninstall. Hope it stays that way. I thought I downloaded Firefox from Mozilla, but maybe not. Do you think I should uninstall it and go to Mozilla?
I'm really not impressed with Win 8.1. Hope 9 is better.
Chosen Solution
Hi babrown, if you're not sure your Firefox is a clean version, you can replace your program files without disturbing your settings using this Clean Reinstall procedure:
(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 31 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)
(2) Exit out of Firefox.
(3) Rename the folder (64-bit Windows folder names)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
to
C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox
(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.
Hopefully then you can rest easier.
Note: Some recently installed plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:
- C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox\Plugins
- C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox\browser\plugins
Thanks again for your help.