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Firefox causes error in the middle of the screen

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by FredMcD

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After using Firefox for a while, it will develop a problem where I can't click, control, or fill out any fields in a specific area of the center of the screen. The area is about the size of a dialog box. If I move to the side and scroll, the area still moves and updates, but I still can't do anything in that area. If I minimize Firefox or bring up another program, that area still displays the last thing Firefox was displaying, but the rest of the new program is visible. It's getting to the point where I'm starting to use different browsers because the problem is so persistent. I am using v 43.0.2. Can anyone give me any advice?

Thanks.

After using Firefox for a while, it will develop a problem where I can't click, control, or fill out any fields in a specific area of the center of the screen. The area is about the size of a dialog box. If I move to the side and scroll, the area still moves and updates, but I still can't do anything in that area. If I minimize Firefox or bring up another program, that area still displays the last thing Firefox was displaying, but the rest of the new program is visible. It's getting to the point where I'm starting to use different browsers because the problem is so persistent. I am using v 43.0.2. Can anyone give me any advice? Thanks.

Chosen solution

The problem ended up being with printer software (Brother) that would manifest itself in Firefox only. I've since updated and resolved the problem. Thanks Fred and Ed for taking time to give advice.

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All Replies (4)

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Try Firefox Safe Mode to see if the problem goes away. Firefox Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that temporarily turns off hardware acceleration, resets some settings, and disables add-ons (extensions and themes).

If Firefox is open, you can restart in Firefox Safe Mode from the Help menu:

  • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click Help Help-29 and select Restart with Add-ons Disabled.

If Firefox is not running, you can start Firefox in Safe Mode as follows:

  • On Windows: Hold the Shift key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
  • On Mac: Hold the option key while starting Firefox.
  • On Linux: Quit Firefox, go to your Terminal and run firefox -safe-mode
    (you may need to specify the Firefox installation path e.g. /usr/lib/firefox)

When the Firefox Safe Mode window appears, select "Start in Safe Mode".

SafeMode-Fx35

If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, theme, or hardware acceleration. Please follow the steps in the Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems article to find the cause.

To exit Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before opening Firefox for normal use again.

When you figure out what's causing your issues, please let us know. It might help others with the same problem.

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That area could be an invisible block. Perhaps an ad.

Right click in that area, and select Inspect Element What happens?

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Chosen Solution

The problem ended up being with printer software (Brother) that would manifest itself in Firefox only. I've since updated and resolved the problem. Thanks Fred and Ed for taking time to give advice.

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That was very good work. Well Done. Please flag your last post as Solved Problem so others will know.