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proxy.pac no longer works using Firefox v17.0.1 for Linux

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I upgraded Firefox from an earlier version - 14 I think it was - to v17.0.1 recently, on OpenSUSE Desktop v11 running on VMWare as a guest.

A connection proxy script which was working fine previously (and indeed works in Firefox v17.0.1 and IE 8 on the Windows host), now times out when it returns "DIRECT" rather than the address of a proxy. It is returning "DIRECT" when it is appropriate i.e. when I am not behind a proxy. However if I go into the connection configuration under View, Preferences and select "No proxy" instead of specifying the proxy script, the same web page (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk) is displayed immediately. In other words, this proves that "DIRECT" is appropriate and works, when the proxy script is returning it.

Could it be that this version of Firefox for Linux is timing out on the proxy script itself, while waiting for it to respond? Just a guess. I can debug the proxy script and it is definitely returning "DIRECT".

I upgraded Firefox from an earlier version - 14 I think it was - to v17.0.1 recently, on OpenSUSE Desktop v11 running on VMWare as a guest. A connection proxy script which was working fine previously (and indeed works in Firefox v17.0.1 and IE 8 on the Windows host), now times out when it returns "DIRECT" rather than the address of a proxy. It is returning "DIRECT" when it is appropriate i.e. when I am not behind a proxy. However if I go into the connection configuration under View, Preferences and select "No proxy" instead of specifying the proxy script, the same web page (e.g. www.bbc.co.uk) is displayed immediately. In other words, this proves that "DIRECT" is appropriate and works, when the proxy script is returning it. Could it be that this version of Firefox for Linux is timing out on the proxy script itself, while waiting for it to respond? Just a guess. I can debug the proxy script and it is definitely returning "DIRECT".

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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.

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