This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

why is firefox not working at all, even in safe mode?

  • 7 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by cor-el

more options

For the last two or three weeks, Firefox has ceased almost all responsiveness. Opening the browser does what it should by taking me to my Earthlink start page, but clicking a link results in no activity at all. There are a few links on my Bookmarks Toolbar that FF responds to, but once there, any link I click either does nothing, or takes me to a new tab that is blank. AND: clicking on Firefox Help under the Help menu displays incorrectly. What I have tried thus far, without success: 1. Disabled all add-ons, extensions, themes 2. Started FF in Safe Mode 3. Using Task Manager, ended all FF and Mozilla processes, then created an additional profile for diagnostic purposes.

I am using the current versions of Windows 10 (Version 10.0.17134 Build 17134) FF Quantum, 67.0, 64-bit

LIST OF RUNNING TASKS (Firefox) firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 17208 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 33540 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 41532 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 15744 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 35612 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:06 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 29032 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:07 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 44512 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:08 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 11240 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:08 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 15708 8 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:11 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM

LOADED MODULES: firefox 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Corporation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe freebl3 67.0.0.7075 587.95 KB (602,064 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\freebl3.dll lgpllibs 67.0.0.7075 37.45 KB (38,352 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\lgpllibs.dll mozavcodec 67.0.0.7075 1.94 MB (2,033,616 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozavcodec.dll mozavutil 67.0.0.7075 186.45 KB (190,928 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozavutil.dll mozglue 67.0.0.7075 215.45 KB (220,624 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozglue.dll nss3 67.0.0.7075 2.65 MB (2,779,088 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\nss3.dll nssckbi 67.0.0.7075 415.45 KB (425,424 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\progra~1\mozilla firefox\nssckbi.dll softokn3 67.0.0.7075 261.45 KB (267,728 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\softokn3.dll xul 67.0.0.7075 94.63 MB (99,227,088 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\xul.dll

SERVICES: Mozilla Maintenance Service MozillaMaintenance Stopped Manual Own Process "c:\program files (x86)\mozilla maintenance service\maintenanceservice.exe" Normal LocalSystem 0

For the last two or three weeks, Firefox has ceased almost all responsiveness. Opening the browser does what it should by taking me to my Earthlink start page, but clicking a link results in no activity at all. There are a few links on my Bookmarks Toolbar that FF responds to, but once there, any link I click either does nothing, or takes me to a new tab that is blank. AND: clicking on Firefox Help under the Help menu displays incorrectly. What I have tried thus far, without success: 1. Disabled all add-ons, extensions, themes 2. Started FF in Safe Mode 3. Using Task Manager, ended all FF and Mozilla processes, then created an additional profile for diagnostic purposes. I am using the current versions of Windows 10 (Version 10.0.17134 Build 17134) FF Quantum, 67.0, 64-bit LIST OF RUNNING TASKS (Firefox) firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 17208 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 33540 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 41532 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 15744 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 35612 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:06 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 29032 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:07 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 44512 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:08 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 11240 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:08 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 15708 8 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:11 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM LOADED MODULES: firefox 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Corporation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe freebl3 67.0.0.7075 587.95 KB (602,064 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\freebl3.dll lgpllibs 67.0.0.7075 37.45 KB (38,352 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\lgpllibs.dll mozavcodec 67.0.0.7075 1.94 MB (2,033,616 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozavcodec.dll mozavutil 67.0.0.7075 186.45 KB (190,928 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozavutil.dll mozglue 67.0.0.7075 215.45 KB (220,624 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozglue.dll nss3 67.0.0.7075 2.65 MB (2,779,088 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\nss3.dll nssckbi 67.0.0.7075 415.45 KB (425,424 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\progra~1\mozilla firefox\nssckbi.dll softokn3 67.0.0.7075 261.45 KB (267,728 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\softokn3.dll xul 67.0.0.7075 94.63 MB (99,227,088 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\xul.dll SERVICES: Mozilla Maintenance Service MozillaMaintenance Stopped Manual Own Process "c:\program files (x86)\mozilla maintenance service\maintenanceservice.exe" Normal LocalSystem 0

All Replies (7)

more options

Let’s do a full clean re-install;

Note: Firefox comes in three or more folders on all computers. They are;

Maintenance: (Programs Folder) <Windows Only> Firefox itself: (Programs Folder) And two folders in the profile of each user on the computer for each Firefox profile for that user.

If you remove the Firefox folder, the user profiles would not be affected.


Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}

Save the file. Then Close Firefox.

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) Note: Check Both Folders

Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac

Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux

If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Look for, and remove any Mozilla or Firefox program folders. Do not remove the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.

Do Not remove any profile folders.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia

more options

Hi Fred, I appreciate your response. I am very frustrated at this point, so please understand what I am going to ask you: how will this be different from my creating a new default profile w/no add-ons, themes, extensions, bookmarks, etc.? Have you heard from other FF users with the same issues? I'll try your suggestion of course. I'm just an information junkie. Best, Lisa

more options

damegenarowlands said

Hi Fred, I appreciate your response. I am very frustrated at this point, so please understand what I am going to ask you: how will this be different from my creating a new default profile w/no add-ons, themes, extensions, bookmarks, etc.? Have you heard from other FF users with the same issues? I'll try your suggestion of course. I'm just an information junkie. Best, Lisa

By removing the program files, not only does it recreate the profile, but completely recreates the install of FireFox that it starts with a clean slate. If there's a conflict between some of the program files, this will solve it and hopefully fix your issue with slowness.

more options

Jeremy Sanders said

By removing the program files, not only does it recreate the profile, but completely recreates the install of FireFox . . .

Sorry, not correct.

Firefox comes in three or more folders on all computers. They are;

Maintenance: (Programs Folder) <Windows Only> Firefox itself: (Programs Folder) And two folders in the profile of each user on the computer for each Firefox profile for that user.

If you remove the Firefox folder, the user profiles would not be affected.


A reinstall would remove all browser programs and files in case something is corrupted.

more options

damegenarowlands said

For the last two or three weeks, Firefox has ceased almost all responsiveness. Opening the browser does what it should by taking me to my Earthlink start page, but clicking a link results in no activity at all. There are a few links on my Bookmarks Toolbar that FF responds to, but once there, any link I click either does nothing, or takes me to a new tab that is blank. AND: clicking on Firefox Help under the Help menu displays incorrectly. What I have tried thus far, without success: 1. Disabled all add-ons, extensions, themes 2. Started FF in Safe Mode 3. Using Task Manager, ended all FF and Mozilla processes, then created an additional profile for diagnostic purposes. I am using the current versions of Windows 10 (Version 10.0.17134 Build 17134) FF Quantum, 67.0, 64-bit LIST OF RUNNING TASKS (Firefox) firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 17208 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 33540 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 41532 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 15744 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 8:46 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 35612 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:06 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 29032 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:07 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 44512 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:08 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 11240 13 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:08 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM firefox.exe c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe 15708 8 200 1380 5/22/2019 9:11 PM 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM LOADED MODULES: firefox 67.0.0.7075 552.95 KB (566,224 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Corporation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe freebl3 67.0.0.7075 587.95 KB (602,064 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\freebl3.dll lgpllibs 67.0.0.7075 37.45 KB (38,352 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\lgpllibs.dll mozavcodec 67.0.0.7075 1.94 MB (2,033,616 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozavcodec.dll mozavutil 67.0.0.7075 186.45 KB (190,928 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozavutil.dll mozglue 67.0.0.7075 215.45 KB (220,624 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\mozglue.dll nss3 67.0.0.7075 2.65 MB (2,779,088 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\nss3.dll nssckbi 67.0.0.7075 415.45 KB (425,424 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\progra~1\mozilla firefox\nssckbi.dll softokn3 67.0.0.7075 261.45 KB (267,728 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\softokn3.dll xul 67.0.0.7075 94.63 MB (99,227,088 bytes) 5/21/2019 4:56 PM Mozilla Foundation c:\program files\mozilla firefox\xul.dll SERVICES: Mozilla Maintenance Service MozillaMaintenance Stopped Manual Own Process "c:\program files (x86)\mozilla maintenance service\maintenanceservice.exe" Normal LocalSystem 0

FredMcD said

Let’s do a full clean re-install; Note: Firefox comes in three or more folders on all computers. They are; Maintenance: (Programs Folder) <Windows Only> Firefox itself: (Programs Folder) And two folders in the profile of each user on the computer for each Firefox profile for that user. If you remove the Firefox folder, the user profiles would not be affected.

Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}

Save the file. Then Close Firefox.

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86) Note: Check Both Folders

Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac

Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux

If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Look for, and remove any Mozilla or Firefox program folders. Do not remove the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.

Do Not remove any profile folders.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia

I tried this but the result is the same old, completely ceased.

more options

Now the Firefox is working in Windows Safe Mode.

more options

It is possible that your firewall or other security software blocks or restricts Firefox without informing you, possibly after detecting changes (update) to the Firefox application. Remove all rules for Firefox from the permissions list in the firewall and let your firewall ask again for permission to get full, unrestricted, access for Firefox and the plugin-container process and the updater process.

See:

It is possible that (anti-virus) security software is causing the problem. Try to disable security software temporarily to see if that makes a difference.