can't get rid of padlock with exclamation point
I've searched everywhere, but none of the solutions works. It's one of my favorite sites: https://fivethirtyeight.com/live-blog/2020-election-results-coverage/ I can load it in chrome and safari, but I get these mixed content things and I can't tell firefox to trust the site. I really wanted to use firefox, but I'm way too frustrated right now. I'm heading back to chrome unless there's an easy answer. Thank you for your help.
All Replies (3)
If you click the padlock then you can see that this is likely caused by the presence of mixed passive content (content coming over an open HTTP connection) like images. Firefox doesn't block mixed passive content, but adds an exclamation mark to the padlock as a warning.
The Web Console shows a warning:
Loading mixed (insecure) display content “http://a.abcnews.com/assets/dtci/elections/images/widget_yvyv.svg” on a secure page
Thanks so much for your reply, but it won't load the page content - it only loads the ads that I assume are the thing causing the problem. After a long while (half an hour?) it will suddenly load, but it's extremely annoying. I've taking to using Chrome for that page, but I'm about to use Chrome for everything because of this annoyance.
What security software do you have?
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.
Boot the computer in Windows Safe Mode with network support to see if that has effect.
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/
- https://www.7tutorials.com/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10
If you use extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) that can block content (Adblock Plus, NoScript, Disconnect, Ghostery, Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin) always make sure such extensions do not block content.
- make sure your extensions and filters are updated to the latest version
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-extensions-themes-to-fix-problems
Firefox shows a purple shield instead of a gray shield at the left end of the location/address bar in case Enhanced Tracking Protection is blocking content. You can click shield icon for more detail and possibly disable the protection. You can check the Web Console for messages about blocked content.
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop
- https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/trackers-and-scripts-firefox-blocks-enhanced-track
You can try these steps in case of issues with webpages:
You can reload webpage(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.
- hold down the Shift key and left-click the Reload button
- press "Ctrl + F5" or press "Ctrl + Shift + R" (Windows,Linux)
- press "Command + Shift + R" (Mac)
Clear the Cache and remove the Cookies for websites that cause problems via the "3-bar" Firefox menu button (Options/Preferences).
"Remove the Cookies" for websites that cause problems:
- Options/Preferences -> Privacy & Security
Cookies and Site Data: "Manage Data"
"Clear the Cache":
- Options/Preferences -> Privacy & Security
Cookies and Site Data -> Clear Data -> Cached Web Content: Clear
Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration or userChrome.css is causing the problem.
- switch to the DEFAULT theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Themes
- do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Safe Mode start window