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After update to v17 Firefox freezes

  • 11 replies
  • 13 have this problem
  • 5 views
  • Last reply by Newbeak

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After an automatic update to version 17.0.1, whenever a web page is selected it "freezes" on that page, only way to get out of Firefox is to go to task manager and stop program.

After an automatic update to version 17.0.1, whenever a web page is selected it "freezes" on that page, only way to get out of Firefox is to go to task manager and stop program.

Chosen solution

For the record, your "more system details" shows Windows NT 6.2; WOW64 which is Windows 8 (64-bit). Windows 8 is listed as compatible with Firefox 17.0.1 according to http://www.mozilla.org/firefox/17.0.1/system-requirements/

You can check this article for a solution:

You can also go through these basic troubleshooting steps: Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox problems

Read this answer in context 👍 3

All Replies (11)

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Chosen Solution

For the record, your "more system details" shows Windows NT 6.2; WOW64 which is Windows 8 (64-bit). Windows 8 is listed as compatible with Firefox 17.0.1 according to http://www.mozilla.org/firefox/17.0.1/system-requirements/

You can check this article for a solution:

You can also go through these basic troubleshooting steps: Troubleshoot and diagnose Firefox problems

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I found that the problem was with the plugin "Shockwave Flash 11.4.402.265, once this was disabled all was ok. A bit odd as this was updated in September!!

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Thanks for posting back that the problem turned out to be the Flash plugin. If you want to try and get the plugin working in Firefox, maybe something here will help:

Modified by AliceWyman

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Not true. I'm currently using flash version 10 and it still freezes. Firefox started inherited this problem earlier on since version 14,15,16 and now 17. The browser just plain SUCKED! Why am I using still Flash v.10? Well, obviously FF cannot handle anything newer and worked erratically.

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I'm having this problem continuously for about 1 year. I've tried all the solutions, but nothing has fixed the problem. Waste of time and very annoying.

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haqy, Try turning off 'use hardware acceleration when available' by un-checking the box. This has worked for me as we speak.

Go to: Tools>Option>Advanced

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I tried everything (hardware acceleration, new profile, new database, flash-java update, safe mode, remove antivirus/firewall, re-install firefox, windows format etc.) but no luck.. Random freezes constantly.

Modified by haqy

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I have FF 17.0.1 and always run it sandboxed using Sandboxie.Lately,I have a problem with it freezing at the first website I go to,and repeated clicking on the webpage brings up the option to close it,which I always have to do.I have also noticed the problem disappears if I launch FF sandboxed,and check the "UAC" option in Sandboxie.Anybody have any ideas of what is going on? Thanks

Modified by Newbeak

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I finally figured out why mine was freezing! I ran it in Safe Mode (selected Help -> "Restart with Add-ons disabled") and noticed that the freezing did not occur any more.

After re-enabling my add-ons one at a time, I discovered that the GreaseMonkey extension was causing the freezes. I uninstalled GreaseMonkey, and now Firefox no longer freezes. :)

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^^ Most 'add-on' will cause it to slow down or freeze. Certain websites which uses heavy resources will also bog down the browser. I have CNN as my homepage and if I leave it there w/o any usage, within 15-20 minutes Windows Task Manager would pile up and start processing over 1GB of memory, which eventually causes it to freeze.

Modified by netscaper

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I don't have Greasemonkey,so it must be something else.I find clearing caches helps,and running sandboxed with the UAC option selected.The problem hasn't occurred since my last post. BTW,I use Google as my homepage.

Modified by Newbeak