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Firefox won't start

  • 3 replies
  • 56 have this problem
  • 11 views
  • Last reply by bri2k

bri2k
bri2k
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Attempts to open Firefox leads to this error: "Procedure entry point DecodePointer could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll."

I'm running XP with service pack 2 installed. I've tried uninstalling & reinstalling Firefox, and cleaning my reigstry, but nothing seems to help! Any input much appreciated. . . . !

Attempts to open Firefox leads to this error: "Procedure entry point DecodePointer could not be located in the dynamic link library KERNEL32.dll." I'm running XP with service pack 2 installed. I've tried uninstalling & reinstalling Firefox, and cleaning my reigstry, but nothing seems to help! Any input much appreciated. . . . !

Chosen solution

That looks like a problem with DirectX.

Does it help if you start Firefox in Safe mode?

  • On Windows, hold down the Shift key while starting Firefox with a double-click on the Firefox desktop shortcut
  • On Mac, hold down the Options key while starting Firefox
  • https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode

Try to install SP3 if you are using Windows XP with a lower service pack (Control Panel > System).

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All Replies (3)

Michael Verdi
Michael Verdi
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That is a missing Windows file. If possible, you should update to Service Pack 3 so that you have all the latest security and stability fixes. This should also make sure that missing file is replaced.

If you can't do that, you can try this system file checker from Microsoft - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310747

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

That looks like a problem with DirectX.

Does it help if you start Firefox in Safe mode?

  • On Windows, hold down the Shift key while starting Firefox with a double-click on the Firefox desktop shortcut
  • On Mac, hold down the Options key while starting Firefox
  • https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode

Try to install SP3 if you are using Windows XP with a lower service pack (Control Panel > System).

Modified by cor-el

bri2k
bri2k Question owner
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Thanks -- I installed SP3 for XP, which seemed to fix my problems. Appreciate the responses!