If you use extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) that can block content (Adblock Plus, NoScript, DuckDuckGo PE, 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 relevant-looking messages about blocked content. *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/smartblock-enhanced-tracking-protection *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/trackers-and-scripts-firefox-blocks-enhanced-track <hr> 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can try these steps in case of issues with webpages: You can reload webpage(s) and bypass the cache to refresh possibly outdated or corrupted files.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 (Settings). "Remove the Cookies" for websites that cause problems: *Settings -> Privacy & Security<br>Cookies and Site Data: "Manage Data" "Clear the Cache": *Settings -> Privacy & Security<br>Cookies and Site Data -> Clear Data -> [X] Cached Web Content -> Clear Start Firefox in <b>Troubleshoot Mode</b> to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if <b>hardware acceleration</b> or <b>userChrome.css</b> 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 Troubleshoot Mode start window *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/diagnose-firefox-issues-using-troubleshoot-mode *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-extensions-themes-to-fix-problems *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/enhanced-tracking-protection-firefox-desktop *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/smartblock-enhanced-tracking-protection *https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/trackers-and-scripts-firefox-blocks-enhanced-track

thanks clearing cookies & site data in settings is what fixed it. tho I also discovered I can't enter any sites into exception box. but at least it works now.