I just updated to the recent version of Firefox 8.0, but it will not open. I have Windows 7. I've uninstalled it numerous times and rebooted just as many times, but to no avail.

Dani AI

Generated

Brief diagnostic summary and next steps based on the thread: ’s installs stalling at “Checking for add‑ons” after trying several versions (and after a Malwarebytes scan reported clean, per ) most often points to a corrupted profile or a third‑party component blocking Firefox while it queries add‑on data. Start by running Firefox in Troubleshoot Mode (formerly Safe Mode) to bypass extensions/themes and see whether Firefox will open at all (hold Shift while starting or run firefox -safe-mode). If Firefox opens there, the problem is almost certainly an extension/theme or a startup cache issue. (support.mozilla.org)

If Troubleshoot Mode fixes the hang, either disable/uninstall the offending add‑on(s) or use Firefox’s Refresh feature to create a clean profile while keeping bookmarks/passwords. Refresh is available from the Troubleshoot window; an alternative is to create a fresh profile with firefox -P (Profile Manager) and import only essential files after backing up the profile folder at %APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\. That avoids repeatedly rolling back to older, less secure versions (as suggested by and ) which can hide the real cause. (support.mozilla.org)

If Troubleshoot Mode fails to start, check Task Manager for hung firefox.exe/plugin-container processes and end them, then perform a clean uninstall (remove leftover Program Files folders) and reinstall from the official Mozilla installer. To rule out interference from Norton 360 or other helpers, perform a Windows Clean Boot and retry (this isolates startup services and apps). Follow Mozilla’s reinstall/diagnostic steps and Microsoft’s clean‑boot procedure while keeping a profile backup. (support.mozilla.org)

Cautions and diagnostics: always back up the profile before deletions, avoid running obsolete Firefox builds (security risk), and collect any crash IDs or Windows Application‑log errors if problems persist; those details help volunteers at Mozilla Support diagnose deeper issues. For profile backup and exact profile locations, see the Firefox profiles documentation. (support.mozilla.org)

Recommended Answers

All 16 Replies

Is it just firefox 8.0 you were having trouble with? Are you having trouble with other version?

I guess I haven't tried reverting to a previous version of FF and opening that. Would it be a clear-cut and simple operation to find the previous version and do that?

Is it just firefox 8.0 you were having trouble with? Are you having trouble with other version?

Member Avatar for Member #921150

ya its very simple or use chrome, anyway 9 will come tomorrow so y bother fixing 8

http://www.filehippo.com/download_firefox

i use filehippo to get latest and older version of most programs i use ,been using filehippo for years now so its a good trusted site

I just updated to the recent version of Firefox 8.0, but it will not open. I have Windows 7. I've uninstalled it numerous times and rebooted just as many times, but to no avail.

Try reverting back to an older version, worked for me.

Would you recommend trying for FF 7 (since both 8 and 9 failed to work for me)?
How do you get an older version of FF?

thanks!

Try reverting back to an older version, worked for me.

How do you get an older version of FF?
thanks!

the filehippo link in my last post has all versions listed on the right hand side ,click on the version you want to try ,then click on download this version ,top right of screen

Member Avatar for Member #921150

Firefox 9 is out try it

Thank you for the filehippo link. I used it to download 7.0 and 9.0.1; unfortunately none of the versions of FF I download ever gets past the "Checking for Add-ons" portion of installation (just as FF is being launched). It "checks for add-ons" for hours and hours, until you shut down the computer, and then the .exe process seems to terminate and just be dormant. How can I get around this "checking for add-ons" checkpoint so I can finally successfully launch an FF version?

the filehippo link in my last post has all versions listed on the right hand side ,click on the version you want to try ,then click on download this version ,top right of screen

it sounds more like you have a virus /trojan on your computer, that maybe causing you troubles

Would this trojan or virus be capable of entering my computer even if my Norton 360 Security says the computer is protected and fulled scanned?

it sounds more like you have a virus /trojan on your computer, that maybe causing you troubles

Would this trojan or virus be capable of entering my computer even if my Norton 360 Security says the computer is protected and fulled scanned?

short answer is Yes it would

How would I check for and get rid of it?

short answer is Yes it would

give malwarebytes a run and after the scan click on view details and check for it to clean items found ,if it finds any ,

Hey, thanks so much for the link and directions. I downloaded it and scanned my computer--no malware found. Where do I go from here?

give malwarebytes a run and after the scan click on view details and check for it to clean items found ,if it finds any ,

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.