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I can't access web pages or perform tasks like clearing browser history without Firefox crashing

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I can't use Firefox without it locking up and showing a "Firefox not responding" message. I have tried refreshing Firefox, which typically results in error messages so I'm not sure it actually refreshed. I have tried uninstalling via "Uninstall programs" and then re-downloading, but when I open Firefox it has the exact same problem. I did notice that all of my browser history was still present after re-installing, so I'm not sure that my uninstall was thorough enough.

Internet Explorer still works fine.

I can't use Firefox without it locking up and showing a "Firefox not responding" message. I have tried refreshing Firefox, which typically results in error messages so I'm not sure it actually refreshed. I have tried uninstalling via "Uninstall programs" and then re-downloading, but when I open Firefox it has the exact same problem. I did notice that all of my browser history was still present after re-installing, so I'm not sure that my uninstall was thorough enough. Internet Explorer still works fine.

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The Refresh feature (or uninstall/reinstall) might not be removing the problem because it preserves some of your personal data, including history as you noticed.

If this is a problem with the database file (places.sqlite) that store history and bookmarks, the easiest workaround is to rename the file and have Firefox start a new one. However, then you lose all your history, so that's really not very attractive for people who rely on history for revisiting sites.

In case you want to try that -- if no other good suggestions come along -- here's how:

If you can open Firefox:

Open your current Firefox settings (AKA Firefox profile) folder using either

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information

In the first table on the page, click the "Show Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows Explorer.

Leaving that window open, switch back to Firefox and Exit, either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "power" button
  • (menu bar) File > Exit

Pause while Firefox finishes its cleanup.

If you cannot start Firefox:

Use the steps in this article to find your currently active profile folder: Profiles - Where Firefox stores your bookmarks, passwords and other user data.

Both scenarios:

Rename places.sqlite to something like oldplaces.sqlite. (Please rename and don't delete in case the automatic rebuild goes awry.)

Firefox creates temporary files related to places.sqlite and those may need to be renamed/removed as well. Check for places.sqlite-shm and places.sqlite-wal and rename them as well.

When you start Firefox back up again, it should start a new places.sqlite database and import your last automatic bookmark backup. Can you confirm that all your bookmarks are present? Does Firefox run any better?