Firefox keeps crashing from a virus. I've ran all malware, uninstalled and reinstalled, it still is running so slow.
I noticed about 2 weeks ago that I had some ad tracking cooking that was causing FireFox to redirect me to other websites, asking me to fill out surveys, and not loading pages. Pages take up to 35 seconds to load, if they even load at all. I ran multi malware programs, and they found nothing. I've uninstalled Firefox, and reinstalled it, wiped all the data, and nothing has worked. 2 of the Malware programs I have tried to use have timed out and will not respond, they always get stuck in the same place. I'm at a loss as to what to do to fix this, and I'd rather not have to use another browser, but this is the only one it's affecting.
All Replies (3)
Hello,
Please try refreshing your Firefox first. If this not help, proceed scanning your computer AGAIN for infection using the link i provided below.
The Refresh feature (called "Reset" in older Firefox versions) can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your bookmarks, history, passwords, cookies, and other essential information.
Note: When you use this feature, you will lose any extensions, toolbar customizations, and some preferences. See the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article for more information.
To Refresh Firefox:
- Open the Troubleshooting Information page using one of these methods:
- Click the menu button
, click help 
and select Troubleshooting Information. A new tab containing your troubleshooting information should open.
- If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting Information page.
- Click the menu button
- At the top right corner of the page, you should see a button that says "Refresh Firefox" ("Reset Firefox" in older Firefox versions). Click on it.
- Firefox will close. After the refresh process is completed, Firefox will show a window with the information that is imported.
- Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.
You may also want to re-scan your computer for virus infections. I recommend using this Removal tool. Please download it here: http://www.kaspersky.com/antivirus-removal-tool?form=1&ICID=Global_FREE_Win_KVRT_Download_Button
Did this fix the problem? Please report back to us!
Thank you.
This still did not work. It will run fine for a few days, then crash and be slow again. We're back to the slow phase, where I can hardly work.
Could you test in Firefox's Safe Mode? That's a standard diagnostic tool to deactivate extensions, hardware acceleration, and some advanced features of Firefox. More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode.
If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.
If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:
- "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
- Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
and OK the restart.
Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).
Any improvement?
I we assume that the most likely problem is a bad add-on, here's my suggested procedure for tracking down and cleaning them up. I know it seems long, but it's not that bad.
(1) Open the Windows Control Panel, Uninstall a Program. After the list loads, click the "Installed on" column heading to group the infections, I mean, additions, by date. This can help in smoking out undisclosed bundle items that snuck in with some software you agreed to install. Don't be fooled by seemingly innocent or important names if you do not remember choosing to install them. Take out as much trash as possible here.
(2) Open Firefox's Add-ons page using either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
- in the Windows "Run" dialog, type or paste
firefox.exe "about:addons"
In the left column, click Plugins. Set nonessential and unrecognized plugins to "Never Activate".
In the left column, click Extensions. Then, if in doubt, disable (or Remove, if possible) unrecognized and unwanted extensions. (Note: you might not be able to manually Disable extensions in Safe Mode because they are disabled automatically.)
Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.
Any improvement?
(3) You can search for remaining issues with the scanning/cleaning tools listed in our support article: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware. These on-demand scanners are free and take considerable time to run. If they finish quickly and especially if they require payment, you may have a serious infection. I suggest the specialized forums listed in the article in that case.
Success?