Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

Can' shut firefox down even with software uninstalled

  • 2 cavab
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by FredMcD

more options

I have two computers running Firefox Quantum. The laptop, when updated to Windows Fall Creator worked fine. When I did the same to my desktop, Firefox would not open. There appeared to be no connection to the installed software. I then uninstalled Firefox. When I tried to reinstall, I keep getting the error that Firefox is still running. The Task Manager does not show this software. The Uninstall service in Control Panel does not show Firefox.

So, my computer thinks Firefox is running in background, but I can't find it. I have found the Profile files, but was not able to delete the q1gs4mem.default folder in the Profile folder. That is the only file I could find on my computer that relates to Firefox.

Any help?

I have two computers running Firefox Quantum. The laptop, when updated to Windows Fall Creator worked fine. When I did the same to my desktop, Firefox would not open. There appeared to be no connection to the installed software. I then uninstalled Firefox. When I tried to reinstall, I keep getting the error that Firefox is still running. The Task Manager does not show this software. The Uninstall service in Control Panel does not show Firefox. So, my computer thinks Firefox is running in background, but I can't find it. I have found the Profile files, but was not able to delete the q1gs4mem.default folder in the Profile folder. That is the only file I could find on my computer that relates to Firefox. Any help?

All Replies (2)

more options

Separate Security Issue: Update your Flash Player Note: Windows users should download the ActiveX for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the ActiveX.

Flash Player Version: Version 27.0.0.183

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only> +++++++++++++++++++ See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

more options

How to crash Firefox (All Systems); Instructions here; https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Mozilla/How_to_report_a_hung_Firefox

This link has a program that can crash Firefox.


Let’s do a full clean re-install;

Download Firefox For All languages And Systems {web link}

Save the file. Then Close Firefox.

Using your file browser, open the Programs Folder on your computer.

Windows: C:\Program Files C:\Program Files (x86)

Mac: Open the "Applications" folder. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-download-and-install-firefox-mac

Linux: Check your user manual. If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it. See Install Firefox on Linux; https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/install-firefox-linux

If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder Firefox in your home directory. http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Do Not remove the profiles folder.

Look for, and rename any Mozilla or Firefox program folders by adding .old to them. Do not rename the Mozilla Thunderbird folder if there is one.

After rebooting the computer, run a registry scanner if you have one. Then run the installer. If all goes well, remove the OLD folders when you are done. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ If there is a problem, start your Computer in safe mode and try again.

http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Linux+Safe+Mode This shows how to Start all Computers in Safe Mode; Free Online Encyclopedia