Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

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't open Firefox

  • 4 cavab
  • 1 has this problem
  • 23 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

more options

This morning, when I tried to open Firefox I got a message saying that Windows couldn't locate the file.

I originally just clicked on the icon on my screen.

I then tried going to the program file folder and opening by clicking on the exe file. Same message.

I tried downloading a new copy of Firefox.

The same message came up when I tried to open it.

I made Firefox an exception on my security software. No change.

Any ideas what to do next?

This morning, when I tried to open Firefox I got a message saying that Windows couldn't locate the file. I originally just clicked on the icon on my screen. I then tried going to the program file folder and opening by clicking on the exe file. Same message. I tried downloading a new copy of Firefox. The same message came up when I tried to open it. I made Firefox an exception on my security software. No change. Any ideas what to do next?

Chosen solution

See https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1290655 Windows can't find Firefox-follow up

It looks like this is now resolved.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (4)

more options

Seçilmiş Həll

See https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1290655 Windows can't find Firefox-follow up

It looks like this is now resolved.

more options

The Refresh Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its default state while saving your essential information. Consider using it before going through a lengthy troubleshooting process. The Firefox Safe Mode window includes a Refresh Firefox option. You can start Firefox in Safe Mode by holding down the shift key while starting Firefox.

There is some links which also helps after that above https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/refresh-firefox-reset-add-ons-and-settings

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-using-safe-mode#w_safe-mode-window

Thanks

Modified by Himanshu prabhakar

more options

Hi rcitti1, if I understand your solution correctly, you did this:

  1. Open the Firefox program folder: C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
  2. right-click the file firefox.exe and choose Copy
  3. right-click a blank area of the folder and choose Paste -- Windows creates a file named firefox - Copy.exe
  4. Double-click firefox - Copy.exe to launch Firefox successfully.

Wow, that's strange.

Over the years, some malware that prevented Firefox from running was fooled by adding a 1 to the file name, i.e., firefox1.exe. While I don't know whether you have malware on your system, it's worth doing some follow-on scans, I think. Our support article recommends some tools for that: Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware.

more options

This is a problem with Avast making changes to some registry keys.

  1. Open run (Windows key + r)
  2. Type: regedit
  3. Navigate/Search to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Option
  4. Delete the (Debugger) folders of the apps that do not work