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How come when I click the Applications menu in the Options screen, Firefox locks up?

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  • Last reply by Andy_B3

Andy_B3
Andy_B3
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Every time I open the Firefox Options tab, I can access all of the menu items except Applications. When I click the Applications menu, Firefox freezes and the only way to fix it is to open the Task Manager window and force a shutdown of Firefox. I am running the latest version of Firefox and the latest updates to Windows 10.

Every time I open the Firefox Options tab, I can access all of the menu items except Applications. When I click the Applications menu, Firefox freezes and the only way to fix it is to open the Task Manager window and force a shutdown of Firefox. I am running the latest version of Firefox and the latest updates to Windows 10.

Chosen solution

It's normal to have a short delay while Firefox builds the list. If you have to wait more than 10 seconds, there may be a problem with the settings file that Firefox is reading.

Since it is difficult to edit, when there is a problem, we generally suggest renaming the file and allowing Firefox to rebuild it from the Windows registry. Here's how:

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

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

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, then rename mimeTypes.rdf to mimeTypes.old (or another name of your choosing, in case you decide to roll back this experiment).

Start Firefox back up again and return to the Options page to specify your preference. Will the list load?

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All Replies (2)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

It's normal to have a short delay while Firefox builds the list. If you have to wait more than 10 seconds, there may be a problem with the settings file that Firefox is reading.

Since it is difficult to edit, when there is a problem, we generally suggest renaming the file and allowing Firefox to rebuild it from the Windows registry. Here's how:

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

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
  • (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
  • type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter

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, then rename mimeTypes.rdf to mimeTypes.old (or another name of your choosing, in case you decide to roll back this experiment).

Start Firefox back up again and return to the Options page to specify your preference. Will the list load?

Andy_B3
Andy_B3 Question owner
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jscher2000,

Awesome!!! That solved it. The application list opened instantly after I followed your suggestion. Thank you very much!

Andy