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Since yesterday Firefox has been displaying a blank dialog box each time I've tried to attach, not showing any files or folders to select.

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  • Last reply by TechTones

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This inability to see files or folders to when attempting to attach files in Firefox is happening with three different gmail accounts. I attempted to attach images of dialog boxes to this post, but the same thing happened--blank dialog box--so am unable to share the visuals. This also means the problem is not limited to gmail... it appears to be systemic with Firefox.

The problem began yesterday and only with Firefox--I can attach files as usual with Chrome and Safari.

I have relied on Firefox as my primary browser for several years and hope this issue can be resolved so I can continue to do so.

Thank you in advance for your help.

This inability to see files or folders to when attempting to attach files in Firefox is happening with three different gmail accounts. I attempted to attach images of dialog boxes to this post, but the same thing happened--blank dialog box--so am unable to share the visuals. This also means the problem is not limited to gmail... it appears to be systemic with Firefox. The problem began yesterday and only with Firefox--I can attach files as usual with Chrome and Safari. I have relied on Firefox as my primary browser for several years and hope this issue can be resolved so I can continue to do so. Thank you in advance for your help.

Chosen solution

Hello,

Try Firefox Safe Mode to see if the problem goes away. Firefox Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that temporarily turns off hardware acceleration, resets some settings, and disables add-ons (extensions and themes).

If Firefox is open, you can restart in Firefox Safe Mode from the Help menu:

  • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click Help Help-29 and select Restart with Add-ons Disabled.

If Firefox is not running, you can start Firefox in Safe Mode as follows:

  • On Windows: Hold the Shift key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
  • On Mac: Hold the option key while starting Firefox.
  • On Linux: Quit Firefox, go to your Terminal and run firefox -safe-mode
    (you may need to specify the Firefox installation path e.g. /usr/lib/firefox)

When the Firefox Safe Mode window appears, select "Start in Safe Mode".

SafeMode-Fx35

If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, theme, or hardware acceleration. Please follow the steps in the Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems article to find the cause.

To exit Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before opening Firefox for normal use again.


If it's only happening with Gmail, you can also try deleting all references to the website in question, as shown under the heading 'How do I remove a single website from my history?' in this article - Delete browsing, search and download history on Firefox, then try the site (not from an old bookmark) again.

When you figure out what's causing your issues, please let us know. It might help others with the same problem. Thank you!

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Chosen Solution

Hello,

Try Firefox Safe Mode to see if the problem goes away. Firefox Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode that temporarily turns off hardware acceleration, resets some settings, and disables add-ons (extensions and themes).

If Firefox is open, you can restart in Firefox Safe Mode from the Help menu:

  • Click the menu button New Fx Menu, click Help Help-29 and select Restart with Add-ons Disabled.

If Firefox is not running, you can start Firefox in Safe Mode as follows:

  • On Windows: Hold the Shift key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
  • On Mac: Hold the option key while starting Firefox.
  • On Linux: Quit Firefox, go to your Terminal and run firefox -safe-mode
    (you may need to specify the Firefox installation path e.g. /usr/lib/firefox)

When the Firefox Safe Mode window appears, select "Start in Safe Mode".

SafeMode-Fx35

If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, theme, or hardware acceleration. Please follow the steps in the Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems article to find the cause.

To exit Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before opening Firefox for normal use again.


If it's only happening with Gmail, you can also try deleting all references to the website in question, as shown under the heading 'How do I remove a single website from my history?' in this article - Delete browsing, search and download history on Firefox, then try the site (not from an old bookmark) again.

When you figure out what's causing your issues, please let us know. It might help others with the same problem. Thank you!

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The problem wasn't present in safe mode. I began with the first suggestion, unchecking hardware acceleration. When I restarted, I was able to attach files in gmail.

Thank you for your help!