Avatar for Username

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

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

I cannot start firefox because of a security problem after it crashed. What should I do to fix it?

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 1 view
  • Last reply by shixon

shixon
shixon
more options

I use Vista on my dell inspiron 1721. Firefox closed itself, computer shut itself down, a lot of 'corrupted files' were deleted without my interference, and when Vista finally came back up, Firefox wouldn't start. Nowit says I have to fix the firefox directory. How do I do that? The help page on the profile didn't help me. Thanks, mhixon This started when I was browsing on Drudge report. The popup message said: Could not initialize the application's security component. .... I could not start firefox again after that. How do I update a graphics driver?

I use Vista on my dell inspiron 1721. Firefox closed itself, computer shut itself down, a lot of 'corrupted files' were deleted without my interference, and when Vista finally came back up, Firefox wouldn't start. Nowit says I have to fix the firefox directory. How do I do that? The help page on the profile didn't help me. Thanks, mhixon This started when I was browsing on Drudge report. The popup message said: Could not initialize the application's security component. .... I could not start firefox again after that. How do I update a graphics driver?

All Replies (4)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

See https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Could+not+initialize+the+browser+security+component

Delete the file cert8.db in the Firefox Profile Folder

  • Help > Troubleshooting Information > Profile Directory: Open Containing Folder
shixon
shixon Question owner
more options

Thank you for your reply. I did that and restarted the computer, but I am getting the same message- could not initialize the application's security component. And I am unable to get beyond the initial screen to get on any website. Anything else I can try? I appreciate the help.

Modified by shixon

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
more options

You may need to delete the file secmode.db as well.

Create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems.
See "Basic Troubleshooting: Make a new profile":

If that new profile works then you can transfer some files from the old profile to that new profile, but be careful not to copy corrupted files.

See:

shixon
shixon Question owner
more options

I found a file listed "secmod" without the e and without the extension, deleted that. Then I created an new profile. Now the security message doesn't come up, but I can't get to any website. I looked at my Kaspersky settings, but it no longer looks like the windows in the firefox help section on firewalls, so I am just over my head. I'll just use Chrome till I get a new computer! It is a sad day when the easiest way to fix a problem is to replace the thing. 

I appreciate your  help though.