Firefox shows in task manager processes but is not launching
Hi
Since the last week I cannot get Firefox to launch (Windows 10), it shows in processes but no window is displayed. I've re-installed it and no joy. Tried shift and starting it, does the same, I don't get any prompts about safe mode. I disabled my AV and Firewall (ESET Smart Security) and it still doesn't launch - I thought this would allow it too as it happened after I upgraded ESET from v8 to v9 - if it had I could at least start to investigate what may be being blocked, although nothing obvious shows in ESET.
Any advice?
All Replies (5)
Do you have the Firefox icon on your quick launch? Close Firefox. Right click on the icon and select Open New Tab. Sometimes this works. If it opens, close it by Menu > File > Exit.
This is not a cure but will make it easier if Firefox locks up in Windows. https://support.mozilla.org/questions/997866 {web link}
Boot the computer in Windows Safe Mode with network support (press F8 on the boot screen) to see if that helps.
- http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/
- http://www.7tutorials.com/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10
If you try to disable a firewall then you may only be disabling its user interface, but the underlying firewall service may still be active.
It is possible that your firewall or other security software blocks or restricts Firefox or the plugin-container process without informing you, possibly after detecting changes (update) to the Firefox program.
Remove all rules for Firefox and the plugin-container from the permissions list in the firewall and let your firewall ask again for permission to get full, unrestricted, access to install for Firefox and the plugin-container process and the updater process.
See:
FredMcD said
Do you have the Firefox icon on your quick launch? Close Firefox. Right click on the icon and select Open New Tab. Sometimes this works. If it opens, close it by Menu > File > Exit.
This is not a cure but will make it easier if Firefox locks up in Windows. https://support.mozilla.org/questions/997866 {web link}
Hi - It doesn't show in the quick launch in order for me to be able to do that. Thanks for the suggestion though.
cor-el said
Boot the computer in Windows Safe Mode with network support (press F8 on the boot screen) to see if that helps. If you try to disable a firewall then you may only be disabling its user interface, but the underlying firewall service may still be active. It is possible that your firewall or other security software blocks or restricts Firefox or the plugin-container process without informing you, possibly after detecting changes (update) to the Firefox program. Remove all rules for Firefox and the plugin-container from the permissions list in the firewall and let your firewall ask again for permission to get full, unrestricted, access to install for Firefox and the plugin-container process and the updater process. See:
So I booted into Windows Safe Mode (It's 10 btw so it has to be done via msconfig - F8 does nothing (unless it's because I have an SSD and boot up is toof ast) and FF does launch so I went back into normal Windows and launched ESET and put the Personal Firewall into interactive mode - unfortunately every rule but FF came up! When I launch FF it does the same - appears in processes but isn't flagged by ESET - I've logged a call with ESET support and will see what it may be as the whole UI has changed with v9 so it may be in a less obvious place or be blocking for a different reason. Will update when they reply.
Thanks for the tip.
You may have a corrupt xulstore.json file. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/changes-toolbars-and-window-sizes-are-not-saved