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Firefox slow to open links from Thunderbird and elsewhere

  • 9 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 19 views
  • Last reply by albertd

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With versions of Firefox later than 34 (or possibly 35 - not sure) attempting to open a page link from an email in Thunderbird and occasionally other sources, results in Firefox 36 and 37 hanging for up to a minute before opening the new tab and page, so I am forced to use 34 to retain smooth operation.

I have not included the Troubleshooting Information as the problem does not relate to the Firefox version currently in use.

Edit: I asked the question originally in this thread which will show some of the things which were suggested and tried:

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2056047

With versions of Firefox later than 34 (or possibly 35 - not sure) attempting to open a page link from an email in Thunderbird and occasionally other sources, results in Firefox 36 and 37 hanging for up to a minute before opening the new tab and page, so I am forced to use 34 to retain smooth operation. I have not included the Troubleshooting Information as the problem does not relate to the Firefox version currently in use. Edit: I asked the question originally in this thread which will show some of the things which were suggested and tried: http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2056047

Modified by albertd

Chosen solution

It's a start. Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac Options)
key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?

If it is;

Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites. Is the problem still there?

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

Read this answer in context 👍 1

All Replies (9)

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Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause Firefox issues. Disable All of them.


Open the options on all of your protection programs, and tell them to leave the browses alone. For anti-virus, look under; Autoprotect or Programs Monitor

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Thank you Fred. I am afraid you will have to explain that in more detail. The only toolbar I have in Firefox is the standard Bookmarks toolbar. As for the antivirus aspect, I have no idea what you mean - where should I look for what you are talking about. I am using Norton 360.

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Type about:addons<enter> in the address bar to open your Add-ons Manager. Hot key; <Control>(Mac:<Command>)<Shift> A)

In the Add-ons Manager, on the left, select Extensions. Look for the Norton add-on and disable it.

Then restart Firefox. Is it any better?

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Thank you again Fred.

I have updated back to 37.0.2 and the problem is still happening.

I have checked the Extensions as you suggested and the Norton toolbar addon was already disabled.

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Chosen Solution

It's a start. Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac Options)
key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?

If it is;

Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites. Is the problem still there?

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

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Thanks again Fred. Ouch, that looks horribly techy for an old man (I'm 71) to tackle, especially the Windows Safe Mode bit. Anyway, give me quite a bit of time and I will see if I can fathom out what you mean.

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Hi Fred.

I have tried Firefox in Safe Mode and the problem went away. More interesting, however, was that when I closed Firefox and reopened it normally, the problem was still gone.

Does this tell you anything of value?

It will be interesting what happens in the next few days.

Modified by albertd

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It could be a file somewhere was corrupted, and somehow was replaced. If it returns in the next few days, come back here.

If it should return after that, create a new question, and include the link for this post.

Good luck. Safe Surfing.

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Thanks Fred. All noted.