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When I close Firefox and then want to open it again it says firefox is still running please close or restart your computer

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  • Last reply by Helper7677

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Over the last 4 weeks, if I close Firefox,by the red cross top of page and then need to open Firefox again, clicking on my desktop icon I get the following message"When I close Firefox and then want to open it again it says firefox is still running please close it or restart your computer" I am unable to close it, so have to restart my computer again. Any help in solving this problem would be appriecated.

Over the last 4 weeks, if I close Firefox,by the red cross top of page and then need to open Firefox again, clicking on my desktop icon I get the following message"When I close Firefox and then want to open it again it says firefox is still running please close it or restart your computer" I am unable to close it, so have to restart my computer again. Any help in solving this problem would be appriecated.

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"if I close Firefox,by the red cross top of page"
As a general rule, you should always use File > Exit. 2 clicks instead of one, but allows a more orderly shut down of ANY application.


Hanging at exit is most often caused by an Extension or Plugin.

Hanging at exit:

Most often hanging at exit is caused by Extensions, maybe plugins.


You need to update your plugins. It is important to keep them updated due to continuing security fixes and improvements in those plug-ins:

  • Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape "9.3.3"
  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below
      • On the Adobe page, un-check any extra items (i.e. Free McAfee® Security Scan Plus) then click Download button
      • If you see message just under tabs, DO NOT click the Allow button, instead click below that where it says "click here to download".
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link and more information: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Adobe+Reader+plugin+with+Firefox#Installing_and_updating_Adobe_Reader
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.