Join the AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the Firefox leadership team to celebrate Firefox 20th anniversary and discuss Firefox’s future on Mozilla Connect. Mark your calendar on Thursday, November 14, 18:00 - 20:00 UTC!

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.

Browser will not start, period

  • 4 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Morbus

AnonymousUser
AnonymousUser
more options

I am using Windows XP and the most recent version of Firefox. Sometimes when I start my computer, Firefox runs fine. Others, like right now, I will click on the icon and it will not open at all. There are no error messages, no attempt to start the browser, nothing. When I try to run Firefox in safe mode, it doesn't work either. The task manager shows no activity for Firefox when I click on the icon. I can run Explorer and all other applications perfectly. What should I do? All of the other forum topics on here seem to be related to specific error messages, which I don't have. Firefox just will not start, period.

Operating system

Windows XP

I am using Windows XP and the most recent version of Firefox. Sometimes when I start my computer, Firefox runs fine. Others, like right now, I will click on the icon and it will not open at all. There are no error messages, no attempt to start the browser, nothing. When I try to run Firefox in safe mode, it doesn't work either. The task manager shows no activity for Firefox when I click on the icon. I can run Explorer and all other applications perfectly. What should I do? All of the other forum topics on here seem to be related to specific error messages, which I don't have. Firefox just will not start, period. == Operating system == Windows XP

All Replies (4)

Morbus
Morbus
more options

Hello Ben.

Read this page to see if it helps:

http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+will+not+start

AnonymousUser
AnonymousUser Question owner
more options

I have the same problem and I read the the link above given by Morbus. I don't have any of the add on listed (Nortons, Skype etc.)

My problem seems to happen if I set Firefox as the default browser. If I start IE and assign it to be the default browser then close it and then try to start Firefox, Firefox will open.

zzxc
zzxc
more options

When this happens, try using Firefox's built-in Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode. If safe mode starts, it means the problem was an extension. (In that case, see troubleshooting extensions and themes.)

Morbus
Morbus
more options

You do need to select "disable all add-ons" when using Safe mode to see if add-ons are the problem.