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Firefox 18.0.2 crashes when I try to check if my plugins are up-to-date from a standard user account

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  • 13 have this problem
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  • Last reply by kevwizuk

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If I open Firefox 18.0.2 using an administrator account, the plugin check works with no problems. However when I try to check them from a standard user account, it just hangs and has to be closed using Task Manager. The check page opens, but no plugins are listed, and then it freezes.

If I open Firefox 18.0.2 using an administrator account, the plugin check works with no problems. However when I try to check them from a standard user account, it just hangs and has to be closed using Task Manager. The check page opens, but no plugins are listed, and then it freezes.

All Replies (4)

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Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.

You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:

Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.


Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.

Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

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I ran a deep scan for rootkits, I ran a microsoft system file check, I ran a full system scan in safe mode using AVG Antivirus, and I ran a full scan with Malwarebytes, again in safe mode. I also downloaded on another machine a copy of the AVG rescue dusk, and used that to run a full scan. None found anything dubious or suspicious. So thanks for the suggestion, but I can't see it being a problem with malware. Anyone have any other ideas?

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Just a further update. I tried leaving the plugin check running whilst I went away and did something else. When I returned, there was an error message saying that a script wasn't working. I pressed continue, and a few moments later, it came back again. I pressed enter again, and then it went through at normal speed and worked properly. So I guess it's a scripting problem?

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It would appear that this problem was caused by my disabling Java as we have been recommended to do for security reasons. I updated to the latest version of Java, and re-enabled it, and the plugin checker now works fine. Could someone please confirm that this would cause the problem I have been seeing? Thanks.