Windows 10: After A Firefox update, Firefox willl only open in Windows Safe Mode

Windows version 1909, build 18363.720

Since upgrading from W7 to W10 in January 2020, every time FF has an upgrade it refuses to open in Windows normal mode. The first attempt I believe was FF72 to FF73, then to 74, and now 74.01. Clicking on the FF icon causes the activity circle to spin for a fraction of a second and then nothing happens. Nothing in Task Manager. Can't open the profile manager, or FF safe mode.

I ended at least one time just uninstalling and reinstalling FF. That is a pain to deal with, creating a new profile and all that goes with it.

This time, just for the heck of it, I put Windows in Safe Mode, and FF opens just fine. It's got the right profile, everything works. All I did was a simple upgrade from 74 to 74.01. This was the first time I thought to try Windows safe mode.

I have Malwarebytes 4.1, SuperAntiSpyware (realtime protection turned off), Acronis 2020 (ransomware protection turned off). And of course Windows Bitdefender and firewall. I have added exclusions to MWB and the firewall, at least I hope I did it the right way.

I have no other ideas on what could be blocking FF.

Any out of the box ideas are welcome at this point.

Joe

:)

 

Is this safe for Firefox?

google for Firetuner and your firefox willl be way faster in startup and loading

or download the fasterfox extension

 

Mozilla Firefox 3 Updated to 3.0.1

Mozilla has released an update for their Firefox 3 web-browser. The update brings. Changes as condensed in the Release notes include:

A list of security issues fixed is issued here.

Current Firefox 3 users will be automatically updated.

Source: Mozilla

 

FireFox


Hi:

In addition to the great advice already offered....

...Most problems with Firefox originate in the user's profile, not in the program itself.

A specific suggestion for the issue you report:

Firefox - Profile in Use

Then, there is a logical sequence for Firefox diagnostics, which (as already suggested) generally starts with Mozilla Safe Mode (not to be confused with Windows Safe Mode):

Firefox - Standard Diagnostic
or
Fix slowness, crashing, error messages and other problems

Resetting Firefox (as already suggested) is certainly a reasonable option, but there are other, less "destructive" steps one might consider first.
There are also more drastic steps, such as creating a new profile. This is sometimes the best way to get back up and running, if the existing profile is highly corrupted.

Please let us know if you need more help.

Thanks,
MM