The option is there and I can see it where are you looking at that you can't see that option.

Are you trying to delete from the Firefox Download Manager, or using the file explorer on the computer?

Was the download finished? Was Firefox open or closed?

That is not really possible because downloads are special history items that have an annotation that identifies them as downloads.

Firefox manages downloads in the Downloads folder in the Library (History -> Show All History)

• downloads are treated as history items: clearing history removes corresponding download items and vice versa
• the Download button gets a blue highlight once all downloads are finished to make you aware that new downloads are available
• Pause and Resume can be found in the right-click context menu of an item

It is possible, you have always been able to go to the list of downloads and delete the list.

Since FF 60, it has been random, a hit or miss proposition.

I was able to delete the list when I booted up this morning, but it's been 2 days since that option worked, ergo, the question about random or intermittent problems.

I continue to have the same issues, nothing has changed since my original post.

BTW, this is my most recent integrity verification from this morning:

> Task: checkIntegrity - Unable to fix corruption, favicons.sqlite will be replaced on next startup > Task: invalidateCaches - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: checkCoherence - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: expire - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: originFrecencyStats - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: vacuum - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: stats - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: _refreshUI

I have uninstalled FF completely, reinstalled and reconfigured, have done this multiple times based on the normal diagnostic protocols that I've been exposed to participating for 15 years on Mozaillazine.

A new installation didn't help, a new profile didn't help, running in safe mode didn't help, nothing works.

BTW, I can't delete any history either, it won't delete even a single entry.

I have tried running FF in private mode, it still keeps my history and downloads.

I tried using a private window for just downloading, it keeps my downloads, still can't delete them.

This shouldn't be the case...

I have a brand spanking new installation, yet again, as of this past Monday.

I have no new add-ons, made no changes to my system, nothing.

I run Sandboxie, same thing happens when I run FF sandboxed and/or un-sandboxed and with A/V and other security turned off (or uninstalled which I did, as well).

I have the exact same set up on 5 laptops and in Portable FF, I have no issues anywhere else.

Yesterday, for whatever reason, I could finally delete the download list, that lasted 1 day, now it won't work anymore.

I am at my wits end because this is a risk management issue for me - if anybody can get into my system they can immediately find sensitive business information under my downloads, because the only thing that does work is the ability to open the containing folder.

I don't understand that either.

I gave up on using the FF bookmark management functionality because from v60-63 I couldn't save or delete any bookmarks.

I found another way to manage bookmarks using a third party.

The entire Library Management functionality has been problematic for me since FF60.

I just don't understand the seemingly random behavior in Library Management even after a completely fresh installation.

Any last minute ideas before I completely rethink my browser?

As always, thanks in advance...

Can you think of any software on that computer which accesses the places.sqlite database (bookmarks, history, downloads), either for reading or cleaning?

Could you check for any error associated with trying to delete a download that might appear in the Browser Console. You can open the separate Browser Console window using either:

• "3-bar" menu button > Web Developer > Browser Console
• (menu bar) Tools > Web Developer > Browser Console
• (Windows) Ctrl+Shift+j

Click the trash can icon at the upper left to clear the window, then switch back over to your Library window and try to delete a download.

Then switch back over to the console window. Did Firefox log any errors related to the toolbar button action?

More info on the Browser Console and settings which expand what it can be used for: https://developer.mozilla.org/docs/Tools/Browser_Console

1. How do I check for software that might access place.sqlite? Security,

Anything specific to look for?

2. The new error list is quite long after performing the browser console diagnostic, as above.

There is this: Error while detaching the browsing context target front: Connection closed, pending request to server1.conn2.parentProcessTarget1, type detach failed

This is followed by a large block of text highlighted in yellow, a request stack.

Do you want all to see all the text that follows?

There is also this: Error: "Error(s) encountered during statement execution: database disk image is malformed" handleCompletion resource://gre/modules/Sqlite.jsm:822:25 Sqlite.jsm:660:52

There are 8 of these statements, I assume one for each download that is in the list that can't be deleted.

Is this what you wanted to see?

Thank you...

For the Browser Console, do all of those appear when you try to delete a download? In that case, I think it is worth pasting it all.

Regarding other software, are there any utility, security, privacy, or cleaning programs that touch Firefox data?

Error while detaching the browsing context target front: Connection closed, pending request to server1.conn1.parentProcessTarget1, type detach failed

Request stack: request@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/protocol.js:1374:14 generateRequestMethods/</frontProto[name]@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/protocol.js:1528:14 BrowsingContextFront<.detach<@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/fronts/targets/browsing-context.js:79:24 destroy/this._destroyer<@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/client/framework/target.js:779:19 destroy@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/client/framework/target.js:744:23 eventSource/proto.emit@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/event-source.js:124:9 onClosed@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/debugger-client.js:938:5 close@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/transport/local-transport.js:154:9 close@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/transport/local-transport.js:150:7 close@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/transport/local-transport.js:150:7 cleanup@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/debugger-client.js:301:9 detachClients@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/debugger-client.js:326:9 safeOnResponse@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/debugger-client.js:557:14 listenerJson@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/debugger-client.js:580:26 emit@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/event-emitter.js:178:15 emit@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/event-emitter.js:255:5 emitReply@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/debugger-client.js:861:31 callFunctionWithAsyncStack@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/platform/stack.js:61:10 onPacket@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/client/debugger-client.js:863:9 send/<@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/transport/local-transport.js:64:11 exports.makeInfallible/<@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/ThreadSafeDevToolsUtils.js:109:14 exports.makeInfallible/<@resource://devtools/shared/base-loader.js -> resource://devtools/shared/ThreadSafeDevToolsUtils.js:109:14 browsing-context.js:81:7

Error: Error(s) encountered during statement execution: database disk image is malformed" handleCompletion resource://gre/modules/Sqlite.jsm:822:25 Sqlite.jsm:660:52

2. I have these as my realtime security set-up - I have no idea if any or all of these can access the places db...

Panda A/V Voodoo Shield Sandboxie Winpatrol

I use Malwarebytes and Hitman Pro as on-demand scanners.

I don't use any cleaner like CC Cleaner, I just use Win7's clean up utility when needed.

I have uninstalled (not just suspended) all of them more than a few times since the problems began in FF60.

I don't use any download add-ons that might be problematic, I have Decentraleyes, uBlock, TabMix Links, Print/Preview and the Weather add-on.

That's it.

I have used all of the security layers for a long long time, years in fact, they are all on my laptops, as well, same set -up.

One of the thoughts on Mozillazine is that it might be a hardware issue, maybe a drive problem.

I have a relatively new C drive, a 500G SSD. I have run a number of utilities from WD and Seagate, no problems at all.

I have a 4TB (internal) used for data back-up, nothing else, also a 4TB external for redundancy, just data.

I run diagnostics on everything at least once/month.

BTW, I don't have any other browser - Waterfox or Pale Moon - on my system, in case that causes problems.

I run Firefox Portable from a thumb drive, not my desktop.

Anything other background you need?

Thanks, as always.

Theo1352 said

I run Firefox Portable from a thumb drive, not my desktop.

Is the problem with Firefox Portable running on a "drive" other than the C drive, or was that one of your instances of Firefox that works normally? Or are all of your Firefoxes set up that way?

Regarding the errors:

(1) Error while detaching the browsing context target front: Connection closed, pending request to server1.conn1.parentProcessTarget1, type detach failed

That warning is generated by the developer tools and doesn't seem to be directly related to deleting a download. I suggest we ignore that for now.

(2) Error: Error(s) encountered during statement execution: database disk image is malformed handleCompletion resource://gre/modules/Sqlite.jsm:822:25 Sqlite.jsm:660:52

This error has shown up in past threads as part of the output of the "Verify Integrity" command (on the Troubleshooting Information page), or in the console when bookmarks can't be added. Example: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1227474

The only remedy I'm aware of is to remove places.sqlite and let Firefox create a new one. But that doesn't explain how the database is getting corrupted in the first place, or why sometimes bookmark/history/download functions may work on yours, at least partially. That is bizarre.

Can you exclude the profile folder from all real-time AV scanning and see whether that helps?

Can you please create a new Windows user on your machine and try to start and use Firefox in the same way from there and see if you can reproduce this issue with a fresh Windows profile.

Jscher: jscher2000 said

Theo1352 said

I run Firefox Portable from a thumb drive, not my desktop.

Is the problem with Firefox Portable running on a "drive" other than the C drive, or was that one of your instances of Firefox that works normally? Or are all of your Firefoxes set up that way?

Regarding the errors:

(1) Error while detaching the browsing context target front: Connection closed, pending request to server1.conn1.parentProcessTarget1, type detach failed

That warning is generated by the developer tools and doesn't seem to be directly related to deleting a download. I suggest we ignore that for now.

(2) Error: Error(s) encountered during statement execution: database disk image is malformed handleCompletion resource://gre/modules/Sqlite.jsm:822:25 Sqlite.jsm:660:52

This error has shown up in past threads as part of the output of the "Verify Integrity" command (on the Troubleshooting Information page), or in the console when bookmarks can't be added. Example: https://support.mozilla.org/questions/1227474

The only remedy I'm aware of is to remove places.sqlite and let Firefox create a new one. But that doesn't explain how the database is getting corrupted in the first place, or why sometimes bookmark/history/download functions may work on yours, at least partially. That is bizarre.

Can you exclude the profile folder from all real-time AV scanning and see whether that helps?

Firefox Portable is run from H Drive, and yes, it runs fine, no issues. I usually run that when I travel just for convenience.

The issues I'm having are on my installed desktop FF, nowhere else.

All other instances of Firefox are installed, not portable.

I will try and exclude the profile, if I can figure out how to do that.

The cause of the corruption is the thing that concerns me the most.

I will try the instruction on deleting the places db.

I have a question: I was going to delete all of the current bookmarks in FF, I do have a handful that I keep, and replace them with the current bookmarks I keep in the 3rd. party utility I now use to manage bookmarks.

Is that a problem if I do that first?

Thanks...

-Jester- said

Can you please create a new Windows user on your machine and try to start and use Firefox in the same way from there and see if you can reproduce this issue with a fresh Windows profile.

Jester, OK, will do and get back to you...

Thanks.

Theo1352 said

I will try the instruction on deleting the places db.

See: Fix "The bookmarks and history system will not be functional" error message

I have a question: I was going to delete all of the current bookmarks in FF, I do have a handful that I keep, and replace them with the current bookmarks I keep in the 3rd. party utility I now use to manage bookmarks. Is that a problem if I do that first?

When Firefox starts up with no Places database, it will create a blank one and import the last bookmark backup into it. So it's probably simpler to wait until you have the new database before doing work on it.

OK to the bookmarks...

I just had a very odd event occur, or not, depending upon your perspective.

On Friday afternoons my realtime A/V (Panda) is scheduled for a quick scan.

I added the entire Mozilla/Firefox folder under Program Files as an exclusion right before the scheduled scan a few minutes ago...

(I don't know if this is an exclusion from the scan or from monitoring)

The scan takes about 90 seconds, I then opened Firefox, went to downloads and was able to erase them immediately.

1. Can it be this simple after this entire process?

I uninstalled Panda a few times since FF60, it made no difference.

If the exclusion is from scanning, what does Panda do that causes these issues?

I'm baffled by this if it is indeed the cause.

2. If the exclusion is from monitoring, is it problematic or not?

If it won't monitor FF, kind of defeats the purpose of having an A/V, doesn't it?

BTW, I just checked the integrity, it is sane

Wow, just wow...

Having other programs access database files that Firefox needs to lock from time to time can cause unpredictable issues. (I'm not an engineer, so that's how it looks to me.)

What kind of filters does Panda offer? For example, when it comes to your Firefox profile folder, could you scan just the extensions and and may storage subfolders? I don't think there are other files/folders that could contain malware, although in a worst case scenario of a successful exploit, anything is possible.

I can exclude files and folders - that's where I put the entire Mozilla/Firefox folder.

I can specify exclusions based on any number of items in the drop down box - I assume this is from the Explorer list - under the Mozilla/Firefox folder.

I was originally going to put Firefox.exe as the exclusion, but there is a Firefox.exe.sig and have no idea what that is, there are so many things available, I just chose the entire folder.

There is the ability to exclude extensions, as well, that is a separate list apart from the folders/files.

I have been doing some research and it appears that this is just for exclusion from scanning, not monitoring.

If there is anything that is not picked up by Panda in the scan, the other scanners would, but getting past Sandboxie, my first layer/line of defense, is a difficult proposition.

I downloaded a number of items in the past 30 minutes, deleted right away.

I was also able to delete history as well.

Can we keep this thread open while I experiment?

I intend to follow the other prescriptions that were recommended, including a new user account and deleting the places DB.

You guys are so good, thank you all...

I will update over the next few days.

Update...

I am back to having a locked/corrupt places DB. I can't manage anything again, can't delete downloads and history, can't add bookmarks.

I uninstalled my A/V, going to run without one for a while, having to exclude FF the other day makes Panda a no-go at this point.

I just ran the integrity verification, got the same error message:

Task: checkIntegrity - Unable to check favicons.sqlite integrity: Error: Error(s) encountered during statement execution: database disk image is malformed > Task: invalidateCaches - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: checkCoherence - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: expire - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: originFrecencyStats - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: vacuum - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: stats - The task queue was cleared by an error in another task. > Task: _refreshUI

I am really disheartened by all of this; the choice of a browser is important to me because of my profession.

This is a matter of import to me and my company.

Quantum has been problematic no matter what I do.

Short of deleting everything again and reinstalling from scratch - which I won't do anymore because I have a business to run - I am at a complete loss.

I don't understand the randomness of this behavior.

Last night it was fine, this morning it's not.

Thanks, in advance.

BTW, I could have predicted this based on the behavior of my favicons, which I still believe is where the problem lies.

For the past couple days the favicons populated, including the download favicons/images/icons.

This morning all of the favicons were gone, every last one of them, and as a result, you get completely unresponsive behavior of anything related to the Library, and virtually the same verification error message I have gotten since FF60 - this is not a coincidence.

It has been this way since FF60, I can predict it from the moment I boot up.

If you look at my Mozillazine postings (and here) since FF60, I have been looking for a solution because when no favicons are present, I can't manage anything in the Library, it becomes completely unresponsive.

This drove me to find an external bookmark solution.

Why this favicon dynamic might be the cause, I have no clue, but I remain convinced this is the part/all of the cause, have since FF60.

Ideas?

Hi Theo1352, the favicons.sqlite file is a companion to the places.sqlite file. In older versions the site icon data was stored inside places.sqlite, but now it is split out.

I don't know why your favicons.sqlite file would constantly be getting corrupted* on this one installation. When I search for "favicons.sqlite" in past threads, most references are "Verify Integrity" results indicating the database is sane. However, there are a few reports of "malformed" file results in the test:

Advanced Forum Search for "favicons.sqlite" + malformed

Could you back up your "malformed" favicons.sqlite file somewhere in case we find someone that has a way to analyze it, and let Firefox generate a new one? The new one also might not work for the long term, but until we discover the source of the problem, it seems like our only move.

* Perhaps I shouldn't use the word corrupted in this case because the file may work sometimes and fail other times, which is not characteristic of a corrupted file. Something is happening that causes Firefox to report that the file is corrupted, but I don't know what that is.