You can inspect the Windows Event log to see if this provides more detail.

Try the 32-bit Firefox version to see if that version works.

• https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/all/

Hi Cor-el,

Nothing was reported in the Event Viewer and, sadly, the 32-bit version of Firefox exhibits exactly the same issue.

I don't want to appear unappreciative, but I do wonder how well this version was tested before RTM? The way things stand, and like many other Firefox Users, it is starting to look like I will have to revert to an earlier version to get back on board. Failing that, then I suppose I will be forced to jump ship and adopt Google Chrome as my default browser which, incidentally, is serving me well at the moment.

It does seem strange that the only advice offered is to ensure Windows Firewall allows Firefox through and this has been shown not to work. Something else is at play here and why has it suddenly started to happen? If I had been on Windows 10 then the finger of blame doubtless would be pointing at MS like so many other problems caused, apparently, by their unwelcome and troublesome updates. However, my o/s is the tried and trusted Windows 7 Pro 64-bit, arguably their best yet and over the past few years has assured me a stress free life...pretty much.

Anyway, rant over...lol Hopefully there are other avenues yet to be explored in the hope of getting this sorted. Fingers crossed!

Regards, Mike

How about giving the site that is giving problems so others can load to see what it does if the problem can be reproduced?

WestEnd said

How about giving the site that is giving problems so others can load to see what it does if the problem can be reproduced?

Hi WestEnd,

Believe me, I would if I could. The fact is nothing loads including the Firefox home page following installation and initial run/refresh:

After starting Firefox https://i.imgur.com/2sEOJZl.jpg

Typing in 'Mozilla' https://i.imgur.com/KRmAooB.jpg

After selecting Mozilla Firefox Start Page https://i.imgur.com/qG168Cc.jpg

So, there you are: nothing, nix, nada!

Firefox is running and I can select the various menu items For example, Options: https://i.imgur.com/XEBV8mi.jpg

Oddly enough, when I tried this again (several times) the page would not load!? However, it appears I can do stuff like customizing the Firefox tool bar.

All seems possible except for one thing: Firefox won't execute any URL address and load a web page. Why?

Regards, Mike

Again, I should reiterate the fact that I have no problems with Google Chrome or Internet Explorer.

Mike

Try to start Firefox in Safe Mode to see if that works.

• Windows: hold down the Shift key while starting Firefox
• Mac: hold down the Options key while starting Firefox

• https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-using-safe-mode

Boot the computer in Windows Safe mode with network support to see if that has effect in case security software is causing problems.

• http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-start-windows-in-safe-mode/
• http://www.7tutorials.com/4-ways-boot-safe-mode-windows-10

Hi cor-el,

Ah-ha, now we are making some progress!

Starting Firefox in SAFE Mode in Windows and in Windows SAFE Mode doesn't work - same behaviour as before.

However, starting Firefox in Windows in SAFE Mode with Networking does work!!

I tested with Firefox Firefox 56.0.2 (64-bit)

I'll try again with Firefox Quantum 57.0.2 64-bit and report back.

If this is a security issue in Windows 7 Pro 64-bit what on earth could be causing it? 'Windows Firewall' l seems to be configured correctly to allow Firefox through. That just leaves 'ESET NOD32' 10.1.219.0 which I've used for years and never experienced similar problems with Firefox before now. If it is ESET NOD32 then what setting could be implicated? I know Firefox is not included in list of exclusions - Perhaps that's the answer, I'll try that. However, isn't that a bit risky as by doing this I'm assuming NOD32 won't be monitoring any browsing activity?

Regards, Mike

Cruachan said

However, starting Firefox in Windows in SAFE Mode with Networking does work!! Mike

This would mean you got something like malware loaded that is taxing the system resources so your system can't properly access the internet. So your going to have to find out what got loaded to cause the Taxing on your System. Before we can say it was just because of FF.

WestEnd said

Cruachan said

However, starting Firefox in Windows in SAFE Mode with Networking does work!! Mike

This would mean you got something like malware loaded that is taxing the system resources so your system can't properly access the internet. So your going to have to find out what got loaded to cause the Taxing on your System. Before we can say it was just because of FF.

I'm away ahead of you on that one. The system has been scanned thoroughly with ESET NOD32 and Malwarebytes (latest definitions) and has come up clean.

Also, inspection of Task Manager confirms the system is not taxed in any way whatsoever.

I have now reinstalled Firefox Quantum 57.0.2 64-bit and confirmed it too only works in Windows SAFE MODE with Networking enabled.

Mike

Apparently Firefox supports IPv6 by default which may cause connection problems on certain systems

So, I have run a test to determine whether I am using IPv6 connectivity. It appears not. I am using IPv4. See images below:

https://i.imgur.com/QJiBkk7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/xeeQvyY.jpg

Reastarting, in Windows SAFE MODE I have set network.dns.disableIPv6 in Firefox to true.

I have confirmed my laptop is not using a Proxy Server and Firefox has been configured accordingly: No Proxy

Once again, I remind everyone that I am not experiencing ANY problems with Google Chrome Version 62.0.3202.94 (Official Build) (64-bit) or Internet Explorer 11.0.9600.18816

Mike

This really is reaching the point of becoming ridiculous!

I decided to perform a clean install of Firefox Quantum 57.0.2 64-bit.

In addition to uninstalling Firefox in the usual fashion via Programs and Features I moved all the User content of the Mozilla folders under Local, LocalLow and Roaming into TEMP folders. This included all the existing Profiles.

CCleaner was then used to remove all the redundant Registry entries.

These folders were all repopulated following the reinstallation of Firefox Quantum 57.0.2 64-bit. However, despite my optimism, the results, as before, were very disappointing:

Firefox Clean Install: Before Clicking Let's go! https://i.imgur.com/TmltqCk.jpg

After Clicking Let's go! https://i.imgur.com/y4bi4Kp.jpg

Firefox Windows Firewall Setting https://i.imgur.com/TTMlgUF.jpg

Hence my frustration. It is very hard to understand why it is that the Firefox installer seems unable to configure itself to ensure everything works. Surely the Firefox Development Team will have a debugging tool capable of isolating the cause.

The only way I can access and change settings in Options is with Firefox running in Windows SAFE MODE with Networking. Also, as previously, there are no problems opening Web pages. However, opening Firefox Safe Mode in Windows still denies web browsing and any attempts at configuration.

Don't know whether it is significant or, indeed, relevant but Firefox is being reported as impeding a restart and I have to wait several seconds for the process to be terminated...unless it is forced.

Once more, I await patiently with fingers tightly crossed! Not giving up just yet...but that time is fast approaching! Incidentally, all these responses are being done using Google Chrome which, along with IE, continues to function perfectly - just to rub it in...LOL!

Edit: I have tried Disabling SSL/TLS protocol filtering in ESET NOD32. After a system restart I ran Firefox, Sadly, still no change in behaviour.

Mike

Cruachan said

This really is reaching the point of becoming ridiculous! I decided to perform a clean install of Firefox Quantum 57.0.2 64-bit. In addition to uninstalling Firefox in the usual fashion via Programs and Features I moved all the User content of the Mozilla folders under Local, LocalLow and Roaming into TEMP folders. This included all the existing Profiles.

My experince was I didn't move any profiles or data and during my cleaning out of FF56x86 prior to FF57x64 left the old profile in the old folder and reinstall FF57 and then start FF57 and then went back to the old folder and deleted it out and had no issues. Even the Addons that worked in FF56 moved over to FF57 without problems. So I think there is more problem going on then just with FF here. my system is Windows10x64 Pro FCU 1709 and so far the issues you describe isn't happening in my usage.

I find I can access Options by selecting it from either the Tools Menu or the Open Menu. However it only works on the second attempt when Firefox opens another Tab:

https://i.imgur.com/kOsjKSw.jpg

Same trick does not work for URLs in the address bar.

I tried Firefox after a Clean System Boot - no Startup items and ALL non-Microsoft Services disabled. Still no joy!

Surely one of you Gurus will recognize this behaviour and, from your extensive experience with the inner workings of Firefox, can identify/suggest the likely cause? I feel we must be very close to finding the solution. So frustrating!

Mike

Not all of the websites give me a blank page. But to fix those that do, go to Customize, then click Done. This is my workaround, but Mozilla needs to fix this! How did it get out of alpha/beta testing. I have posted this 3 times, but do not see this thread updated, so sorry if posts multiple times - another Mozilla feature? Jack

edit: Got it to post from my macbook, Windows PC will not post.

jacktechie said

Not all of the websites give me a blank page. But to fix those that do, go to Customize, then click Done. This is my workaround, but Mozilla needs to fix this! How did it get out of alpha/beta testing. I have posted this 3 times, but do not see this thread updated, so sorry if posts multiple times - another Mozilla feature? Jack edit: Got it to post from my macbook, Windows PC will not post.

To be fair, in my case the issue, as I have described it, also persists in the 32bit version and Firefox 56.0.2 (64-bit).

It does look like something is preventing Firefox from loading Web pages. But what? When I type, a list appears as normal, but when I choose a website nothing happens other than the appearance of that oscillating little black dot in the active Tab. There has to be an explanation for this. Firefox does not actually crash and Task Manager also confirms some additional Firefox activity is occurring during these events and the Windows Desktop Manager (wdm) is active (1-2% CPU usage).

It does seem odd that this behaviour is not present in either Google Chrome or Internet Explorer yet one would assume that the internal command/s for such an operation are similar if not the same in all three browsers.

ESET NOD32 updated itself to 10.1.235.0 yesterday. However, this changed nothing with Firefox.

Hopefully, now the weekend is past, an expert will come on board and kindly help sort this one out. Meantime, if we continue to assume an external influence is at play here, then I am wondering if there could be a way whereby Process Explorer could be employed to identify the culprit?

Mike

Then it will require a in person computer shop to see what is going on then. Since no one on here can really see how the setup on your computer is to see the problem.

WestEnd said

Then it will require a in person computer shop to see what is going on then. Since no one on here can really see how the setup on your computer is to see the problem.

With all due respect, I can understand why you feel you cannot help but those more experienced in the arcane art of troubleshooting may be better placed. Oh, and the idea of entrusting my laptop to a 'person in a computer shop' would fill me with feelings of dread and foreboding. My somewhat limited experience of such so-called support was usually to receive a recommendation to reformat and reinstall the operating system, etc. I rejected such approaches a long, long time ago and, I have to say, such advice speaks more about the individual's level of expertise and knowledge or their unwillingness to spend some time and expense troubleshooting a problem.

Over the years I have built several systems - I'm a flight sim nut! Each system is built with the greatest care and always using high spec components. I demand the highest levels of stability and performance. Inevitably one accumulates a great deal of knowledge and expertise throughout the process and I have been able to troubleshoot most issues successfully without ever having to reinstall an operating system. That said this latest issue has me stumped and is occurring on a laptop, the only system that is not a self-build and the only system that has been exposed to minimal interventions by its owner! There appears to me no logical reason for this to occur and yet it has. I've done my research and applied such advice as seemed relevant to this problem. Nothing has worked....so far.

Yes, restarting from scratch might resolve the problem but why would I entertain such a move which would destroy a System Installation which performs perfectly in all other respects. This just to continue using Firefox? Dream on! Currently Chrome, as a substitute, is doing very nicely. If it comes to it I will accept the need to abandon Firefox and simply move on. However, I have grown up with Firefox, through every iteration of the product over the best part of 40yrs (I am now 70) and would feel very reluctant to turn my back on this great application without at least spending an appropriate amount of time trying to fix an issue which currently is rendering it useless and, frustratingly, probably has a simple explanation, if only I/we could see it.

Thank you for spending time trying to help. I do appreciate it. Perhaps now it's time to step aside and let others have a go.....should they feel so inclined, that is!

Assuming there may be little likelihood of my receiving further useful support from this community of users, can I refer this matter to the Firefox Developers and if so how?

Regards, Mike

Just a brief update to round things off.

Sadly, it appears I have now reached the end of the road regarding my long time association with Mozilla Firefox.

I spent some time today doing the following:

1. Manual uninstall of ESET NOD32 in Windows SAFE MODE using the downloaded ESET uninstaller. 2. Uninstalled Firefox Quantum, yet again. 3. Full System Scan with Windows Defender - came up clean. 4. Full System Scan with Malwarebytes - nothing found.

5. Reinstalled Firefox and it applied several updates to get to Quantum 57.0.2 64-bit. Runs fine in Windows SAFE MODE but, once again, no web page will load while running in Windows 7 64-bit.

6. Installed latest version of ESET NOD32 and it made no difference to behaviour of Firefox. Performed a full System Scan and nothing found.

So, I've decided I've wasted enough time on this. I believe I have covered all the bases during this troubleshooting exercise yet the issue stubbornly persists. Why the latest Firefox installers seem incapable of configuring Quantum correctly on my Alienware M18x remains a complete mystery. All is well on another laptop where it runs perfectly (Windows Home Premium) and also a recent self build hefty desktop rig (Windows 7 Pro 64-bit). It seems something is still blocking Firefox's access to the Internet on my M18x and this despite showing repeatedly that the Windows Firewall is configured correctly. Also, Firefox is using System Proxy Settings for Internet access.

Google Chrome is installed on all my computers and is now configured as my default browser. As they say, it just works and without any fuss!

It's such a pity but Firefox, regrettably, has fallen at the last hurdle and has become a huge disappointment to this particular user.

Thanks again to those who bothered to try to help. What was needed was Developer intervention. Seems that's not likely to happen so I see no way forward with this.

In the slim hope that an update comes along which might rectify this issue, for the time being I won't rush to uninstall Firefox. Miracles have been known to happen, but I ain't holding my breath..lol!

Please feel free to add your contribution if you have anything new to suggest that might help. Despite everything, the detective in me would still like to have an answer.

Mike

Don't even builtin pages like about:home and about:newtab work?

You can open the about:about page to see all available about pages.

If using various malware scanners does not fix it or if you are blocked from installing those scanners then ask advice at a forum that specializes in malware removal.

• http://forums.majorgeeks.com/index.php - MajorGeeks Support Forums
• http://www.security-forums.com/index.php - WindowSecurity.com Security Forums
• http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums - Bleeping Computer Forums