Hello,

The Refresh feature (called "Reset" in older Firefox versions) can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your bookmarks, history, passwords, cookies, and other essential information.

Note: When you use this feature, you will lose any extensions, toolbar customizations, and some preferences. See the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article for more information.

To Refresh Firefox:

1. Open the Troubleshooting Information page using one of these methods:
   • Click the menu button , click help and select Troubleshooting Information. A new tab containing your troubleshooting information should open.
   • If you're unable to access the Help menu, type about:support in your address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting Information page.
2. At the top right corner of the page, you should see a button that says "Refresh Firefox" ("Reset Firefox" in older Firefox versions). Click on it.
3. Firefox will close. After the refresh process is completed, Firefox will show a window with the information that is imported.
4. Click Finish and Firefox will reopen.

Did this fix the problem? Please report back to us!

Thank you.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save

Note: Some software, like Advanced SystemCare with Surfing Protection, can protect files in the Firefox profile folder against changes. If you have such software then check the settings or uninstall this software.

Separate Security Issue: Update your Flash Player Note: Windows users should download the ActiveX for Internet Explorer. and the plugin for Plugin-based browsers (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built-in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict. Install the plugin only. Not the ActiveX.

Flash Player Version: Version 28.0.0.126

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ Direct link scans current system and browser Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only>

https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/otherversions/ Step 1: Select Operating System Step 2: Select A Version (Firefox, Win IE . . . .) Note: Other software is offered in the download. <Windows Only> +++++++++++++++++++ See if there are updates for your graphics drivers https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

FredMcD, I'm not sure what Flash player has to do with my issue... or Active-X... but, thanks?

Seburo, Thanks for the info. I may have to resort to his, but I sure don't want to loose those items.

You can add them back from the Old Firefox Data Folder on your Desktop after a refresh.

Back up and restore information in Firefox profiles

Guigs,

Thanks for that information. Obviously, I'm not having great success looking up these things.

My base issue is that I ALWAYS want to use private browsing. Up until yesterday, I got the purple screen when I hit my home button. I did find one comment that said it is no longer purple so that someone across the room might see that you are in private mode. That doesn't even make sense. I don't care if the whole world knows if I am in private mode... who would??

Since there is NO WAY to glance at my screen to verify if I am in private mode, and since my settings keep changing, I am having trust issues.

I appreciate everyone who has been helping. I'm not giving up, yet. I just wish I knew what I did to lose my purple page.

Sincerely thankful.

Hey there, No worries, I am pretty careful with my personal info as well, at least the ones outside of work :-) As a community manager, you kind of live online.

Anyway, to get your purple browser back you can change it so that you are always in private mode. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/private-browsing-use-firefox-without...

Just as a heads up, that mode will not save anything, as far as I understand. However I was able to still save bookmarks or passwords.

If you want to user Firefox sync just for bookmarks, that would be the way to go. Hope you have a nice Holiday!

Maybe nothing is wrong.

It is quite normal to see "Use custom settings for history" selected. "Use custom settings for history" allows to see the current history and cookie settings, but selecting this choice doesn't make changes to the history and cookie settings.

The "Use custom settings..." choice will stay selected when at least one history setting is not the default to make you aware that you made changes. Only when all History settings are default then the custom settings are hidden and you see "Firefox will: (Never) Remember History". "Never Remember History" means that Private Browsing is active and "Always use private browsing mode" has a checkmark.

Hello,

My apologies to anyone I did not thank. I never got notification on the last few responses.

Thank you, one and all!

Hopeful Neophiliac

Hello, Glad to hear that your problem has been resolved. If you haven't already, *Please select the answer that solves the problem*. This will help other users with similar problems find the solution more easily. Thank you for contacting Mozilla Support.