Firefox 33.1 constantly stops working and reports "Not Responding."
Firefox stops working (hangs up) and reports the program is "Not Responding" frequently -- sometimes every few minutes. Memory usage check shows this is not a problem. I do not want to reset Firefox to factory settings and lose customization. This problem has worsened since version 31. I think it happens more often when I am using Dragon NaturallySpeaking while on the Internet, but I can't prove it. Would welcome comments from others who have had same experience. Now using version 31.1.1.
Réiteach roghnaithe
That was very good work. Well Done. Please flag your last post as Solved Problem so other will know.
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Let's step through a few of the common fixes for this sort of issue:
Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web link} While you are in safe mode;
Type about:preferences#advanced<Enter> in the address bar.
Under Advanced, Select General. Look for and turn off Use Hardware Acceleration. Then check ALL of your settings; Browser and add-ons.
Poke around safe web sites. Are there any problems?. Then restart.
Thanks, Tyler and FredMcD.
Tyler - I don't want to reset FF as it will delete my customizations. It took a long time to get it to look and work as I wanted. Drivers are OK. Windows Update is current. Using Malwarebytes and Avast anti-virus daily. No problems reported.
Fred McD - Use Hardware Acceleration was already unchecked. I don't know what you mean by: "check all of your settings; browsers and add-ons." What am I looking for?
As I said, there may be a problem using DNS with Firefox. (They haven't always been friendly.) I'll stop using DNS for a while to see what happens with Firefox and the Not Responding problem.
The problem continues...only worse. I downloaded and installed Firefox 35 today, which was presented as a security update. Firefox now stops working and sends a "Not Responding" message every 60-75 seconds. There are no other programs running. My concern that Dragon NaturallySpeaking may have been the problem is no longer a concern. I think FF is the problem and since this has been reported for a long time by a number of people, I hope the folks at Mozilla can find out what is going on. (I recently sent in my annual contribution to Mozilla, so I'm feeling a little pushy.)
Do you have plugins running on firefox that might take up some CPU? Check this. Also did you install a plug-in on firefox that might be a virus, these things could overload firefox with too much data and crash it. Check that.
Set All Plugins to Ask. Then restart. Any changes?
These add-ons can be a great help by backing up and restoring Firefox
FEBE (Firefox Environment Backup Extension) {web link} FEBE allows you to quickly and easily backup your Firefox extensions, history, passwords, and more. In fact, it goes beyond just backing up -- It will actually rebuild your saved files individually into installable .xpi files. It will also make backup of files that you choose.
OPIE {web link} Import/Export extension preferences
I wasn't seeing any jump in CPU usage when I got a "Not Responding" message. But, I started the tedious task of disabling add-ons one-at-a-time. I think I have identified the culprit: a wonderful add-on called Greenhouse. When installed, if you hover the cursor over the name of any member of the Senate or House of Representatives at any website, a pop-up tells you who donated money to that person and also who donated money to his/her opponent. I uninstalled the extension and opened a dozen web pages without incident. So I think I have resolved this problem. I'll report back if not.
Thanks to those who responded.
Athraithe ag DavidCal ar
P.S. My apologies for assuming this was a FF/Mozilla problem.
Réiteach Roghnaithe
That was very good work. Well Done. Please flag your last post as Solved Problem so other will know.