Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac Options) key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?

Start your Computer in safe mode with networking. Then start Firefox. Try Safe web sites. Is the problem still there?

Starting The Computer In Safe Mode;
Free Online Encyclopedia

Can you attach a screenshot?

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Screenshot
• https://support.mozilla.org/kb/how-do-i-create-screenshot-my-problem

• Use a compressed image type like PNG or JPG to save the screenshot
• Make sure that you do not exceed the maximum size of 1 MB

Here is a screencap of the tab to this discussion. Sometimes there are more characters. They are usually on either side of the tab

You probably could disable any McAfee extensions if you have them. The Safe Mode test would tell you whether that is likely to be effective. To just make changes manually, you can use the Add-ons page. Either:

• Ctrl+Shift+a
• "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons

In the left column, click Extensions. Then on the right side, look for McAfee extensions and click Disable.

Often a link will appear above at least one disabled extension to restart Firefox. You can complete your work on the tab and click one of the links as the last step.

Does that help?

Oh, you said you have NO extensions running.

Would it be permitted to do this:

Clean Reinstall

We use this name, but it's not about removing your settings, it's about making sure the program files are clean (no inconsistent, corrupted, or alien code files). As described below, this process does not disturb your existing settings. Do NOT uninstall Firefox, that's not needed.

(1) Download a fresh installer for Firefox 39.0 from https://www.mozilla.org/firefox/all/ to a convenient location. (Scroll down to your preferred language.)

(2) Exit out of Firefox (if applicable).

(3) Rename the program folder, either:

(64-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files (x86)\OldFirefox

(32-bit Windows folder names)

C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

to

C:\Program Files\OldFirefox

(4) Run the installer you downloaded in #1. It should automatically connect to your existing settings.

Does Firefox still have strange characters on tabs after the reinstall?

Note: Some plugins may exist only in that OldFirefox folder. If something essential is missing, look in these folders:

• \OldFirefox\Plugins
• \OldFirefox\browser\plugins

I started FF in safe mode, no chinese chars. I exited FF and restarted it in normal mode with no chinese chars. I will wait to see what happens

As for plugins, i have the Activetouch general plugin container, OpenH264 Video codec by Cisco Systems, and Primetime Content Decryption Module by Adobe Systems installed.

I am wondering if FF disabling shockwave flash might have fixed it?

I am wondering if FF disabling shockwave flash might have fixed it?

I don't think anyone has associated this with Flash before, but perhaps the exact combination wasn't tested.

By the way, Adobe released an update today to resolve the critical issues in the 18.0.0.203 version. You can get 18.0.0.209 on this page:

https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/distribution3.html

In the first table, look for the row for "plugin-based browsers" and you can use either the EXE or the MSI installer -- IT department permitting.

I did the reinstall as above since security is an issue here. Its running fine for the time being with the 3 plugins running.

Thanks

FYI: please pass my compliments on to the team for the way FF implements bookmarks. No other browser comes close. The ability to drag/drop/create/move anywhere on the sidebar makes it possible to keep thousands of bookmarks in sort of a searchable database. This is excellent for research work.