Why is Firefox 3.6.6 so slow?
Issue
I have another kind of problem with Firefox
Description
Firefox 3.6.6 is running REALLY slow.
Firefox just updated (automatically - I seemed to have no choice) to 3.6.6 on my Mac (OS 10.5.4) and is now running unbearably slow. Every website I try to load shows, at the bottom left "waiting for" (then website name) and loads very slowly, compared to Safari 3.1.2. I tried clearing the cache but that didn't help.
Even when on Firefox's own Mozilla support pages, it loads really slow.
What gives? Why did Firefox automatically update to something worse? Can I go backwards and reload the previous, faster version?
Firefox version
3.6.6
Operating system
Mac OS 10.5.4
Plugins installed
lots
All Replies (20)
I have the same issue, but it also slows down my computer so the whole thing is unusable
My solution: I have switched to chrome, i am still getting used to it.
Firefox fix this problem or more people will leave!!
Same problem. This is VERY annoying. I have been using firefox sinds before 1.0. Please fix this asap. I am already looking to alternatives. Problem goes away if I close google docs tab. But I need that tab.
Super slow.
Runs fine for a while, then consumes 95-100% of CPU, and becomes too slow.
I have switched to Chrome until the next version of FF.
(I like FF because of "control" "scroll" to scale text sizes, and for the "shortcuts" (like "slash" to search)
FF had this problem a few revs back, then they fixed it ... I suspect they'll fix it again, but for now, can't use it :-(
i switched to opera fixed the issue.
3.6.6 sucks... always hangs and so so slow.
opera all the whey baby :) no issues i like it.
FF now only relies on their members or users. The maker of this version doesn't say anything or help us. It's crashing the adobe flash even there's no problem. That plugin-container.exe is a crap. So this 3.6.6.
Running very slow since the update. No problems on other browsers. Worked fine of 3.6.4.
I have most of these issues. I'm using 100% processor on one of my older machines just scrolling a simple web page, an AMD Thoroughbred core 2200, when the older version barely touched it. Where can I get a older version of Firefox. I deleted mine thinking I would not need it.
Uninstalled 3.0x and cleaned the registry, big mistake, and installed 3.66. An even bigger mistake. I'll accept a slight security risk over this any day. I hope we're not seeing a repeat of Winamp 3, where the upgrade was a real pooch, then they sold to AOL.
Regards PalomarJack
I have the same problem. Link to older versions of Firefox:
Moderator edit: Do not link outside Mozilla site -MJB
I agree; this new version blows. Too slow, and it is very glitchy when playing flash games (sometimes doesn't click).
I'll have to switch to Safari until this is fixed.
Terribly slow even after disabling most of add ons and plugins?
How was this update given the ok is beyond me. Even typing this comment is so frustrating, getting... lots.... of pauses .... and .... delays!!!...!
Way to go shooting yourself on the foot FF.
Went back to FF 3.6.2! Everything "feels" a lot faster, doesn't notice this creepy CPU & memory bug until now...
Don't expect to find it here (http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/mozil.../releases/). Google yourself...
This release isn't very representative for Mozilla (and hiding all older version on their own homepage, too). Go and get this fixed...!!
Same problem with Google docs and FF. Fix Please
WHY DON'T YOU ANSWER ANYMORE, MOZILLA ?? I use mac 10.5.8 and FF 3.6.6/7 or 4.0. All are slow now! Can't understand!
Antony
“Following the release of Firefox 3.6.4 we heard from some users, mainly those using older computers, that they sometimes expect longer periods of non-responsiveness from plugins, especially with games... To address this, we increased the amount of time Firefox waits for a plugin to respond before terminating it from 10 to 45 seconds,” he added.
As Mozilla explains, the default timeout for an unresponsive plugin was 10 seconds. Having beta tested Firefox 3.6.4 with almost one million people, Mozilla was fairly confident that they had the right figure. As it turns out, people who test pre-release software versions tend to be more tech-savvy and have relatively modern computers. '''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Edited by a moderator: Removed spam -FF4L
It has nothing to do with the increased timeout for plugins. Change it back to 10s or disable it (about:config -> dom.ipc.plugins.timeoutsecs) and you will see no difference in FF behaviour, lame as before...
Any further informations here
A just disabled The Browser Highlighter 1.0.14907 plugin in FF 3.6.6. This solved my slow and 50% of cpu problem.
I have the same problem when Google Docs is open. Any tab is quite slow. When I close Google Docs then all other tabs return to normal speed.
Apparently I'm not the only one with this problem, I run on XP and it take 2 hour to load face book games- even with dail up it was faster then it is now it took 5 min before i downloaded fire fox again