Browser will not start up: Difference between revisions
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#* In MacOS X, look in ''~/Library/Phoenix/Profiles/<Profile name>/********.slt'' | #* In MacOS X, look in ''~/Library/Phoenix/Profiles/<Profile name>/********.slt'' | ||
# Delete ''XUL.mfl'' from your profile. This file will be regenerated next time you start FireFox. | # Delete ''XUL.mfl'' from your profile. This file will be regenerated next time you start FireFox. | ||
# If you are getting the "default profile is in use" error, delete the ''parent.lock'' file. | # Delete all files in the ''Cache'' folder. | ||
# If you are getting the "default profile is in use" error, delete the ''parent.lock'' file (aka ''lock'' or ''.parentlock''). | |||
#* If it does not let you delete the file, then either Mozilla is still running or another program is using it. You will have to reboot to free up this file. | #* If it does not let you delete the file, then either Mozilla is still running or another program is using it. You will have to reboot to free up this file. | ||
# Try running FireFox. If it still does not work, reboot and try again. | # Try running FireFox. If it still does not work, reboot and try again. | ||
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# Delete the ''chrome'' folder (and any subfolders) - which will remove most extensions and themes. | # Delete the ''chrome'' folder (and any subfolders) - which will remove most extensions and themes. | ||
# Delete ''localstore.rdf'' - which will remove most UI changes, including those made by extensions. | # Delete ''localstore.rdf'' - which will remove most UI changes, including those made by extensions. | ||
# Delete | # Delete ''downloads.rdf'' , ''history.dat'' , ''user.js'' , and ''prefs.js'' - which removes most user settings. | ||
# Try running FireFox. If it still does not work, then you will have to create a new profile or reinstall the FireFox program itself. | # Try running FireFox. If it still does not work, then you will have to create a new profile or reinstall the FireFox program itself. | ||
# [http://kb.mozillazine.org/index.phtml?title=Firefox_:_Tips_:_Profile Create a new profile]. Before this, be sure to completely remove your current profile folder. | # [http://kb.mozillazine.org/index.phtml?title=Firefox_:_Tips_:_Profile Create a new profile]. Before this, be sure to completely remove your current profile folder. |
Revision as of 20:38, 21 May 2004
- If you are trying to run FireFox for the first time, then you should look at the FireFox FAQs.
- If FireFox used to work correctly, but it no longer starts when you try to run it, then this article may help.
How to Make FireFox Start
- Completely close FireFox.
- Make sure FireFox is not running in the backround.
- In Windows, hit Ctrl+Alt+Del, open the Task Manager, view Processes, and make sure firefox.exe is not there. If it is, click on it and End Process.
- Browse to your profile directory. For information about profiles, see the FireFox Profile Tips.
- In Windows, look in C:\Documents and Settings\<Windows user name>\Application Data\Phoenix\Profiles\<Profile name>\********.slt
- In Linux, look in ~/.mozilla/<Profile name>/********.slt
- In MacOS X, look in ~/Library/Phoenix/Profiles/<Profile name>/********.slt
- Delete XUL.mfl from your profile. This file will be regenerated next time you start FireFox.
- Delete all files in the Cache folder.
- If you are getting the "default profile is in use" error, delete the parent.lock file (aka lock or .parentlock).
- If it does not let you delete the file, then either Mozilla is still running or another program is using it. You will have to reboot to free up this file.
- Try running FireFox. If it still does not work, reboot and try again.
- If FireFox still does not work, then more drastic measures may have to be taken. Before continuing, be sure to backup your profile.
- At this point, it is usually best to create a new profile. For this, completely remove your profile directory and try running FireFox again.
- Alternatively, you may try "Clearing Extensions and Themes" below.
Clearing Extensions and Themes
- Attention: This section is usually a last resort for someone trying to save their profile. If possible, it is recommended that you create a new profile instead.
- Be sure to backup your profile before attempting this.
- Delete the chrome folder (and any subfolders) - which will remove most extensions and themes.
- Delete localstore.rdf - which will remove most UI changes, including those made by extensions.
- Delete downloads.rdf , history.dat , user.js , and prefs.js - which removes most user settings.
- Try running FireFox. If it still does not work, then you will have to create a new profile or reinstall the FireFox program itself.
- Create a new profile. Before this, be sure to completely remove your current profile folder.
FireFox Still Won't Start
- Make sure to backup your profile and then completely remove your profile folder.
- Uninstall FireFox and verify that the FireFox folder no longer exists.
- Reinstall FireFox.
FireFox Starts But My Settings Are Gone
- If you backed up your profile, then you should be able to simply copy the backed up files to your new profile. See profile tips for help on doing this.
- If you are missing themes or extensions, you will probably have to reinstall them from scratch. Go to the Tools->Options menu to install and configure extensions and themes.