Websites look wrong

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Revision as of 16:53, 7 May 2006 by Alice Wyman (talk | contribs) (Removed Error loading any website as it covers connection errors, not page display and it is also linked from the Error loading some websites article.)
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Problems viewing a website can be caused by many things. The website may not follow Web standards, or it could be related to your browser settings or configuration, problematic extensions or programs that are blocking web content, or a Firefox/Mozilla Suite bug. More information can be found in the following articles:

Other solutions:

  • In Firefox, go to Go to "View -> Page style" and change "No Style" (in Mozilla Suite, "View -> Use Style and change "Basic Page Style") to whatever is there if it's not already checked.
  • Clear your cache and cookies in Firefox "Privacy" options (under "Cache" and "Cookies" ) or in Mozilla Suite preferences (under "Advanced -> Cache" and "Privacy & Security -> Cookies -> Cookie Manager").
  • The page may require cookies or popup windows. Enable these features in Firefox options under Content (Web Features in 1.0.x) or in Mozilla Suite's preference settings under "Privacy & Security -> "Popup Windows" and "Cookies". Also check for related settings in your internet security software.
  • Make sure that you are not blocking JavaScript or Java, embedded objects or other page content in an extension like Adblock or NoScript or in your internet security software.
  • Sometimes incremental reflow bugs or layout problems can be fixed by forcing a page reflow. This can be as simple as changing the font size of the page, resizing the window, or reloading the page.
  • Install a user agent spoofer, such as User Agent Switcher extension, to make the web site think you are using a different browser.

If the website doesn't work in Firefox or Mozilla Suite by design, the best long term solution is to respectfully ask the website developer if they can make their page work in Firefox/Mozilla Suite. For help on doing this, see the Tech Evangelism project page.

Possible solutions for website developers

  • Ensure your code completely or nearly validates to W3 specifications. Use the HTML Validator and the CSS Validator to find errors in your website.
  • Check the JavaScript Console for errors and warnings.
  • Post in the Web Development forum at mozillaZine to get help with your site.