Firefox seems to be making my computer crash

xtremeclowny

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Feb 26, 2012
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I have been having a lot of issues with my computer lately. mainly crashes while playing videogames. However, my cpu temps and everything else seem to be normal. Earlier today, I crashed, as soon as I brought the machine back on I noticed that firefox was extremely laggy and slow. I cleaned my machine yest., applied a new layer of thermal paste and hoped for the best. Today, after the crash I went on and applied a new layer which covered a bit more area than the one I used yest.

Anyways, the point is that it seems that firefox is making my computer crash. About 45 minutes ago I noticed the firefox was being slow and so I decided to use chrome. Went on played some BF4 and no problems. I opened firefox and my whole machine slowed down until it I eventually had to force shut it. Is it possible that there is something wrong with my firefox which overworks the machine? Have I tried IE? Not yet. But I will once I am done writing this. I wont report it here unless it does make me crash. I haven't updated firefox in a while. I have 200+ bookmarks and I haven't updated java probably but is that cause enough for firefox to mess with my machine in such a way?

I just imported all my bookmarks from Firefox to chrome and I'm looking to completely delete firefox from my machine. Could I get some help with the above? I would like to run a clean install of firefox to rule it out as the source of my crashes. Besides, I do prefer firefox over chrome. That's all the info. I have for now. Thanks.
 

mjmacka

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May 22, 2012
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Scan your computer for viruses/spyware and run an sfc /scannow to make sure your Windows files are not corrupted. It also wouldn't hurt to update windows and other 3rd party software.
 

mjmacka

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All right smart guy, scan your computer with these tools and post your results:

This does not come with a warranty, you are responsible for any software issues caused by running any of these scans.) That being said, I work at an MSP and use these tools daily.

1) Download and run rkill: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/rkill//dl/10/
2) Download and run JRT (Junk Removal Tool): http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/junkware-removal-tool/
3) Download and run MalwareBytes (note, do not install pro): http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/malwarebytes-a...
4) Download and run combofix (note, you will lose internet connection): http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/combofix/
5) Download and run rootkit remover: http://downloadcenter.mcafee.com/products/mcafee-avert/...
6) Download and run Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool: http://devbuilds.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/AVPTool/a...
7): Install your preferred AV software: I use AVG or Microsoft Security Essentials for personal computers and Kaspersky for work PC's. Also, remember “There is only one Lord of the Ring, only one who can bend it to his will. And he does not share power. –Gandalf.” He was also talking about anti-virus software too. DO NOT INSTALL MULTIPLE COPIES OF ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE!!!
 

xtremeclowny

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Feb 26, 2012
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There is no need to be rude. I am sure your programs are useful for something and I might give them a try later. For the time being I am more interested in running a clean install of FF than on troubleshooting random stuff.
 

mjmacka

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To reset firefox to it's default state do the following:
Open firefox -> Click the orange firefox button -> Help -> Troubleshooting Information -> This should open about:support. In the upper right corner there should be a button to "Reset Firefox." That resets almost everything. Export your bookmarks.

You can also copy your old firefox profile in case you want to pull anything from it later. It's location is: C:\Users\(Your username)\AppData\Roaming\Mozilla
 

xtremeclowny

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Feb 26, 2012
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Is there anyway to do this without opening firefox at all. My whole machine pretty much locks up the moment I open up firefox. I can more or less still move the cursor around but nothing within firefox works. Ultimately, this leads to a whole system crash. I have already imported bookmarks and so I am just looking to completely remove it and reinstall it to see if it fixes things.

Maybe I'll google it. I know that files remain if the program is removed through program files and so I am trying to avoid that.
 

xtremeclowny

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Feb 26, 2012
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So, I tried some of them, except for the last two because the links don't work. Machine seems to be clean.

Anything else to try? I crashed today without firefox so I am guessing the problem lies elsewhere.
 

xtremeclowny

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Deleted Java and flash player. Followed a guide to get rid of firefox and installed the latest version. My bookmarks are still there. Firefox is locked but the rest of my machine is working okay. I really don't know what is going on. I ran a scan with my anti and it told me that Java/Flash and firefox were vulnerable areas. Plus, I read somewhere that Java has a lot of loopholes so I prob. won't be installing that again.
 

xtremeclowny

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Feb 26, 2012
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My firefox was quite clean. No junk nor unwanted toolbars. Then of all the sudden it stopped working.
I would give your method a try but I can't even access it anymore. The thing becomes unresponsive the moment I open it up.

I did manage to grab a few viruses while looking for a solution to my problem though. Unwanted toolbars and search engines which I already for rid of.
 

xtremeclowny

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Feb 26, 2012
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Oh, this problem is gone. I think it was some sort of virus. I'm not sure. I just had to switch HDDs because my machine has been giving me trouble for a couple of weeks now. Actually, I just had to reinstall windows even though I did a fresh install yesterday. Some regarding a corrupt OS. I hope this fixes my problems.

Thanks for the reply . I don't think I will be using firefox anymore though. The newest version is not compatible with my antivirus and so I guess that I'll keep using chrome.