Am told firefox is already running , but task manager doesn't show it

am told firefox is already running , but task manager doesn't show it. I installed Firefox 3.6.10 on a new computer (win 7 home premium), deleted the profile given and copied my old profile in its place (win vista premium). I get the above message and am told to close the existing process, or restart the system. Can't close and restarting doesn't help. Please solve this for me, i so don't want to use Internet Explorer

g'day people... a dude called "moopenguin32" showed me the way... alleluia
1. Copy your Firefox shortcut (what you click on to open Firefox) to the Desktop.
2. Right-click on it and click on Properties.
3. Go to the end of the text in the "Target" field. The end will say: firefox.exe"
4. Enter a space followed by: -profilemanager
5. The end result will look something like this: "C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe" -profilemanager
6. Click OK to save the settings.
7. Double-click on the shortcut you just changed.
8. Delete the profile listed. It shouldn't matter that you're deleting it because you're trying to restore a profile anyways. You should have the profile you're trying to restore saved elsewhere.
9. Close the profile manager.
10. Start Firefox using your regular shortcut. Firefox should open properly. Close Firefox.
11. Now to restore your profile, open the profile folder you have backed up and copy the contents of it rather than the actual folder.
12. Go to your existing Firefox profile and open it.
13. Delete the contents of the existing Firefox profile.
14. Paste the contents of the Firefox profile that you're trying to restore (the one you copied in step 11).
15. Open Firefox and everything should be there (including your extensions).

Similar Messages

I use Firefox to access the internet-but when I go off the internet but don't shut down, then go back on Firefox it won't open because "it is already running". Task Manager doesn't show that it is operating so I can't shut it off. What to do?

It is in the question but to repeat.
1. When I go online I use Mozilla Firefox
2. While I am doing other work, I usually close the internet.
3. If I go back on the internet and click on Mozilla it won't come up, stating that "it is already running".
4. Despite that, when I open Task Manager, it doesn't show that it is running so I can't shut it down or open it.
5. If I log off or shut off the computer, then after I log in or reboot the computer, I can open Mozilla.
Thanks from a Mozilla fan.

See "Hang at exit":
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
See "Firefox hangs when you quit it":
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Firefox+hangs

I have windows xp and am told firefox is already running, but not responding and I have to close existing firefox process or restat. neither works, suggestions?

I have gone to windows manager and deleted the firefox process.
I am able to use explorer and firefox as another user, but not on my primary account.

This Knowledge Base article may help you: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox%20is%20already%20running%20but%20is%20not%20responding

Since upgrade to firefox 4.o.1 when I close it and then reopen am told fireox already running close or restart but task manager doesn't show it as running and have to restart computer to open firefox again, what's up?

Happens when I close it to get rid of info that might still be stored from current site (financial info etc) but want to reopen to continue use. Didn't happen with earlier versions.

See "Hang at exit":
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
* https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Firefox+hangs

Firefox process is running but the GUI doesn't show up.

System description:
ThinkPad T61, Windows 7 X64 with both Firefox 3.6 and 4.0 beta installed.
Now both version of Firefox won't show their GUI when I start them but the "firefox.exe *32" process is running.
I tried to clean up all the customize information about the firefox, uninstall both of them and reinstall the 3.6, but the GUI still won't show up.

Did you create a new profile for the Firefox 4.0 beta version?
See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Manager
If you use the same profile for both versions then create a new profile as a test to check if your current profile is causing the problems
See [[Basic Troubleshooting#Make_a_new_profile|Basic Troubleshooting: Make a new profile]]
There may be extensions and plugins installed by default in a new profile, so check that in "Tools > Add-ons > Extensions & Plugins"
If that new profile works then you can transfer some files from the old profile to that new profile (be careful not to copy corrupted files)
See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Transferring_data_to_a_new_profile_-_Firefox

Firefox 29.0.1 on Windows 7 (64-bit): ALWAYS get "Firefox is already running but not responding..." error and need Task Manager to close/restart Firefox.

I run Firefox 29.0.1 on Windows 7 (64 bit) and I get the "Firefox is already running but not responding. In order to open the program you must close the existing window." error. EVERY TIME I try to start Firefox. The posted solution works to start the program, but it is not a permanent solution. I go through the Task Manager and end the old Firefox process, then I can open a new window. While working, I can open multiple tabs and multiple windows, everything seems to (usually) work the way it should. Then after I completely exit Firefox, in order to open the program again I need to fix the SAME error again. Every time. It doesn't seem to hurt anything really, but it is quite annoying.
I used to get this same error on some of the older Firefox versions but it was only once in a while. With the new 29.0.1 it is literally EVERY TIME I TRY TO RUN FIREFOX!!!!
So, down to the big question: is there a permanent fix for this yet? Or will there be one included in the next version update? Or am I going to have to go back to Internet Explorer? I know I am not alone in this experience; i've seen several other users posting similar questions but none of them received satisfactory answers. So what's the story here, team Firefox?

'''https://support.mozilla.org/questions/997866?esab=a&s=&r=1&as=s'''. 
This is not a cure but will make it easier if Firefox locks up.

Iget this when I try to open a session....Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system.task mngr shows no open firefox processes.

I get this when I try to open a session....Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system.The task manager shows no open Firefox processes.I had two users on this laptop running Firefox and I tried deleting the program on both users. I then downloaded the newest version, installed it and I still get the error message as before. HELP!!!! I loved the browser program when it was working before and would rather use it than other browsers.

See "Hang at exit":
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
* https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Firefox+hangs

I consistently get this messsage and have to restart the system - "Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system". When I look at the Task Manager no Fire

I consistently get this message and have to re'boot my system. "Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system"
== User Agent ==
Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 6.1; Trident/4.0; GTB6.5; SLCC2; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET CLR 3.0.30729; Media Center PC 6.0; .NET CLR 3.0.04506; InfoPath.2; Media Center PC 5.0; SLCC1)

'''Kill Application'''
In Task Manager, does firefox.exe show in the '''Processes''' tab?
See: [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Kill_application Kill Application]
'''Causes and solutions for Firefox hanging at exit:'''
[[Firefox hangs]]
[http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs#Hang_at_exit Firefox hangs at exit]
[[Firefox is already running but is not responding]]
'''Safe Mode'''
You may need to use '''[[Safe Mode]]''' (click on "Safe Mode" and read) to localize the problem. Firefox Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that disables Extensions and some other features of Firefox. If you are using a theme, switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes '''before''' starting Safe Mode. When entering Safe Mode, do not check any items on the entry window, just click "Continue in Safe Mode". Test to see if the problem you are experiencing is corrected.
See:
'''[[Troubleshooting extensions and themes]]'''
'''[[Troubleshooting plugins]]'''
'''[[Basic Troubleshooting]]'''
If the problem does not occur in Safe-mode then disable all of your Extensions and Plug-ins and then try to find which is causing it by enabling '''one at a time''' until the problem reappears. '''You MUST close and restart Firefox after EACH change''' via File > Restart Firefox (on Mac: Firefox > Quit). You can use "Disable all add-ons" on the Safe mode start window.

Firefox is already running but not responding,No process in task manager,Restart and uninstall not useful.Profile manager error

So one day when I opened my mozilla firefox Ive got the "Firefox is already running but not responding.To open a new window,you must first close the existing firefox process,or restart your system."
So I checked my task manager but there is no process,I then checked hours in the internet to find a solution.Yes,I also checked for solutions in this site.Then,I try uninstalling and restarting,it also didn't work,Next I also tried downloading profilemanager and tried to run it but as unlucky as I can be,it also didn't work. Please help :(

The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information.
Note: ''This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.''
To Reset Firefox do the following:
#Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
#Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
#Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
#Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.
Further information can be found in the [[Reset Firefox – easily fix most problems]] article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

Frequently when I open Firefox it says Firefox is already running but is not responding. I have to go to the task manager, find Firefox and close the process before I can get firefox to load.

Those are all the details I have

There is an article about this problem see:
* [[Firefox is already running but is not responding]]

I try to open firefox and i get this msg "Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system." meanwhile it is not open in my task manager or anywhere else.

What causes this and how can I fix it. It is really irritating having to restart my pc everytime.

There are a few possible causes for this error, for details see https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Firefox+is+already+running+but+is+not+responding

Firefox is already running, but is not responding, and neither is Firefox Safe Mode.

Hi.
When ever I try and open Firefox, it says,
''Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system.''
I tried restarting my computer, updating to the latest plugins using the Firefox Plugin Check (which is really convenient) and I even tried uninstalling Firefox and getting the new Firefox 4. However, nothing worked.
I searched for the problem on this site and it told me to run Firefox Safe Mode. I right clicked my Firefox icon and when I clicked Firefox Safe Mode, the same dialog came up and causing not even Firefox Safe Mode to run. No other Firefox window is open and task manager is informing me that no other Firefox application is running.
Thank you for reading this. Firefox is my favorite web browser and I really do not want to switch to something else.

I upgraded to 4.0b4 Beta 2 days ago and I have had no crashes, no failure to close and all of the Java script problems have vanished.
Normally I'd not advise people to rush out and try beta versions but this one seems more stable than the official release!

When I attempt to open firefox an error message appears telling me that firefox is already running, but I can't find it running. How do I do so or in any case close the already running Firefox process?

When I attempt to open Firefox instead of Firefox opening, an error message appears saying "Firefox is already running but isn't responding. To open another window please close the existing Firefox process or restart the system.", but I can't find that process of Firefox in order to kill it, and after restarting the system there is still the problem. I have found an emergency fix to at least get online, and that is to use"Firefox_Profile_Manager" in the start menu's "run" start menu, but the
Firefox that then opens is that one doesn't carry over what I had in my bookmarks but starts bookmarks anew.

Sounds like it is hanging when you exit and later try to restart Firefox.
* How to stop the running Firefox process
** In Task Manager, does firefox.exe show in the '''Processes''' tab?
** See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Kill_application
**Windows 7 users: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/window-on-windows/reap-the-benefits-of-windows-7s-task-manager/2576
* What may cause Firefox to hang at exit
**Windows 7 Task Manager: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/window-on-windows/reap-the-benefits-of-windows-7s-task-manager/2576
** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+hangs
** http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
** https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+is+already+running+but+is+not+responding
* You may need to try Firefox Safe Mode
** You may need to use '''Safe Mode''' to locate the problem: ***See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Safe_Mode
***Firefox 4 users, hold the Shift key while clicking the Firefox 4 desktop icon to enter Safe Mode.
***Firefox Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that disables Extensions and some other features of Firefox.
****In Firefox 4, Safe Mode also disables Plugins and Hardware Acceleration.
****If you are using a theme, switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes '''before''' starting Safe Mode (In Firefox 4, Tools > Add-ons > Appearance). See: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using%20themes%20with%20Firefox#w_managing-themes-and-personas
****When entering Safe Mode, do not check any items on the entry window, just click "Continue in Safe Mode".
****Test to see if the problem you are experiencing is corrected.
*** If the problem does not occur in Safe-mode then disable all of your Extensions and Plug-ins and then try to find which is causing it
***#by enabling '''one at a time''' until the problem reappears.
***#You can also enable a few at a time (3-5), keeping track of what you just re-enabled to see if the problem re-occurs; this will help narrow down the possibilities if you have a large number of add-ons.
***#'''You MUST close and restart Firefox after EACH change''' via File > Restart Firefox (on Mac: Firefox > Quit).
***#You can use "Disable all add-ons" on the Safe Mode start window.
**See the following for more information
*** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes
*** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting+plugins
*** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Basic+Troubleshooting
 
 
'''You need to update the following:'''
*Adobe Shockwave for Director Netscape plug-in, version 11.5
*Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape "9.3.2"
*Shockwave Flash 10.2 r153
*Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_17 for Mozilla browsers
#'''''Check your plugin versions''''' on either of the following links':
#*http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
#*https://www-trunk.stage.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
#*'''Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions'''
#*There are plugin specific testing links available from this page:
#**http://kb.mozillazine.org/Testing_plugins
#'''Update Shockwave for Director'''
#*NOTE: this is not the same as Shockwave Flash; this installs the Shockwave Player.
#*Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below (Desktop is a good place so you can find it).
#*When the download is complete, exit Firefox (File > Exit)
#*locate and double-click in the installer you just downloaded, let the install complete.
#*Restart Firefox and check your plugins again.
#*'''Download link and more information''': http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Shockwave+plugin+with+Firefox
#'''Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):'''
#*From within your existing Adobe Reader ('''if you have it already installed'''):
#**Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
#**Click Help > Check for Updates
#**Follow the prompts for updating
#**If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
#*Download complete installer ('''if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed'''):
#**SAVE the installer to your hard drive (save to your Desktop so that you can find it after the download). Exit/Close Firefox. Run the installer you just downloaded.
#**Use either of the links below:
#***https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Adobe+Reader+plugin+with+Firefox ''(click on "Installing and updating Adobe Reader")''
#***''Also see Download link''': http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/
#*After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.
#'''Update the [[Managing the Flash plugin|Flash]] plugin''' to the latest version.
#*Download and SAVE to your Desktop so you can find the installer later
#*If you do not have the current version, click on the "Player Download Center" link on the "'''Download and information'''" or "'''Download Manual installers'''" below
#*After download is complete, exit Firefox
#*Click on the installer you just downloaded and install
#**Windows 7 and Vista: may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
#*Start Firefox and check your version again or test the installation by going back to the download link below
#*'''Download and information''': http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
#**Use Firefox to go to the above site to update the Firefox plugin (will also install plugin for most other browsers; except IE)
#**Use IE to go to the above site to update the IE ActiveX
#*'''Download Manual installers'''.
#**http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/191/tn_19166.html#main_ManualInstaller
#**Note separate links for:
#***Plugin for Firefox and most other browsers
#***ActiveX for IE
#'''Update the [[Java]] plugin''' to the latest version.
#*Download site: http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html (Java Platform: Download JRE)
#**'''''Be sure to un-check the Yahoo Toolbar option during the install if you do not want it installed.
#*Also see "Manual Update" in this article to update from the Java Control Panel in Windows Control Panel: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Java+plugin+with+Firefox#Updates
#* Removing old versions (if needed): http://www.java.com/en/download/faq/remove_olderversions.xml
#* Remove multiple Java Console extensions (if needed): http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_:_FAQs_:_Install_Java#Multiple_Java_Console_extensions
#*Java Test: http://www.java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml

When I open Firefox I get the message "Firefox is already running but not responding . . .

I am using Firefox 3.6.9 with Windows XP SP3. Almost every time I try to open Firefox I get the message:
"Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system."
I then must open Task Manager and find Firefox and stop the process.
I run Firefox on 4 Windows machines and this is the only machine that I have this problem on.
I have looked at the Mozilla Firefox KB and have tried to check on the items that could be causing the problem. I have update my Java in Firefox. I have un-installed Firefox leaving the Bookmark preferences, etc. on my machine, ran CCleaner to clean the Registry of remaining Firefox items and then re-installed Firefox - I still have the problem.
I have installed Google Chrome to fix this problem but now I find that several of the websites and companies I do business with are not compatible with Chrome.
How can I fix this problem? Why am I only having this issue on 1 of my 4 Windows machines?
Thanks!
Bill Artman

For possible causes see [[Firefox is already running but is not responding]].

I close firefox and try to open it again later, it WON'T and says, "Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing Firefox process, or restart your system." Firefox isn't running .

After I turn on my laptop and click on firefox it works fine and it opens THE FIRST TIME. So can you help? i DON'T WANT TO RESTaRT my computer everytime and sometimes have to clsoe firefox b/c I'm typing paper and computer goes slow.

Sounds like a "hang at exit" problem. There are several possible causes for that error. See:
* How to stop the running Firefox process
** In Task Manager, does firefox.exe show in the '''Processes''' tab?
** See: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Kill_application
* What may cause Firefox to hang at exit
** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+hangs (see "Hang at exit" section)
** http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
** https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+is+already+running+but+is+not+responding
* You may need to try Firefox Safe Mode
** You may need to use '''Safe Mode''' to locate the problem: http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Safe+Mode
**Firefox Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode that disables Extensions and some other features of Firefox. If you are using a theme, switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes '''before''' starting Safe Mode. When entering Safe Mode, do not check any items on the entry window, just click "Continue in Safe Mode". Test to see if the problem you are experiencing is corrected.
** If the problem does not occur in Safe-mode then disable all of your Extensions and Plug-ins and then try to find which is causing it by enabling '''one at a time''' until the problem reappears. '''You MUST close and restart Firefox after EACH change''' via File > Restart Firefox (on Mac: Firefox > Quit). You can use "Disable all add-ons" on the Safe mode start window.
** See the following for more information
*** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes
*** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting+plugins
*** http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Basic+Troubleshooting

Am told firefox is already running , but task manager doesn't show it

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