Firefox 4.0 not responding minutes at a time in Windows 7

I've been a Firefox user for many years. Tried Firefox 4 beta for several days with no problems. Updated to 4.0 and now constant "not responding" messages which last several minutes at a time.

When I looked at the Mozilla folder on the C drive, it still said beta, even though I had installed Firefox 4 the day it came out. Actually, the folder said Beta 8, even though I think I also got Betas 9-11 and RC 1 and 2. So I guess as the older versions got overwritten, there was a lot of junk left behind. I saved my settings, uninstalled FF4 with Revo, reinstalled and have had no more of these hang-ups for several days now. This is not the first time I've had to uninstall and reinstall FF. I love it, but I guess you get what you pay for.

Similar Messages

When I click to open firefox it says that "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" and I've tried to shut down and restart my computer but it keeps

when i click to open firefox it says that "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." and I've tried to shut down and restart my computer but it keeps showing the same message. I've even uninstalled Firefox and then reinstalled in the hopes that the problem would be solved but it this message is still popping up. What can I do to solve this problem?
== This happened ==
Just once or twice
== I was on facebook trying to upload pictures yesterday. ==
== User Agent ==
Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 5.1; .NET CLR 1.0.3705; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; Media Center PC 4.0; InfoPath.1)

Do you have a profile lock file in your profile folder? If so, delete it and see if TB runs properly:
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_in_use#Remove_the_profile_lock_file

Firefox is OPEN and working fine, but when I click a link in Thunderbird I get '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.'

If I click a link on my desktop or in any other program (while Firefox is open and running), I get this 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." There's about a billion links for this if you Google it, but they all say that Firefox wasn't shut down properly. (OK, maybe not ALL of them, but if the needle is in that haystack, I haven't yet found it.) That's not the issue in my case since I haven't shut FF down at all.
== This happened ==
Every time Firefox opened
== IDK

This began to happen to me when I tried to run two separate profiles simultaneously on the same installation of firefox with -no-remote

Doesn't start when starting as administrator. Error 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.

Update firefox, it asked me to update flash, I tried to update flash but it said I had to close firefox. A box came up and said the Flash install would continue when I closed firefox. I closed all firefox windows and no update of flash occurred. I tried relaunching firefox but got the "Doesn't start when starting as administrator. Error 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." message. I rebooted the system, no improvement. I tried to run firefox as administrator and got the same message. Either I find a fix or I won't be able to use firefox and will have to go back to ie.

-> press '''CTRL''' + '''SHIFT''' + '''ESC''' to Open Task Manager -> Processes tab -> right-click '''firefox.exe''' and click '''End Process Tree''' -> close Task Manager
Troubleshooting extensions and themes
* https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting%20extensions%20and%20themes
Troubleshooting plugins
* https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting%20plugins
Check and tell if its working.

I deleted the profile and firefox4 and then downloaded firefox4 again. But when i click 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.HELP!

somehow i couldn't get rid of one website called www.searchqu.com/405 set as my homepage... I tried all solutions given to change the homepage but whenever i restarted firefox that homepage used to come automatically.. So, I deleted the profile (even from recycle bin!!) and deleted the firefox and downloaded it again hoping to get my problems fixed (which didn't happen!) because i'm getting dialog box saying- 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.

You don't say which operating system you have installed?
Assuming it's Windows, right click a blank part of the Windows Taskbar and go to Task Manager. Then click the ''Processes ''tab, find '''firefox.exe''' and then right click it and choose '''End Process'''.

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 keep getting this message after closing Firefox and attempt to reopen-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 keep getting this message after closing Firefox and attempt to reopen-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.

See:
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Recovering_a_missing_profile
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_in_use

When I try to start Firefox I get 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 get this message when I try to start Firefox after first logging on after turning on the computer.
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.
Have rebooted. Works when Administrator logs in, just does this in my user profile. Have also re-intalled. Mo change in my User account.
Firefox was working fine for the last 3 1/2 years. Any suggestions?

Firefox is "hanging at exit" when you exit/quit Firefox. 
#Stop the Firefox process:
#*[http://kb.mozillazine.org/Kill_application Mozillazine - Kill application]
#*Windows 7 users click [http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/window-on-windows/reap-the-benefits-of-windows-7s-task-manager/2576 here]
#*Mac users: http://techheavy.com/2011/02/the-mac-task-manager/
#Why Firefox may hang:
#*[http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+hangs Firefox hangs] (see Hang at exit)
#*[http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs Firefox hangs (Mozillazine)] (see Hang at exit and Closing Firefox properly)
#*[https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+is+already+running+but+is+not+responding Firefox is already running but is not responding]
#Use Firefox Safe Mode to find a problem with an Extension or Plugin:
#*Don't check anything when entering Safe Mode, just continue
#*If the problem does not occur in Safe Mode it is probably and Extension or Plugin causing the problem
#*See:
#**[[Safe Mode]] and [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Safe_Mode Safe Mode (Mozillazine)]
#**[http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes Troubleshooting extensions and themes]
#**[http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Troubleshooting+plugins Troubleshooting plugins]
#**[http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Basic+Troubleshooting Basic Troubleshooting]
'''If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.'''

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. How do I fix this? I am ready to go back to internet explorer!

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.
This box appears and then firefox quits...never opens.
I have uninstalled, and loaded firefox 5 times and never got it to run.

See [[Firefox is already running but is not responding|Firefox is already running but is not responding]].

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 have tried

After deleted profile my Firefox will not start
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 have tried – Restarting - Checking control panel for active firefox.exe –Uninstal l- Reinstall- and run CCleaner. All without any result
Can You help me? Are there any other processes that can be running?
Is there any cleaning tool available?
Best Regards, Pelle

Hi Pelle,
Why did you delete your profile? Also how? Did you use the profile manager or did you delete from the windows file structure?
It sounds like something during the profile delete has stopped Firefox from starting up. Please see the this article and follow the steps:
Please see this article: [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_in_use]
--Edward

I getthe 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. It is NOT open I onlly have one computer

I installed FF on my new computer, Windows 7 Toshiba, 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'''. It is NOT open I only have one computer.
I had a computer expert try everything and we cannot get it to open.

Look for the firefox process firefox.exe and kill it with for instance task manager. it is also worth watching for plugincontainer.exe.
The problem and solutions are explained in the articles:
* [[firefox is already running but is not responding]]
*[[firefox hangs]]

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 have a wndiws 7 system and use a Intel core processor. I have restarted several times and still ge this

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 have a wndows 7 system and use a Intel core processor. I have restarted several times and still ge this error. I have also tried to reinstall firefox and get the same error
== This happened ==
Every time Firefox opened
== today ==
== User Agent ==
Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 6.1; Trident/4.0; SLCC2; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET CLR 3.0.30729; Media Center PC 6.0; MDDS; InfoPath.2; .NET4.0C; AskTbUT2V5/5.8.0.12304)

'''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.

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.

When i exit firefox &try to reopen the message is showing as 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.why this happens even i close it by exit.

after i exit firefox & tried to open,it is not opening,instead this message is coming as '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.'kindly help me.everytime to open i have to go to task manager & stop the process.

[https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox%20hangs#w_firefox-hangs-when-you-quit-it Firefox hangs when you close it]

Sometimes when I close Firefox and try to open it in few moments it shows me 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." However, I haven't o

Sometimes when I close Firefox and try to open it in few moments it shows me 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." However, I haven't opened any additional Firefox related programs, and previous Firefox is closed. First I though it is because of my computer, but then I discovered that other people have the same problem as well
== This happened ==
A few times a week
== some 2 month ago ==
== User Agent ==
Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 6.0; SLCC1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; Media Center PC 5.0; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; InfoPath.2; .NET CLR 3.0.30729)

Hi Andis.
First of all, this is completely normal behavior, although it's a bit irritating, I know. What happens is that when you close Firefox, despite the window disappearing right there and then, Firefox keeps running for a little bit until the whole closing procedure is completed. This can take a fraction of a second on fast computers, or can take a few seconds on slow computers or when Firefox is storing a large session (if you save your tabs). All you have to do is wait a bit until Firefox closes, and then open it again.
To see if it's still running, you can press CTRL+SHIFT+ESC and then, under the Processes tab, you can see if firefox.exe is still there. If it's taking an unusual amount of time to close (which happens very rarely, and only if the browser freezes on exit), you can force the application to terminate from this application (task manager).
Firefox 4.0 will reduce by 97% the time it takes firefox.exe to close, so this problem will be basically erased for Firefox's next version.
Until then, I can recommend you this extension, which helps you restart your browser more easily and without bothering about closing times:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/3559/
Hopefully this will help.

Firefox 4.0 not responding minutes at a time in Windows 7

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