Firefox.exe process takes minutes to stop!

After using Firefox for a while, I try to stop it and it takes MINUTES to stop. CPU usage on firefox.exe goes to 99 percent and my computer is basically unusable for minutes until the process stops. I've tried to solve this problem many times over the past year and none of the solutions out there work.
CPU usage at 99%. Memory usage over 100MB. Usage starts to drop to 70-90MB and stops, then it starts increasing again, then goes to 50-70 MB, then starts rising again. After MINUTES, it will finally stop. It completely consumes all computer resources and even takes a while to start the process monitor with CTRL-ALT-DEL!!!!
Computer: Dell laptop, XP SP2, Firefox 3.6.10.
I've seen MANY post here and elsewhere with people having this problem. Why won't you fix this??!?! NEED HELP!!! Don't want to go back to IE!

Can someone help me to find a way to make my firefox show itself faster after you click on the icon?

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When I exit Firefox, the firefox.exe process continues to run. I cannot re-launch Firefox unless I first stop the firefox.exe process using Task Manager. How do I fix this problem?

I am running WinXP Pro, SP3. I uninstalled and re-installed Firefox and the problem didn't go away. This problem started about 2 months ago. Firefox always worked fine before that. This happens very frequently -- If I have been using Firefox previously, and I closed the program, when I try to re-launch it, about 50% of the time, I need to use Task Manager to stop a persistently running firefox.exe process.

See the "hangs at exit" section of the [[Firefox hangs]] article.
A similar article on this is http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs#Hang_at_exit

Firefox.exe process remains after closing Firefox

I closed Firefox 5 over 45 minutes ago. At the time it closed, I had around 60 tabs open. The Firefox window closed, but now, over 30 minutes later, firefox.exe is still consuming 624 MB of memory. For the record, currently Windows Task Manager shows firefox.exe consuming 00 CPU, 639,772 K Mem Usage and a Peak Mem Usage of 771,296 K.
I'm seen this behavior at other times and, on those occasions, the firefox.exe process did eventually terminiate and release that memory. Why does firefox.exe take so long to terminate? Is this a bug or just a result of the way I use Firefox? I do tend to have a lot of tabs, 60 to 75, open at any given time. I'm guessing that's more tabs than the typical user.

I should go on to add that I have already seen the Firefox Hangs |Hang at exit document and none of these look like the obvious issue. I'm running Java Version 1.6.0_26, so current there. I'm not running any of the listed Internet security software. The only extensions I'm running are Java Console 6.0.26, ReloadEvery 5.0.0 and Xmarks 4.0.1, so not a lot of extensions.

The Firefox.exe process hogs 25% of my CPU resources even after I've closed it.

On a relatively consistent basis, when I close the Firefox windows I have open, the firefox.exe process doesn't end. When I go to open Firefox again later, I get the error message that I can't open Firefox because it's already running or not responding. When I look in Task Manager (on Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit, BTW), the firefox.exe process is holding steady at 25% CPU usage along with whatever memory usage it already had consumed, even though the Tasks tab doesn't list Firefox as being open.
== This happened ==
A few times a week
== I'm not exactly sure. It sort of just started on its own.

Ed, this kind of issues are, unfortunately, more common and the we'd like. Thankfully, 99% of the cases are very easy to solve. However, you do need to diagnose what your exact problem is. Do this:
#run Firefox in [http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Safe+Mode safe-mode] to disable all extensions, themes and plugins. If this fixes your issues, be them with RAM or CPU usage, then you know it's a problem with plugins, themes or extensions. Proceed to number 2. If safe-mode doesn't fix the issues, then read bellow, after this list;
#update all extensions, themes and plugins in your Firefox. If this doesn't solve the issues, proceed to the following number;
#disable all extensions, themes and plugins in your Firefox (not running safe-mode). Being certain that, as in safe-mode, the problems you're having have gone away, enable one plugin at a time. You should be certain that you WANT that plugin to be enabled, so keep your overall number of plugins as low as possible. When you encounter the problems, you know you've found a problematic plugin, so disable it for good. Keep enabling all plugins (except problematic ones) until you've gone through them all.
#enable one extension at a time. Again, be certain that you WANT that extension to be enabled, so keep your overall number of extensions as low as possible. Also, try the theme you want to have installed so see if that is what's causing the problem. When you encounter the problems, you know you've found a problematic extension/theme, so disable it for good. Keep enabling all your extensions (except problematic ones) until you've gone through them all;
#you're done! You've fixed your problems with problematic add-ons. If you want to keep using those problematic add-ons, please contant their author for support.
Ok, if disabling all extensions and plugins through safe-mode didn't work to bring Firefox's CPU and RAM usage to good levels, then you have different issue. The most likely scenario is that you have a third party software running on your computer that is messing with Firefox. Do as follows:
#try reinstalling Firefox. No data will be lost. You can get the latest version for free at [http://www.getfirefox.com/ getfirefox.com]. If that doesn't fix the problem, proceed;
#do a virus/malware check on your computer. If this doesn't fix it, proceed;
#disable all software running in the background that you don't want to have running in the background (in windows, this is done by pressing WINDOWS+R in your keyboard, typing "msconfig" (without the commas) and pressing enter. Now, under the "Startup" tab, you can uncheck the software you don't want, and reboot your system for changes to take effect. If you're unsure of what software you want running, ask someone with more experience). If this doesn't fix your issues with Firefox, proceed;
#check your firewall/antivirus/security suite for enabled functions/features that you don't want and/or may be conflicting with Firefox. You'll find that these features are most likely tied to Internet Security features, such as link scanners or URL checkers and the like. If you're not sure they are conflicting with Firefox, simply try to disable them to see whether or not that's true. As long as you don't browse the web with your antivirus completely off and your firewall completely turned off, there should be no problems. If this doesn't solve the issues, proceed to the following number;
#check your operating system security options, mainly advanced options that are not configured by default. While it's very unlikely that this may be the cause of the problem (after all, it's the last item on the list), it's remotely possible. If this doesn't work, proceed to the following point;
#update your modem/router software. There have been some reports that some modem/router software may cause Firefox and other browsers to loose performance and/or stability. If updating doesn't fix your issue, try other versions of the software, if possible. If you need support with this, contact your modem/router manufacturer. If this doesn't help, proceed;
#clean up your OS registry, using appropriate software. Make sure you've followed my instructions correctly, but if this all doesn't work, [http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Managing+profiles create a new Firefox profile] (this can be temporary, of course) and see if the issues persist. Report here the results, so we can help you further.

I am trying to launch Firefox 9.0.1 on Windows 7 but the application window isnt visible even though there is a firefox.exe process running in task manager.

I am trying to launch Firefox 9.0.1 on Windows 7 but it isnt working. I try to launch it and the application window does not show. When I look at the task manager and then look at the Applications tab, Firefox isnt listed. If I go to the Processes tab, there is a firefox.exe*32 process listed. Each time I double click the Firefox icon, a new firefox.exe process is spawned but there is never a visible instance of the Firefox application.
There are no errors in the application logs. I end up just having to kill the processes.
I tried launching in safe mode by holding down the shift button but the same thing happens.
Any suggestions on what to try? It has never worked since upgrading from version 8. I tried un-installing and re-installing

I went through everything mentioned in the link you posed and nothing detailed there resolved the problem.
The Profile folder didnt exist so I created it. Made sure the perms were good and that it was not read only.
There are no default folders appearing under the profile folder when I start Firefox.
I have Firefox installed to my E drive.
Nothing happens. The process appears in the task manager but no application shows up.
Cant start it in safe mode, cant run the profile manager.

Firefox will not start and Firefox.exe process will not end!

Good evening,
I am typing this on Internet Explorer, and Google Chrome seems to refuse to install. I have been experiencing considerable trouble with launching FF. Whenever I double-click the icon, FF does not launch. There are no error mesages, the cursor just turns to an hourglass and then back to the pointer. When I open the task manager, there is always one Firefox.exe process open that will not close no matter how many times I press the "End Process" button. This is maddening. Can I do anything to get FF up and running again? I have restarted my computer countless times. I ran a scan with Norton Antivirus and whatever it detected obviously wasn't what is causing this issue. Please try and assist me, this is outrageous.
Thank you,
~AdmiralGFM

See [/forum/1/725968]
This issue can be caused by malware.

Firefox does not open when clicking on the icon, the firefox.exe process consumes 99 % of the CPU and my computer runs slowly.

I have been a happy user of Firefox for many years. Around last April first I opened Firefox and was offered an update to v 4.42.0.0 which I accepted. Installation seemingly went well. I forget now exactly what happened but the result has been that ever since April 1 I haven’t been able to open the Firefox browser when clicking on the Firefox icon. My computer now was running very slowly. I tried to uninstall Firefox, but a popup told me I couldn’t because Firefox was in use. This confused me because I couldn’t see it being used. Only now I have found that on Task Manager processes that “firefox.exe” was consuming 99 % of the CPU. After removing firefox.exe by clicking End Process my computer ran better. I uninstalled Firefox I had on my computer and installed Firefox 5.0. Unfortunately I have the same problems: Firefox does not open when clicking on the icon, the firefox.exe process consumes 99 % of the CPU and my computer runs slowly.

Born2die! Brilliant. I am a desktop clicker and never knew Firefox had a safe mode.
Thank You!
I was unable to start in safe mode initially. The second time I disabled all of the Add-Ons and she started up just fine. I enabled them one by one hoping to track down the culprit but the problem seems to have gone away.
BTW I am running ver. 3.6.8 (in response to cor-el's earlier post) and
Firefox is in the process of downloading 3.6.10 (which I am starting to think may have been what caused this whole problem to begin with)
Incidentally, whats up with all of the Java Console Add Ons?
I have:
Java Console 6.0.11, Java Console 6.0.13, Java Console 6.0.15
Java Console 6.0.17, Java Console 6.0.20, and Java Console 6.0.21
What are they? Do I need them? Can I uninstall them? Is this due to using Open Office?
Also, .NET Framework 0.0.0 Should I uninstall it?

When closing Firefox (v:3.6.13), using the red "close" button, the firefox.exe process remaines at top of the "Windows Task Manager" window and continues to use the majority of CPU time.

After an attempt to close the Mozilla Firefox page, on every occasion, the firefox.exe process is found at the top of the list when ordering the listed 'processes' by CPU time... even though the web page is gone.
If an attempt is made to restart Mozilla, the system declares that the current Mozilla process should be closed.
If the firefox.exe process is explicitly closed in the Task Manager, only then can Firefox be restarted.

Does that also happen if you use File > Exit Firefox?
See also "Hang at exit":
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
* [[Firefox hangs]]

Removed working Firefox 7, Installed Firefox 10.0, Firefox will not load. When I click on icon, firefox.exe process shows briefly in task manager, then goes away....no errors, nothing

Removed working Firefox 7, Installed Firefox 10.0, Firefox will not load. When I click on icon, firefox.exe process shows briefly in task manager, then goes away....no errors, nothing. Never see browser panel at all. Also tried to install Firefox 9.0, but the same result was observed.

Rather difficult to say what the problem may be at present but for general info please have a look at
* [[safe mode]]
*[[firefox will not start]]
*[[firefox hangs]]
Note sometimes you may have to wait a while for firefox to shutdown completly, and if it has hung then as explained in the above articles you may need to kill any firefox.exe process that is still running (and maybe plugincontainer.exe)
Try starting firefox in [[safe mode]] e.g. by holding down shift key
* do not make any changes in the first window, just click on continue<br/> ? Do you get as far as seeing the options window for safe mode ?
If firefox is crashing see [[firefox crashes]], this is easier to work through if you can get firefox to start without crashing on startup. Currently some firefox users are finding Firefox 10 crashes on startup, and a new version Firefox 10.0.1 is being released very soon to deal with this and another cause of hangs.
Not saying any of this applies to your case but recent issues include
* ask tool bar causing hangs if video is used none English versions [/forums/contributors/708073]
* possibly some crashes do not start the crash reporter and other issues [/forums/contributors/708122?page=2#post-45059]
* some general info about current crashes [/questions/917748#answer-308124]

Why are there 26 firefox.exe processes running when the taskbar shows none?

Win 7 professional, Firefox 25.0.1. If I shut down Firefox and restart it I often get an error that a copy is already running. Checking the Task Manager shows many firefox.exe processes (26 this morning) even though the application tab shows none.

Hello Axis,
Can you please confirm if this happens each time you are using Firefox? Also, the cache size wouldn't have a big bearing on this issue happening. Can you please try if this issue happens when you are running Firefox in safe-mode (instructions below). if it doesn't then we can narrow the issue to a plugin / addon.
<hr>
Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode, which disables most add-ons.
''(If you're not using it, switch to the Default theme.)''
* On Windows you can open Firefox 4.0+ in Safe Mode by holding the '''Shift''' key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
* On Mac you can open Firefox 4.0+ in Safe Mode by holding the '''option''' key while starting Firefox.
* On Linux you can open Firefox 4.0+ in Safe Mode by quitting Firefox and then going to your Terminal and running: firefox -safe-mode (you may need to specify the Firefox installation path e.g. /usr/lib/firefox)
* Or open the Help menu and click on the '''Restart with Add-ons Disabled...''' menu item while Firefox is running.
[[Image:FirefoxSafeMode|width=520]]
''Once you get the pop-up, just select "'Start in Safe Mode"''
[[Image:Safe Mode Fx 15 - Win]]
'''''If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode''''', your problem is probably caused by an extension, and you need to figure out which one. Please follow the [[Troubleshooting extensions and themes]] article for that.
''To exit the Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before opening Firefox for normal use again.''
''When you figure out what's causing your issues, please let us know. It might help other users who have the same problem.''
<hr>
Thank you.

When I close Firefox, the window closes but the Firefox.exe process and Plug-in Container remain running in the background and have to be shut down using Windows Task Manager.

This happens frequently. Something in Firefox continues to run even when the program is closed. The process has to be stopped before I can open Firefox again.

Thanks. Closing with File/Exit instead of the X closes Firefox properly. AT LAST! A solution!

When I click on the firefox icon, it takes minutes to show itself. How can I make it go faster?

I click on the icon, but it takes minutes to show itself. I click on internet explorer and google chrome and the appear fast. What should I do to make firefox appear faster?

Can someone help me to find a way to make my firefox show itself faster after you click on the icon?

My Firefox.exe process remain open after I close the browser.If I open it it's says to open a new window.I need to close the process manualy(Ctrl+Alt+del).What can I do?Thanks .

Need to close the process.

It does take Firefox a while to shut down; it has to update some databases. But it should take less than a minute.
In the support article, this problem is called a "hang at exit" because Firefox hangs when shutting down. Maybe something here will help: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+hangs#Hang_at_exit
Also, sometimes open Firefox windows disappear from the Task Bar. You can use Alt+Tab to switch to them if they remain open.

Firefox plugin process takes all memory even if adobe flash isn't installed and java is disabled, and within the browser all plugins are disabled. why ? nsa ?

Only a force quit, of the actual process from activity monitor, will do.
Mac OS 10.6 Firefox stable and beta, oh, this has been going on for months now.
Today is 12 April 2014

After much interwebbitubing , that is indeed the solution ! Bravo ! Thank you !
Dear Readers : if you only want/need one Profile , take note of your extensions and backup your bookmarks ... they will be obliterated when you delete the default user , creating a new one will make your Firefox a clean slate

I cannot log into firefox and after I try I cannot remove the firefox exe process

I was uploading photos which didn't complete and after that I couldn't log into firefox. I tried the answers in the formats and deleted the parent control but cannot get to my firefox profile to add a new one to test if this will repair the situation. I am also not able to get updates for some of my security programs

I'm having the same issues, running Firefox 3.6.
After downloading Windows Updates for Vista, Hotmail has stopped working.
I can log on, but can't click on any messages.
None of the buttons work at all in Hotmail; it's completely frozen.
I have to log on using Internet Explorer.
I had the same problems with Firefox 4.0; Norton 360 wouldn't work properly with it, so I deleted it, and went back to Firefox 3.6.

Firefox.exe process takes minutes to stop!

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