Firefox won't stop running unless I go into task manager and end process

when I shut down firefox and then later try to start it again a box comes up that says it is already running but it won't come on. So I have to go into my task manager and end the process before I can start it again. How do I solve this problem?

That is "hanging at exit". You can ignore the first part, since you already know how to do that.
* 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
** 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:
****https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Safe%20Mode
****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.''' The Plugin version(s) shown below was/were submitted with your question and is/are out of date. You should update to avoid known security issues with the version(s) you have installed. Click on "More system info..." to the right of your question to see what was included with your question.
*Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape "9.4.4"
*Shockwave Flash 10.2 r152
*Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_23 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 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

Similar Messages

I had some problems with my pc, since then when I close Firefox it won't reopen unless i go to Task manager and end the process for FF.

I had some problems with my pc, since then when I close Firefox it won't reopen unless i go to Task manager and end the process for FF. I have uninstalled FF and re-installed it and no change.
Walt

See "Hang at exit":
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
* [[Firefox hangs]]

When I close firefox (in windows 7), it doesn't fully close, I have to go to the task manager and end process before I can open it again.

Every time I try to open firefox, a window pops up saying that another instance of firefox is already running (still open from the last time firefox was open) and that another instance can't be opened. To solve this, I have to go into task manager and end the firefox (32) process. I think this started happening after getting the newest version of firefox a couple weeks ago. My computer is a month-old thinkpad with windows 7 64 bit.

see item #32 closing firefox properly
* http://dmcritchie.mvps.org/firefox/firefox-problems.htm#close_firefox

Whenever I shut down iTunes on my computer, it keeps reopening and I have to go into Task Manager and end the process in order for it to stop doing this. I am running it on a Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit machine.

Whenever I shutdown iTunes on my computer, it keeps re-opening and I have to go to Task Manager and end the process in order for it to shutdown.

Do you have Logitech gaming software installed on the PC? If so, perhaps try the suggestion from the following post:
Re: Everytime I close Itunes it loads back up

Having problems opening firefox (vista) i have to goto task manager and close process all the time just to reopen?

hi i have just recentley started having problems opening firefox up (before update) i use vista, i can double click on icon and nothing happens but when i turn pc off it pops up as the screen is going off very strange? the only way i can get it to work is by going in to task manager and ending firefox process yet there isnt firefox running????

yea thanks thats the issue there is nothing in applications for firefox so i cant close anything there but in processes there is Firefox.exe useing 30,000k so i close that, but im even stuggling with that now to get firefox working now i just had to do that process around 10 times!!!!! and then only with right clicking firefox in start menu

Every time i close firefox, to re-open it i have to either log out and log back in, or i have to go through the task manager and end the proccess, otherwise it just says fire fox if already running and it wont open, how do i fix this proble??

Everytime i am finished using Firefox, if i want to go back onto the internet, i now have to either log off and then log back on. or i have to use the task manager and close the firefox process, it is extrlmely annoying as i have to do it everytime, if i try and open firefor before i do either of what i have explained it just comes up with, firefox is allready running please close all windows to open a new one, or end the process...how do i stop this message from popping up every single time i use firefox????

https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+hangs#Hang_at_exit

When I close firefox it doesn't close. I go to reopen it and it says that it is already running. I have to use task manager to end process to close it before i can log back on.

After browsing and I close Firefox it appears to close.
However when I go to reopen it later I get a message that Firefox is already open and I need to close it. The only wany I can close it is by using Task Manger to end process.

Must be the "hang at exit" problem. You already know how to do Step1; now just determine which Add-on (Extension or Plugin) is causing the problem. 
#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]
#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.'''

After closing Firefox and trying to open a new session, I get periodic pop ups telling the program is still running. I open the task manager and close it, and everything's fine. What's the issue, and how do I get it to stop?

Problem doesn't happen every time, and I've tried to leave it alone to see if there's an update that needs to finish loading. After being left overnight, I still had to use the task manager to close the Firefox program. I have no idea what it's doing, and I'd like to know. Is Firefox taking over my computer so it can move on to my house, and then go on to rule the Tri State Area?

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

Firefox 3.6 won't open, it comes up in the task manager and then disappears after about 3 seconds

Firefox 3.6 will not open, I have noticed that it loads in the task manager in windows vista 32 bit, after 3 seconds it then disappears and won't open, I have reinstalled firefox, all this did was to loose all my passwords and bookmarks, I have disabled my anti virus which is kaspersky internet security 2011, firefox still won't open, I have uninstalled various programmes and that does not work and I have loaded my laptop into safe mode and firefox still won't open,
if anyone can help then it will be most appreciated because I am so frustrated, everything I do seems not to work with firefox, yet my other browser which is safari works every time, there was only a problem with firefox 3 days ago, I have been using firefox for over 1 and half years with no problems, I have also have scanned my pc for viruses but this has not solved the problem.

Do any of the possible causes listed at https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox+hangs#Hang_at_exit fit?
Your Firefox settings and info are kept in a folder separate from the Firefox program, called your profile folder. Try creating a test profile, to see if the problem still occurs. See [[Managing profiles]]

When I close Firefox then wont reopen unless I go to task Manager and close program from there.

When I close Firefox it will not open another window when you click on icons or manually try to open new window. I have to open Task Manager find Firefox program and manually close program. Then when you open a new Firefox window it try's to restore previous session , saying sorry Firefox crashed. I have uninstalled and reinstalled , turned off all add-on's nothing has worked. No virus's , no other outside influences , nothing else on my computer has issues. Can you help?

See this: 
https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox%20hangs#w_hang-at-exit

Firefox does not close in the normal fashion. I have to go to Task Manager and end the process

I am operating on a Windows XP OS. I have been a FireFox user for several years. I am using version 3.6.13 Several months ago I noticed that if I closed FireFox I could not open it again. I got a message box stating that FireFox was still running. And, I fact, Task Manager did show that it was still active. I had to end the process there, before I could open FireFox again. It will remain active in the background and the CPU will be maxed out, thus creating problems for other programs. How can I remedy this problem? btw, I have trouble opening IE now.

https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox%20hangs#w_hang-at-exit

Firefox crashes on shutdown, shows not responding, must use task manager to end task, windows says problem is with container.exe file

whenever i decide to shut down firefox, i click on the x in the first tab and it will not shutdown the program. i must go to task manager to close the program. i get an error report that says there was a problem with add-on container.exe. i have looked in my add-on list and i see no container.exe there. where is it coming from and how do i get rid of this problem. i have even tried to shutdown the program with the x in the upper right corner and it does the same thing. i have recently updated firefox and it still does the same thing.

Some added toolbar and anti-virus add-ons are known to cause
Firefox issues. '''Disable All of them.'''
Start '''[https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/troubleshoot-firefox-issues-using-safe-mode Firefox in Safe Mode]''' {web Link} by holding down the '''<Shift> ''(Mac Options)'' ''' key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?

My firefox won't stop crashing. At least 8 times yesterday and at least 5 so far just today. HELP!

Here are the most recent (5) crash messages
<pre><nowiki>bp-96a71e81-3c60-4dbc-b1b9-649042130222 2/22/2013 10:21 AM
bp-20a11078-31d2-4156-bfe1-888032130221 2/21/2013 1:21 PM
bp-bbf91a34-a7a7-4bd5-aa24-5fd072130221 2/21/2013 8:49 AM
bp-97faaa25-3080-49ea-994d-374a42130220 2/20/2013 1:49 PM
bp-ddf4905b-f650-4b70-a509-974022130220</nowiki></pre>

Do a malware check with some malware scanning programs on the Windows computer. 
You need to scan with all programs because each program detects different malware.
Make sure that you update each program to get the latest version of their databases before doing a scan.
*Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
*SuperAntispyware: http://www.superantispyware.com/
*Microsoft Safety Scanner: http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx
*Windows Defender: Home Page: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
*Spybot Search & Destroy: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html
*Kasperky Free Security Scan: http://www.kaspersky.com/security-scan
You can also do a check for a rootkit infection with TDSSKiller.
*http://support.kaspersky.com/viruses/solutions?qid=208280684
See also:
*"Spyware on Windows": http://kb.mozillazine.org/Popups_not_blocked
You can check for problems caused by plugins like Java.
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Troubleshooting+plugins
Start Firefox in [[Safe Mode|Safe Mode]] to check if one of the extensions (Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance).
*Do NOT click the Reset button on the Safe mode start window or otherwise make changes.
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Safe+Mode
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/Troubleshooting+extensions+and+themes
In Firefox Safe mode these changes are effective:
*all extensions are disabled
*the default theme is used (no persona)
*userChrome.css and userContent.css are ignored
*the default toolbar layout is used (localstore-safe.rdf)
*the Javascript JIT compiler is disabled
*hardware acceleration is disabled
*plugins are not affected
*preferences are not affected

When I close out Firefox, it arears to close. It returnes me to Desktop; however, it does not close. It keeps running, and because of this, I cannot open it up again without opening the Task Manager and ending the process first. What is causing this?

Firefox works fine except for the hicup of not shutting down. If you don't know what is happening, you won't know why it won't open up.

See "Hang at exit":
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
* [[Firefox hangs]]

When I close Firefox (3.6.10) by using the x in upper right and then try to start it later, I get message FF is running, you must close first..which I thought I did. Cannot start without using Windows Task Manager and closing process. What is wrong?

See original question. Firefox apparently doesn't close when using the x in upper right corner as when I try to start it again I get a message that FF is already running and I must close it first. I thought the x would do that. Is something set wrong or corrupted?
Thanks

See "Hang at exit":
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox_hangs
* [[Firefox hangs]]

Firefox won't stop running unless I go into task manager and end process

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