Frequently, when waking the computer up from Standby and opening a new browsing session, I get a message that Firefox is already running and needs to be closed, even though it was closed during the previous session. I use Task Manager to close it.

Internet connection is AT&T highspeed DSL via Westell modem. Antivirus is AVG 2011. OS is XP Home SP2, circa 2002.

* [[Firefox is already running but is not responding]]
-> Profile in use
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_in_use
Check and tell if its working.

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What do I do to straighten out this problem... When I try to access Firefox after having logged out of a previous session I get a msg that Firefox is still running and I have to restart the computer in order to access internet.

What do I do to straighten out this problem: When I try to access Firefox after I've logged out of a previous session I get a msg that Firefox is still running and I have to restart the computer in order to access internet...

All you need to do is wait. While Firefox appears closed, it's not. It doing house cleaning. Cleaning out cookies and cache. How long it takes depends upon how much garbage you have collected.
If you start the Task Manager and open the Process window, you will be able to see when Firefox has finished up and closed down.
If you forced Firefox to close using the task manager, then the house keeping process seems to freeze up.
Also, as you've already found out from the above link, some programs and plugins will prevent Firefox from closing properly. I've found this less common then simply being in a hurry. But you need to also consider it.

When I use a GSI external antenna for WiFi I first get a message that "Firefox is already running but not responding etc", and then Firefox crashes. Can anyone help please?

Because of weak WiFi signal I need to use an external antenna (GSI USB wireless WIFI long range network adapter). My computer can see the signal clearly and shows that I am connected to the right network. But when I try to launch Firefox I get a message 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." When I click "OK" Firefox tries to load websites but gives up and reports "Problem Loading". It looks like Firefox is having trouble "seeing" the signal from the external antenna. What do I need to do please?

Try Ubuntu support, I don't think your problem is with Firefox - it will use the connection that the Operating System "makes". I'm a real noob with Ubuntu myself, and don't think I can help you figure out the problem.
http://ubuntuforums.org/

Sometimes when I close Firefox and then try to reopen, I get a message that "Firefox is still running" and suggests I close it (which I have already done) or restart my computer, what do I do?

I really have had a problem with Firefox responding sluggishly for the last 6 months or so. I have difficulty opening it, closing it properly, freezing up. I don't have this problem with other programs, so don't know what is going on. Also I can't use my latest version....10 of Adobe Acrobat now. Dont know if that is my computers fault or Firefox. Any help will be appreciated.

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

I am getting complaints from links that Firefox is already running and needs to be closed when it is not visibly running. But, I do find it as a process that IS running. What gives?

I click on a link in an E-mail. It complains that Firefox is already running and I must close it. Firefox is NOT visibly running. I check via Task Manager to verify. I find Firefox is running as a process. I kill the process and then can proceed. I did use Firefox earlier and closed it.

Make sure that you do not start Firefox with the -no-remote switch or have set the environment variable MOZ_NO_REMOTE=1 (Control Panel > System > Advanced > Environment variables).
If you need to have more than one profile open at the same time then start subsequent instances with the -no-remote command line switch. 
You can send links from other programs to a Firefox instance that is started with -no-remote, you need to drag links in a Firefox window in such cases.
See http://kb.mozillazine.org/Opening_a_new_instance_of_Firefox_with_another_profile

When I try to start Firefox, I get a message that it is already running but not responding and I can't run another Firefox at the same time. I uninstalled and reinstalled. No change. Tried various other suggestions. Help!!

When I try to start Firefox, I get a message that it is already running, but not responding and that I should close it before trying to run another Firefox. But I cannot find a way to close Firefox program that is not running as far as I can see. I tried uninstalling and reinstalling Firefox, but that did not work. I've tried various other things, but no luck. I thought programs should stop when the computer is turned off, but that didn't work either.

How are you opening the Profile Manager?
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_Manager
Sounds that Firefox is still or already running. 
See:
*http://kb.mozillazine.org/Kill_application

When I close Firefox, then later want to start up again, I get I message that Firefox is still running. With "START TASK MANAGER", I need to close Firefox in order to start again.

When I close Firefox, then later want to start up again, I get I message that Firefox is still running. With "START TASK MANAGER", I need to close Firefox in order to start again.

I have the same problem. Firefox won't unload regardless of how long I wait. Literally hours ... I must go in and 'end the process'. This has been a real hassle for a while now. Even considered giving up on firefox. Please look into this! An additional problem; I have to run firefox to get the updates, but I can't get the updates to take because I can't get firefox to unload so I can restart it.

After I exit Firefox, I keep getting messages that Firefox is still running and I have restart my computer. How can I avoid this from happening?

This happens when I close the internet browser. When i want to go back on, nearly every time, I get the message that firefox is till running, close or restart the computer. Since i have closed it, I continuously have to restart my computer (or switch over to Chrome)

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
** 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.''' 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 "9.3.3"
*Shockwave Flash 10.2 r152
*Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_24 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

I close Firefox session and then try to open a new browser window - get message that Firefox is still running and I need to shut down and restart. Need a solution

I close a Firefox browser and at a later time want to open a new browser window but get message "Firefox is still running and I need to shut down before I can open a new session" I do not want to shut down as this is laborious - I can go into task manager and processes and click on Firefox and end session that way but this is not the solution. Firefox seems to be running in background but I cannot open a new session window without doing on of the above.

Have a look at this post, see if it is of any help (though related to Vista, but same issue can be there with Window 7 also)
http://www.vistax64.com/browsers-mail/265937-firefox-exe-still-running.html

When I try to start Firefox, I get a message saying that Firefox is already running and cannot be re-started, so close down and reboot.

Following an upgrade of my OS from XP to Vista, I tried to point the new installation at my old profile. Now when I try to start FF, I get a message saying that it is already running and I should reboot to clear the problem. I've done that but the problem remains. I have uninstalled firefox and reinstalled v4 beta. The problem remains. Any ideas?

OK, I had moved the profile file inside the profile folder which was created when I installed FF, to the main FF folder. I then took the equivalent file which existed under XP before my upgrade to vista, and moved it into the new Profile folder. That's when I hit the problem described in the initial question.
So, what I did following Tony's response was to move the bookmarks password and cookies files into the profile created on the install. I then moved that file into the profile folder and moved the one I'd saved from XP, out to the main FF folder.
Started FF and voila! All working fine. Thanks for your help.

When i try to restart firefox after i have closed it i get a message that firefox is still running Have to restart pc most of the time. Is a big wast of time.So have been using internet explorer most of the time

I must close firefox to run a program called c cleaner to remove unused items the browser saves on the computer . In order to clean up items on firefox i must shut firefox down then have the problem when i try to restart firefox after the the unused items are removed as the pc thinks firefox is still running. Have to reboot to start firefox. Other browsers are normal with no problems

I have sometimes seen Firefox give such a message, and do not know the reason for this. As you mention Internet Explorer I assume you are using a Windows machine.
Try using task manager to stop the firefox program.
Shortcut keys [Ctrl][alt][del] in XP, all pressed together will get task manager.
Another method is in Start -> Run keying in the command "Taskmgr" and hit Return
Once TaskManager is showing click the process tab and look for "firefox.exe", right click on it and use "end process" that should stop Firefox without you needing to restart the computer.
I am not sure why you need to use'' "c cleaner to remove unused items the browser saves on the computer "''
Tools -> clear recent history, may help
You may also be interested in the [[Private Browsing]] feature.
''I have just noticed someone else posting about this article that may be of interest''
[[Firefox is already running but is not responding. ]]

Some times when I load Firefox, I get a message saying Firefox is already running. The only solution I have found is to reboot the system.

This happens when no other processes are running. Looks to me like their should be a option in the message to stop the running process.

Sounds like Firefox is "hanging at exit". 
#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 will not open or stay open especially when I'm first getting on it for the day. It will sometimes say that firefox is already running and that I have to close it which I don't understand.

Right now I'm staying connected but when I tried it at 2:00 Firefox would not stay connected. It would keep saying not responding. Also sometimes if I would go to fast it would just jam up. I could be connected and then go to my email and it would say lost connection. It just kept changing as though I was getting more that one connection. Hopefully you can help me.

Basically it means firefox didnt Shut down properly and if you close firefox and you try to open it again and you get the message firefox is already running then in windows right click on the taskbar and press on task manager and then once task manager is open press on processes and look for firefox.exe and then where it says End process click that and it will close firefox properly ok and then you can open firefox up again properly ok and for mac its a differnat way ok

Firefox keeps hanging up and freezing. I get this message. "Firefox is already running, but is not responding. To open a new window, you must first close the existing--what a mess.

No matter how many times I open and close, firefox hangs up after surfing a few pages. When I look at task master, firefox is using up hundreds of thousands of kb, causing the processor to stall at 100%. I do not have this problem when surfing with IE. I have the latest version of firefox. I never had this problem with version 5. It keeps getting worse with each "update".

See [[Firefox is already running but is not responding]]
Obviously firefox should not hang after surfing a few pages. I have Firefox installed on an XP including firefox 6.0.2 and do not have problems.
See also
* [[Firefox consumes a lot of CPU resources]]
* [[High memory usage]]
Have a read of the above linked articles. The first thing to do is to try to get firefox to behave more normally
#Use [[safe mode]]
#* but do not make changes when you have the window with a list of options just click continue
# if using safe mode does not solve the problem also
#* make sure you use the default theme
#* disable all pluggins
Note by keying in ''about:memory'' into the location bar you will get a report, which includes more info as you roll the mouse pointer over items, that should help indicate where all the memory is being used.

When I click on Firefox I get a message saying Firefox is already running, that I need to close Firefox or restart my computer and it still will not start, Why?

Firefox was working great until at least 3 persons were on my computer over the weekend. Now, when I want to open Firefox to go to the internet I get a message telling me that it is already running, that I need to close it down and if that doesn't work I should restart my computer. I have done all this, turned the computer off and back on many times, but I still get the same message. I do not know what the other people may have done when they were using my computer.

See these posts about the same problem:
*[/questions/798251]
*[/questions/823473]

Frequently, when waking the computer up from Standby and opening a new browsing session, I get a message that Firefox is already running and needs to be closed, even though it was closed during the previous session. I use Task Manager to close it.

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