Sometimes I have to use Task Manager to 'end process' Firefox before I can open it (not shutting down cleanly from previous use)

Question seems self-explanatory

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

Similar Messages

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.'''

I have the problem described in /forums/knowledge-base-articles/704725. (Firefox is already running but not responding). My only solution is to use Task Manager to end the firerfox process. I am the only user and there are no other profiles on my system

Occasionally I have the problem discussed in /forums/knowledge-base-articles/704725 , Firefox is already running. My only fix is to use Task Manager to end the firefox process. At such tmes, I have no other instances running.

'''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.

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

Why do i have to use task manager to end firefox even after i close the website

every time i go to close firefox, i use either the X or file exit.
then i go to the icon to launch the program (firefox) i get a pop up that tells me firefox is still running to maybe restart my computer.
the only way i can override this is by using "task manager" look for the icon and end the process.
then i can reopen the browser

Use "Firefox > Exit" (Windows: Firefox/File > Exit; Mac: Firefox > Quit Firefox; Linux: Firefox/File > Quit) to close Firefox if you are currently doing that by clicking the close X on the Firefox title bar.
In case you are using "Clear history when Firefox closes", try to exclude the clearing the Cookies
*Tools > Options > Privacy > Firefox will: "Use custom settings for history": [X] "Clear history when Firefox closes" > Settings
*https://support.mozilla.org/kb/remove-recent-browsing-search-and-download-history

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

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

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?

After updating firefox I can not open the shortcut browser icon, but can open IE, and my whole system seems to be slow. solution please? Now when I open firefox the task manager says the process firefox is running 100% CPU in the background

Updated firefox to latest version with custom install, no task bar or startup (in past I think I usually included startup) late Friday nite. Then when trying to open Firefox shortcut on desktop Sat. could not, would freeze up. Then if I tried to open IE same would happen. After rebooting a # of times, opened IE 1st and worked but still could not open Mozilla within IE or the desktop. Also all our 3 wireless laptops including apple have no problem with this.

You said you tried the recommended solution, but didn't mention what that solution was. Try, from the Firefox menu bar:
 
Tools -> Options -> Content
where you will find an option to block pop-up windows. If that box is checked but there are sites from which you would like to allow pop-up, click the button "Exceptions..." to add sites to your exception list.
See also the help article [[Pop-up blocker]].

I have to access this location on Exploer becuase Firefox crashes everytime I open it. What do I do to use Firefox?

Yesterday Firefox started crashing and I could not open Firefox. It is still doing that today.
I had to use Explorer to open this site.
What is wrong with Firefox? Why does it only crash and not open?

* Such details are stored in a cookie.
* You must allow that cookie (Tools > Options > Privacy > Cookies: Exceptions)
* Make sure that you do not use [[Clear Recent History]] to clear the "Cookies" and the "Site Preferences"
See also [[Enabling and disabling cookies]] and http://kb.mozillazine.org/Cookies

Firefox won't open. Not showing in Processes window on Task Manager to end process. Recently installed ZoneAlarm security suite. ???

have been having odd things happen since Zone Alarm installed. many processes now very slow to open and run.

Firefox does not start after updating with ZoneAlarm Extreme Suite enabled
* http://kb.mozillazine.org/Browser_will_not_start_up#Firefox_does_not_start_after_updating_with_ZoneAlarm_ForceField_enabled
Check and tell if its working. Also read the above article completely and the below article too for more understanding.
Firefox will not start
* https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Firefox%20will%20not%20start

I've had issues with Firefox hanging in memory even if I try to remove it using the Windows task manager's "End Process" button. My only alternative is to force a reboot on my PC.

Since upgrading to Firefox 7.0.1 I've noticed the abovementioned problem. I usually have a couple of app tabs with GMail information on them (two different e-mail accounts, one of which is just the contacts page and the other is the inbox and one tab with a GMail calendar for one of the accounts) and my home page, which is Google News. While I cannot say for certain that it is related to multimedia streaming, it does appear to happen after I play some kind of video file like the videos for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. My O/S is XP Pro SP3, my PC is a Dell Inspiron 700m w/2GB RAM. The Add-Ons that I have, as far as I can remember, are AdBlock Plus, Tab Mix Plus, WOT Safe Browsing Tool, and Download Statusbar along with the usual Java stuff. My Adobe plug-ins are always updated whenever I get an update message.

Since upgrading to Firefox 7.0.1 I've noticed the abovementioned problem. I usually have a couple of app tabs with GMail information on them (two different e-mail accounts, one of which is just the contacts page and the other is the inbox and one tab with a GMail calendar for one of the accounts) and my home page, which is Google News. While I cannot say for certain that it is related to multimedia streaming, it does appear to happen after I play some kind of video file like the videos for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. My O/S is XP Pro SP3, my PC is a Dell Inspiron 700m w/2GB RAM. The Add-Ons that I have, as far as I can remember, are AdBlock Plus, Tab Mix Plus, WOT Safe Browsing Tool, and Download Statusbar along with the usual Java stuff. My Adobe plug-ins are always updated whenever I get an update message.

When i close Firefox it no longer asks me if i want to save all the open tabs. when i start Firefox only one tab opens and not all the tabs i was using. how can i regain this feature?

i can no longer save my tabs for my next session

You can set the warn prefs on the about:config page to true via the right-click context menu or toggle with a double left-click.
* browser.tabs.warnOnClose , see http://kb.mozillazine.org/About%3Aconfig_entries
* browser.warnOnQuit , see http://kb.mozillazine.org/browser.warnOnQuit
* browser.warnOnRestart , see http://kb.mozillazine.org/browser.warnOnRestart
* browser.showQuitWarning (Firefox 4 only)

Firefox does not close/exit and must be shut down using task manager

When I "x" out of Firefox, or File menu "exit" or right click to "close," the Firefox window closes but whenever I attempt to restart Firefox, it says that it is already running (hence was never shut down) and I have to use Task Manager to "end process" before re-starting Firefox again. This dilemma only started after upgrading about 6 months ago (can't remember the version). I recently upgraded again but the problem still exists.

Did not address my issue. Firefox isn't freezing while it's up and running, it just doesn't completely shut down... therefore it's always running behind the scenes.

Why won't Firefox close, even using Task Manager, unless I right click on the process and select 'end process' ?

Firefox works fine, but won't respond when I try to shut it down. Using Task Manager to 'End Task' doesn't work. In Task Manager I have to right click on firefox in the Processes menu and click 'End Task'. Apart from logging off/shutting down, this is the only method that works. Also refused to respond when I tried to reset and doesn't respond to commands to change profile settings.

SOLUTION (possible).
Hi all. I had this problem as well. I currently run FF26. A week or so ago, out of nowhere FF wouldn't exit - the window would close but firefox.exe process would keep running in the background using about 50% of CPU. Not sure if it's connected, but just prior to that I clicked on a link on Facebook that looked like spam website, nothing happened, site loaded (sort of, all I saw was a msg - Please Wait...) but nothing happened, I have Eset antivirus and it monitors network traffic and files for viruses, so maybe it prevented my PC getting infected...
So, I had this problem for a few days, was searching the net for solutions, but nothing seem to help. Then, just out of luck I did something that WORKED!
Here's what I did. I noticed that svchost.exe was using a lot of CPU alongside with FF. I ran ProcessExplorer to see what might be connected to this process, the list was long and I didn't have any idea where to start, so what I did was - Right click on svchost process, choose Debug and dismiss the warning. In a few seconds svchost process quit and after that FF started closing properly.
I had to re-enable all my plugins and themes I disabled prior, I also lost my history and preferences which I trashed in the process of searching for solution. But heck, it worked, hopefully for good. Now if someone could point out the real cause of this and fix it for everyone - that would be great. Cheers!

Sometimes I have to use Task Manager to 'end process' Firefox before I can open it (not shutting down cleanly from previous use)

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