Firefox 2 Won't Start

Mozilla's Firefox is a popular Web browser. If Firefox 2 fails to start after previously working, the user may have installed an add-on, theme or other modification that is in conflict with the program.

Troubleshooting

The user can attempt to start Firefox in Safe Mode to see if this solves the problem. Windows users should open the Start Menu, open the Firefox folder in the programs list and choose "Mozilla Firefox (Safe Mode)." A prompt will appear, asking the user if she wants to make changes -- such as disabling add-ons and using the default toolbars -- permanent. The user can skip ahead to Safe Mode.

Solution

If Firefox responds in Safe Mode, the user can close the program and restart Safe Mode. This time, he can select the boxes to reset all defaults within the browser in order to run it normally. If it does not respond, the user can uninstall the program (from the "Add or Remove Programs" option in the Windows Control Panel) and download a new installation from the Mozilla website.

Warning

Uninstalling Firefox will delete a user's settings, including plug-ins, history, bookmarks and other settings. Users who wish to save this data should employ the Firefox Profile Manager to save a copy of the profile before uninstalling the program.

References

• Mozilla: Firefox will not start
• Mozilla: Managing profiles
• mozillaZine: Safe Mode