Mozilla Firefox Failed to Connect
The Firefox Web browser isn't very useful if it won't connect to the Internet. Connection problems can be tough to diagnose because the problem may stem from many causes. Various settings within Windows, your firewall and Firefox itself may hold the key to returning Firefox's Internet connectivity.
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Error Messages
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Pay attention to the error message Firefox presents when it fails to load a Web page. These messages offer clues as to why the page won't display. Depending on the error, Firefox may also offer suggestions to remedy the problem. Before trying anything else, follow Firefox's suggested steps.
Internet Connection
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If your computer cannot connect to the Internet correctly, neither will Firefox. The Windows task bar's system tray notification area at the very right of the task bar has a network icon that takes on different appearances under different circumstances. Right-click the icon and choose "Troubleshoot Problems" to see if Windows can solve the problem. Check your modem and router to ensure they're connected properly and aren't displaying any error messages. Reset them by unplugging the power supply from both the modem and router for at least 10 seconds. Upon plugging them back in, give your computer time to detect available connections. If you're still unable to connect, contact your Internet service provider for personalized assistance.
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Firewall Blocking Firefox
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Your computer's firewall helps protect you while you're online by blocking unauthorized or suspicious connections. While each firewall differs, yours may be blocking Firefox, preventing it from accessing the Internet. If the network icon in the Windows system tray says you're connected, this may be the issue. Open your firewall and find the exceptions settings, where you can add Firefox to the list of allowable connections. This problem often occurs after updating Firefox, as your firewall may not recognize the new version and may automatically block it.
Proxy Settings
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Firefox's proxy connection settings may be configured incorrectly, preventing Internet access. From the "Firefox" button, select "Options," "Advanced" and "Network.' Click "Settings" under Connection. Ensure your proxy settings are correct. If you're not using a proxy or don't know what a proxy connection is, make sure "No Proxy" is selected. To check settings for accuracy, open a Web browser that works and compare that browser's settings to Firefox's settings.
IPv6 Settings
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Type "about:config" into Firefox's address bar and press your keyboard's "Enter" button. Jokingly, Firefox warns that accessing this page may void your warranty; this is just their way of telling you to be careful when editing these preferences, so press the "I'll be careful, I promise!" button. Type "network.dns.disableIPv6" into the "Filter" box. Double-click the resulting entry to change the value from "false" to "true" and then check your connection. If problems persist, return to the "about:config" page and set the "network.dns.disableIPv6" setting back to "false."
DNS Prefetching Settings
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Type "about:config" into the address bar and then hit "Enter." Right-click the "Preference Name" box and hover over "New" and select "Boolean." Type "network.dns.disablePrefetch" into the text box and press "OK," "true" and "OK" again. If this doesn't help, locate the entry again and switch it to "false" to re-enable DNS Prefetching.
Malware
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If nothing else helps, you may have malicious software preventing Firefox from accessing your connection. Common signs of malware include strange activity and instability within Firefox, pages continually failing to load and unwanted toolbars or add-ons showing up without you installing them. Ensure that your anti-virus program checks for malware or download and install a malware remover. Run a scan and quarantine or delete any results the software finds before attempting to use the Internet again.
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