Any Computer buffs on the forum ?

[chatkeow 28]

Using a new laptop I downloaded Firefox and it worked perfectly fine. Toshiba Satellite 660.

 

Closed the laptop down at the end of the day, and on restarting it will not open any websites on firefox.

 

IE the default browser works perfectly fine, as does Chrome which was pre loaded as well.

 

Have tried uninstalling and reinstalling to no avail......There is a Mcfee anti virus which I hadn't activated as yet (only got laptop yesterday )as hadnt had time to sit down with the laptop...... I haven't touched any settings to my knowledge ??

 

Any suggestions ??

 

Cheers PT

[mykl 72]

When you uninstalled FF did you tell it to uninstall all additional files or just the main program? If you don't tell the uninstall program to uninstall everything then it will leave your preference settings, bookmarks, etc intact. At some point in the uninstall process it asks you this but if I remember right it does not default to remove everything. You have to specifically select that option. If you have a spare usb thumb drive or external usb drive try downloading portable apps and running FF from the usb drive. If you're not familiar with portable apps try googling it.

[kaiser71 30]

Make sure file->work offline is not checked.

 

Firewall may be blocking, disable and check.

[Gary 4,119]

I have changed to Chrome for my default browser. Firefox has been getting more glitches rather than better. I have the latest V10 release and it too has glitches. I have noticed that the spell checker no longer works. Another advantage of Chrome is that it can automatically translate Thai pages to English.

[chatkeow 28]

Make sure file->work offline is not checked.

 

Firewall may be blocking, disable and check.

 

Thanks for reply but the issue you make re Firewall is what Im trying to check HOWEVER not being too bright on PC's actually finding out how to do it, is another matter !

 

Theres Mcfee anti virus which I assume forms part of the firewall ?? How do I check.....Spent hours last night trying to suss it ??

[RhinoTusk 4,901]

Try clearing cookies and browser cache.

Edited February 9, 2012 by RhinoTusk

[chatkeow 28]

Have uninstalled including bookmarks etc (which the first time I didn't) and add ons but reinstalled, with no success.

 

Checked work off line but thats ok.

 

As Internet explorer and Chrome are working perfectly it must be setting somewhere ??

 

Cleared Cache and Cookies.

Edited February 9, 2012 by chatkeow

[steamer 158]

Im not the brightest techie but perhaps you need to go in the tools and remove ie or google as your default browser,

 

in chrome

 

go to tools , then options, then basics, then change your default browser.

[chatkeow 28]

Im not the brightest techie but perhaps you need to go in the tools and remove ie or google as your default browser,

 

in chrome

 

go to tools , then options, then basics, then change your default browser.

 

Internet Explorer was default browser with chrome loaded from factory.....Both work fine. The obvious answer is just to use Chrome but as I installed FF and it worked normally, until shut down and then wouldn't open on restart ??

[steamer 158]

Internet Explorer was default browser with chrome loaded from factory.....Both work fine. The obvious answer is just to use Chrome but as I installed FF and it worked normally, until shut down and then wouldn't open on restart ??

 

yes In tools it may still come up as default until you change it.

 

That's why it worked until you shut it down.

[chatkeow 28]

yes In tools it may still come up as default until you change it.

 

That's why it worked until you shut it down.

 

Ok set it as default browser but no difference ??

Edited February 9, 2012 by chatkeow

[2 slices short 10]

Chatkeow,

 

Did you recently do an upgrade to FF10 and an upgrade to Wundows?

 

If so, I can confirm that there is definately an issue with this combination (and apparently the presence of some other software) but we as yet haven't narrowed it down.

One of my clients (from my eCommerce business in Australia) has this problem and we are still trying to solve it.

 

A few things to try:

• copy your bookmarks and any data you wish to retain to Chrome
  
• REMOVE Firefox completely. Including any addons.
  
• Do a fresh install of Firefox using the previous version (V9)
  
• Check operation without addons.
  
• If OK proceed to put back any addons (a few at a time, retesting after each group)
  

Good luck.

 

Unfortunately trying to unwind the Windows update will probably cause more problems than it's worth unless you have a backup to restore. Going back to a restore point is NOT the same.

 

I've got to the point that I infrequently update Windows as the updates usually just update all the bugs in Windows and frequently adds a few extras for fun,

 

If we find the issue in Oz I'll post back here and would appreciate the same if you find the combination that is causing this.

 

Cheers : Admiral Ken

[chatkeow 28]

Chatkeow,

 

Did you recently do an upgrade to FF10 and an upgrade to Wundows?

 

If so, I can confirm that there is definately an issue with this combination (and apparently the presence of some other software) but we as yet haven't narrowed it down.

One of my clients (from my eCommerce business in Australia) has this problem and we are still trying to solve it.

 

A few things to try:

• copy your bookmarks and any data you wish to retain to Chrome
  
• REMOVE Firefox completely. Including any addons.
  
• Do a fresh install of Firefox using the previous version (V9)
  
• Check operation without addons.
  
• If OK proceed to put back any addons (a few at a time, retesting after each group)
  

Good luck.

 

Unfortunately trying to unwind the Windows update will probably cause more problems than it's worth unless you have a backup to restore. Going back to a restore point is NOT the same.

 

I've got to the point that I infrequently update Windows as the updates usually just update all the bugs in Windows and frequently adds a few extras for fun,

 

If we find the issue in Oz I'll post back here and would appreciate the same if you find the combination that is causing this.

 

Cheers : Admiral Ken

 

Ok Ken thanks.....

 

Will do later today.......at the moment am using Chrome which on the surface looks very similar to FF, but trying to use IE brought back all the reasons I swithched to FF in first place

[kaiser71 30]

Theres Mcfee anti virus which I assume forms part of the firewall ?? How do I check.....Spent hours last night trying to suss it ??

Sounds like you should wait until Firefox releases a new update.

For future reference, here's how to find Windows Firewall. settings->control panel->security->firewall

[jacko 8,822]

It sounds like Firefox is opening but cannot connect to the internet? Or is it just crashing?

Are you able to go to 'Options' in Firefox?

There you can go to 'Advanced' 'Network' Tab

'Settings'

Mine is set to 'Auto Detect'

 

As to the fiirewall.... I have the McAffee firewall turned on and the Windows Firewall turned off.

(I find this out under the Security Centre).

 

Firefox must be given full access to the internet through the McAffee firewall.

 

Open the McAffee 'TotalProtection'

Select 'Firewall' 'Settings'

'Internet Connections For Programs'

Firefox should be in that list.

If it is not, use ADD and Browse for

C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe

Edited February 10, 2012 by jacko

[chatkeow 28]

It sounds like Firefox is opening but cannot connect to the internet? Or is it just crashing?

Are you able to go to 'Options' in Firefox?

There you can go to 'Advanced' 'Network' Tab

'Settings'

Mine is set to 'Auto Detect'

 

As to the fiirewall.... I have the McAffee firewall turned on and the Windows Firewall turned off.

(I find this out under the Security Centre).

 

Firefox must be given full access to the internet through the McAffee firewall.

 

Open the McAffee 'TotalProtection'

Select 'Firewall' 'Settings'

'Internet Connections For Programs'

Firefox should be in that list.

If it is not, use ADD and Browse for

C:\Program Files\mozilla firefox\firefox.exe

 

Thanks Jacko.....Will sit down this afternnon and try and work through issue. Thanks to others that responded.

 

Now if you want to know why Britains fucked heres why !!

 

Phone Toshiba technical support-get through quickly and briefly tell tech guy the problem.....

 

"No problem sir can fix that now for you.......Can I have credit card......Charge is 30 pounds"

 

Brand new 3 days old-fucking joke. Needless to say I declined......

[chatkeow 28]

Admiral Ken I think you asked if I could post on a resolution re issue.

 

Cousin came around a little earlier whose bit of a computer buff and explained problem to him (In the interim Google Chrome had suffered same problem). He checked all the settings which were correct and said that 99% its a fault with the Mcfee Anti virus, and if we uninstall the programme it would rectify the situation. The laptop had been a "no fault" return to Argos so possibly the reason it had been returned before.

 

It did indeed rectify problem, but am now without the Anti virus (it was pre loaded software) so any suggestions gratefully received.

 

Cheers PT

[2 slices short 10]

Admiral Ken I think you asked if I could post on a resolution re issue.

 

Cousin came around a little earlier whose bit of a computer buff and explained problem to him (In the interim Google Chrome had suffered same problem). He checked all the settings which were correct and said that 99% its a fault with the Mcfee Anti virus, and if we uninstall the programme it would rectify the situation. The laptop had been a "no fault" return to Argos so possibly the reason it had been returned before.

 

It did indeed rectify problem, but am now without the Anti virus (it was pre loaded software) so any suggestions gratefully received.

 

Cheers PT

 

Wouldn't be the first AV software to cause these sorts of problems - and you can bet it wont be the last.

 

Some friends have had lots of success with Avast (free also) and I usually recommend this as I've had no negative replies in quite a few years. Personnaly I have a lifetime corporate license for Norton's but wouldn;t use their retail version to save my own life. One of the "other" suppliers in the top 3 has a serious bloat-ware issue and having worked closely with them I am reluctant to recommend them. Essentially none of the "majors" have a perfect solution (and an obvious vested interest in continuing that scenario). Free software has to earn its reputation and whilst not always the best choice my experience in this would still lead to Avast. (Note that "Corporate" and "Retail" versions are VERY DIFFERENT ANIMALS - Corporate customers are completely intolerant as a rule and the quailty is reflected in the Corporate versions)

 

One thing that you need to understand is that AV software works by "reading" every file that works it's way onto your system and comparing the WHOLE file with a HUGE list of matching characters. Imagine reading a book with a list of random dictionary words and seeing if ANY of them are contained in the book - anywhere. This happens with every file on your computer (OK there are some exceptions but we'll kepp the explanation in layman's terms). Given the amount of work involved there is considerable overhead added to your computer. This can cause the obvious problem of delays but in some instances it can cause other problems when certain items are not available for the computer to use and in a 'worst case' scenario can cause all sorts of problems.

 

The best solution at this stage is "kick the tyres" and try a new AV suite. If it works, great, if not, NEXT. (Sort of like barfining)

 

Give me a call when you're in town and I may be able to offer some other assistance.

 

Cheers : Admiral Ken

 

PS my client has re-installed everything and whilst the situation has improved it's still not 100%. I'll get her to try the AV soluton tomorrow and see what happens - problem is that I'm reluctant to aduse this for inexperienced operators (like her) and a large business database at risk.

Edited February 10, 2012 by 2 slices short

[chatkeow 28]

Wouldn't be the first AV software to cause these sorts of problems - and you can bet it wont be the last.

 

Some friends have had lots of success with Avast (free also) and I usually recommend this as I've had no negative replies in quite a few years. Personnaly I have a lifetime corporate license for Norton's but wouldn;t use their retail version to save my own life. One of the "other" suppliers in the top 3 has a serious bloat-ware issue and having worked closely with them I am reluctant to recommend them. Essentially none of the "majors" have a perfect solution (and an obvious vested interest in continuing that scenario). Free software has to earn its reputation and whilst not always the best choice my experience in this would still lead to Avast. (Note that "Corporate" and "Retail" versions are VERY DIFFERENT ANIMALS - Corporate customers are completely intolerant as a rule and the quailty is reflected in the Corporate versions)

 

One thing that you need to understand is that AV software works by "reading" every file that works it's way onto your system and comparing the WHOLE file with a HUGE list of matching characters. Imagine reading a book with a list of random dictionary words and seeing if ANY of them are contained in the book - anywhere. This happens with every file on your computer (OK there are some exceptions but we'll kepp the explanation in layman's terms). Given the amount of work involved there is considerable overhead added to your computer. This can cause the obvious problem of delays but in some instances it can cause other problems when certain items are not available for the computer to use and in a 'worst case' scenario can cause all sorts of problems.

 

The best solution at this stage is "kick the tyres" and try a new AV suite. If it works, great, if not, NEXT. (Sort of like barfining)

 

Give me a call when you're in town and I may be able to offer some other assistance.

 

Cheers : Admiral Ken

 

PS my client has re-installed everything and whilst the situation has improved it's still not 100%. I'll get her to try the AV soluton tomorrow and see what happens - problem is that I'm reluctant to aduse this for inexperienced operators (like her) and a large business database at risk.

 

Thanks for that Ken......will look at Avast over weekend.

[jacko 8,822]

Pity to have to throw away a free subscription....... was it 36 months?

Did you ever enable it?

 

I see Firefox has just released an update today.

[mykl 72]

AVG and Zone Alarm, Anti-virus and firewall respectively, are both free and do a good job. If you are willing to spend a bit Norton 360 is the current champ.

[chatkeow 28]

Pity to have to throw away a free subscription....... was it 36 months?

Did you ever enable it?

 

I see Firefox has just released an update today.

 

30 days Jacko !!

[jacko 8,822]

30 days Jacko !!

Neither here nor there then.

[chatkeow 28]

Neither here nor there then.

 

No wasn't worth bothering about.If I thought that had been the issue from minute one, would have deleted immediately........just having a look at the free Anti virus stuff online now.

[jacko 8,822]

No wasn't worth bothering about.If I thought that had been the issue from minute one, would have deleted immediately........just having a look at the free Anti virus stuff online now.

I have the McAfee running with my Firefox now.. but I use Vista, your new machine would be Windows 7 (64 Bit) .