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Technical News & Discussion => Windows News & Discussion => Topic started by: jupiter on Oct 24, 2007, 17:56:45

Title: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: jupiter on Oct 24, 2007, 17:56:45
Anyone else had odd behaviour from Firefox recently - to be specific, creating a new default profile and switching to it (not overwriting the old one though)?

Can't track anything I've done to prompt this behaviour and it has not happened before in over a years use of FF.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 24, 2007, 18:08:41
Not had any problems, Jupiter. Have you updated to the latest version?
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Oct 24, 2007, 18:11:31
The only thing I have noticed is, it keeps telling me I have updated to the latest version.  Yes, I know, thanks!!  I am currently giving Netscape 9 a test run, as it's based on Firefox, so most of FF's add-ons work with Netscape too.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: jupiter on Oct 24, 2007, 18:36:21
Quote from: Si6776 on Oct 24, 2007, 18:11:31
I am currently giving Netscape 9 a test run, as it's based on Firefox, so most of FF's add-ons work with Netscape too.
Good idea - I'll check it out.  I've had a look too at Seamonkey but can't see any real advantage to it.  I am on FF 2.0.0.8, which I think is the latest.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 24, 2007, 18:41:23
It is, Jupiter.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 24, 2007, 19:04:40
Not had any issues like this at all on 2.0.0.8 at the moment, might be worth checking the mozilla forums
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 24, 2007, 19:25:56
Quote from: jupiter on Oct 24, 2007, 17:56:45
Anyone else had odd behaviour from Firefox recently - to be specific, creating a new default profile and switching to it (not overwriting the old one though)?

Can't track anything I've done to prompt this behaviour and it has not happened before in over a years use of FF.

Yes I couldn't get FF to open, some stupid msg. had to use IE, decided to 'go back' which solved it  :D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Oct 24, 2007, 21:26:19
Quote from: jupiter on Oct 24, 2007, 18:36:21
I've had a look too at Seamonkey but can't see any real advantage to it.

It does have some nice touches that FF doesn't, such as easier access to cookie and password management, view History without opening a damned sidebar, and of course, the built in mail client and HTML editor.  It's worth a try.  :)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 25, 2007, 01:07:18
Seems like their are issues FF is planning another release maybe for next week to sort out regression bugs seen on some computers in 2.0.0.8, story here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,138894-c,mozilla/article.html#
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 25, 2007, 01:15:26
Oh joy, update fest. :( Thanks Gary.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 25, 2007, 01:19:50
Quote from: Rik on Oct 25, 2007, 01:15:26
Oh joy, update fest. :( Thanks Gary.
I know, its never ending Rik ::)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: drummer on Oct 25, 2007, 01:38:40
After updating to 2.0.0.8 (FF is the only app I allow to automatically check for updates), I got the "Unexpected error...needs to quit" message for the first time ever with FF.

But it's been working fine since then.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: jupiter on Oct 25, 2007, 09:08:32
I too have had two 'have to quit' instances since 2.0.0.8, and also a freeze on startup, so it looks like the latest version needs the urgent fixes.  All in the name of progress .... ::)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 25, 2007, 10:13:39
It demonstrates, once again, the variability of Windows boxes. So many variables that some are affected and some are not.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 25, 2007, 13:36:42
So true Rik mine seems ok at this time but to be honest Mozilla have had to do this before, as you said you can't code for every box on the planet, that's the issue with any OS and especially Windows, with apple at least hardware and software are more under control by being in house so to speak, well as much as they can be anyway.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 25, 2007, 14:21:37
To a great extent, an Apple is a controlled environment, Gary, while Windows will be a controlled environment with uncontrolled variables. ;)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 25, 2007, 14:25:40
Are you calling the Windows user an "uncontrolled variable" >:D back to that test to use a pc Rik  ;)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 25, 2007, 14:31:23
The user is certainly uncontrolled, but when you think about the possible hardware permutations before you even get to the software, each Windows box is pretty unique.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 26, 2007, 13:38:05
My friends box certainly is, its filled with coffee now :( why does that statement sound bad to me  :laugh:
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Kheldar on Oct 26, 2007, 14:03:01
oh no, is Firefox Down ?

if so call Clint Eastwood  ;D ;)

Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 26, 2007, 20:39:45
Quote from: Kheldar on Oct 26, 2007, 14:03:01
oh no, is Firefox Down ?

if so call Clint Eastwood  ;D ;)


Shall we get Knightrider along to help?  ;)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Kheldar on Oct 26, 2007, 20:53:38
Quote from: Killhippie on Oct 26, 2007, 20:39:45
Shall we get Knightrider along to help?  ;)
nope we need something that flies.......


hmm  how about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Oct 26, 2007, 21:31:36
Quote from: Killhippie on Oct 26, 2007, 13:38:05
My friends box certainly is, its filled with coffee now :( why does that statement sound bad to me  :laugh:

Have to admit, I had to re-read the thread after that!  ;D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 27, 2007, 00:03:49
Quote from: Kheldar on Oct 26, 2007, 20:53:38
nope we need something that flies.......


hmm  how about Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Or Airwolf :laugh:
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 27, 2007, 00:04:49
Quote from: Si6776 on Oct 26, 2007, 21:31:36
Have to admit, I had to re-read the thread after that!  ;D
:angel:
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Kheldar on Oct 27, 2007, 08:39:49
Quote from: Killhippie on Oct 27, 2007, 00:03:49
Or Airwolf :laugh:
it crossed my mind but Chitty has more style  ;D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 27, 2007, 08:42:34
Quote from: Kheldar on Oct 27, 2007, 08:39:49
it crossed my mind but Chitty has more style  ;D
True but it has children >:D but on the upside it does have Dick Van Dyke, so if there was a murder involved or an injury, help would be at hand ;)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Kheldar on Oct 27, 2007, 16:23:17
yeah but dont forget its also got Truly Scrumptious  :D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 10:30:13
FF is driving me mad! having to use IE, will need to 'go back' again! trouble is I can't find it  ;D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 10:37:16
There's an update due soon, Jill.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 10:41:38
Not soon enough  :(
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 10:43:33
Oddly enough, with three machines, I've not encountered any problems. I suppose it might just be worth uninstalling and re-installing to see if that helps?
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 10:45:34
Yes I could do  :)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 10:49:48
If you save your bookmarks and cookies files, Jill, you can then dump them back in the new profile with little or no loss. You'll just have to re-apply any add-ons. If you want to avoid that, you can download the FEBE addon, but then you may carry over any issues.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 11:05:06
Or just rid of FF  :D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 11:08:37
I'd miss it too much. :) Might be worth trying Opera, though, and see if you like that.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Inactive on Oct 30, 2007, 11:11:48
No problems with FF here either, must be a female thing..  >:D :out:
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 11:12:25
Living dangerously, In?  ;D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Inactive on Oct 30, 2007, 11:19:59
Thought I might take a chance..  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 11:27:47
 :whip:
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 11:28:40
Quote from: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 11:08:37
I'd miss it too much. :) Might be worth trying Opera, though, and see if you like that.

Opera is around somewhere  ;D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 11:29:16
Should I change Jill's username to Miss Whiplash, peops???  >:D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 11:52:51
Miss?  ::)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 11:54:19
Mrs Whiplash doesn't have the same ring, J!ll. ;)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: J!ll on Oct 30, 2007, 11:56:14
 ;D
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 30, 2007, 12:15:08
My FireFox has had one hiccup since 2.0.0.8 but I think they hope to have the new version out this week if all goes according to plan.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Oct 30, 2007, 21:34:01
I've been using Netscape 9.0 recently.  It's a clone of FireFox, but it seems less clunky, and has a nice layout, once you've got rid of all the toolbars and sidebars.  Certainly worth a try.  :)

http://browser.netscape.com/
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 30, 2007, 23:48:31
Netscape = full circle. :)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Oct 31, 2007, 00:07:13
Indeed!  But it's nothing like the old Netscrape, Rik.  :)  Once I changed the default home page, I don't even notice AOHell's involvement, and there's no branding on the new version.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 31, 2007, 00:19:26
I'm talking about Netscape before AOL, Simon, back in the mid-to-late 90s? When you had to buy a browser!!
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Oct 31, 2007, 00:50:56
I realised that, Rik, I was just saying that compared to the last few versions of Netscape, the AOL branding is very limited.  I don't go back as far as you, but I used it before Mozilla came along, and it's what actually prompted me to use Mozilla, even though, in those days, half the websites wouldn't work on it!
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Rik on Oct 31, 2007, 00:54:16
Standards used to be, shall we say, a moveable feast in the early days, with some sites only viewable with one browser. Real PITA time.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: jupiter on Oct 31, 2007, 09:43:07
Quote from: Si6776 on Oct 30, 2007, 21:34:01
I've been using Netscape 9.0 recently.  It's a clone of FireFox, but it seems less clunky, and has a nice layout, once you've got rid of all the toolbars and sidebars.  Certainly worth a try.  :)
http://browser.netscape.com/

Had a go with this and compared Netscape 9.0 and FF 2.0.0.8 with the same sites and within the same time frame. Netscape loaded pages far faster - really noticeably faster.

So is this just down to slicker code in writing Netscape, or FF getting too bloated, or my installation of FF?
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Oct 31, 2007, 09:53:57
I have no idea, Jupiter, but I'm sure someone will tell us.  I also find Netscape 9 loads quicker than Firefox, but they could both do with a turbo boost in that area.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Oct 31, 2007, 10:03:13
The only bad thing I can find is that Netscape's security usually takes longer to update to the latest FF security changes, so when 2.0.0.9 comes out Netscape will not update at the same time. Did try it a while ago but if I was going to have a third Browser I would want it to be Opera for shear safety and to avoid the possibility of similar security issues with FF and Netscape.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Nov 02, 2007, 00:51:39
As posted in software updates Firefox 2.0.0.9 is now released  :) hopefully it won't need Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for assistance now ::)
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: DAB Badboy on Nov 02, 2007, 12:10:55
Quote from: Killhippie on Oct 31, 2007, 10:03:13
The only bad thing I can find is that Netscape's security usually takes longer to update to the latest FF security changes,



Really? I guess I must have a really vivid imagination then.

Could have sworn I was using 9.0.0.2 ...
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Nov 02, 2007, 21:47:11
Yes, it updated today - twice, in fact!  On 9.0.0.3 now.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Gary on Nov 02, 2007, 23:05:22
Quote from: DAB Badboy on Nov 02, 2007, 12:10:55
Really? I guess I must have a really vivid imagination then.

Could have sworn I was using 9.0.0.2 ...
The statement was based on an article I read, and that was what was suggested in it, I was not casting any personal views or aspersions on the browsers ability to update, since the article was wrong that's fair enough, I have learnt something new about Netscape myself. I do not see the need for sarcasm in response to posts though.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: jupiter on Nov 03, 2007, 08:52:41
Quote from: Si6776 on Nov 02, 2007, 21:47:11
Yes, it updated today - twice, in fact!  On 9.0.0.3 now.

After you posted this I checked the Help tab and 9.0.0.3 is downloading in the background - indeed two in one day. Probably means someone screwed something up in 9.0.0.2 ::)

But I'm getting on well with Netscape and slipping into using it all the time.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: Simon on Nov 03, 2007, 11:45:30
There's a mail client in the pipeline too, Netscape Mercury, which will be based on Thunderbird.  Sounds interesting.
Title: Re: Firefox erratic behaviour
Post by: jupiter on Nov 03, 2007, 12:03:13
Quote from: Si6776 on Nov 03, 2007, 11:45:30
There's a mail client in the pipeline too, Netscape Mercury, which will be based on Thunderbird.  Sounds interesting.

Yes that is interesting. I get on well with Thunderbird but sometimes it seems to be very slow to load (and I do compact folders).