hello number1fan, regarding 1+2) and the settings that don't stick please try this: go to firefox > help > troubleshooting information > profile folder - "show folder", then a new window will open up. in this window look out for a file named user.js (it might be used to overwrite your custom settings). in case it is present , delete or rename this file and restart firefox afterwards.

How to fix preferences that won't save

in regards to 3) we will probably need a little bit more information so that we can troubleshoot the issue. first make sure that the date & time is set correctly on your system. if this doesn't solve the issue (or it is already set properly), a possible solution depends on different factors:

• what is the error code shown under technical details on the error page?

in case the error code equals sec_error_unknown_issuer, please attempt to add an exception on the bottom of the error page & inspect the certificate (see the screenshot attached for instructions):

• which issuer information does the certificate contain?

"This Connection is Untrusted" error message appears - What to do

Note that you may have to check your Comcast Infinity (Norton) software.

Other things that need your attention:

Note that your System Details List shows multiple Flash plugins.

1. Shockwave Flash 12.0 r0
2. Shockwave Flash 11.5 r502
3. Shockwave Flash 11.3 r300

You can find the installation path of all plugins on the about:plugins page.

You can check the Flash player installation folder for multiple Flash player plugins and remove all (older) version(s) of the plugin (NPSWF32) and (re)install the latest Flash player.

• (32 bit Windows) C:\Windows\System32\Macromed\Flash\
• (64 bit Windows) C:\Windows\SysWOW64\Macromed\Flash\

Thank you for your reply. I have Dell technical support also trying to help with FF. The filename "user.js" did not exist, so that is not resolving the issue. It may be an unauthorized "ysf.yahoo" FF download. Know this happening with FF downloads?

The information you provided in More System Details indicates that you do have a user.js file, but the default setup in Windows7 has the whole folderset where that file is stored as a "hidden file". Dell Tech support should, but may not, be aware it's in a hidden location.

See this to learn how to get to that file.
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-fix-preferences-wont-save#w_user-js-file-overriding-preferences

Note that Windows hides some file extensions by default.
Among them are .html and .ini and .js and .txt, so you may only see the name without file extension.
You can see the real file type (file extension) in the properties of the file via the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer.

Note that the "AppData" folder in Windows Vista and later Window 7+ versions and the "Application Data" folder in XP/Win2K are hidden folders.

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders
• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Profile_folder_-_Firefox

Thank you everyone for your input. It was all great information and appreciate your prompt responses.