'Problem loading page. FF unable to connect to server' (even when firewall is disabled) but websites load on other browsers
I keep getting this message on Firefox: Unable to connect
' Firefox can't establish a connection to the server www.examplewebsite.com The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few moments. If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer's network connection. If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.'
my other browsers (IE and Chrome) work fine. I want to use firefox as this has some useful add-ons which are not available on the other browsers.
I've checked my firewall and deleted firefox from the list of programs allowed and then added it again but this did not work. I've disabled by firewall, but firefox is still unable to connect. I've uninstalled and re-installed firefox but this also did not work. I've reset firefox to default settings and this did not work. I've also clicked the 'no proxy' in tools/options/ etc but this did not work.
Please could someone help!
All Replies (20)
Hello,
Try Firefox Safe Mode to see if the problem goes away. Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode, which disables most add-ons.
(If you're not using it, switch to the Default theme.)
- You can open Firefox 4.0+ in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key when you open the Firefox desktop or Start menu shortcut.
- Or open the Help menu and click on the Restart with Add-ons Disabled... menu item while Firefox is running.
Once you get the pop-up, just select "'Start in Safe Mode"
If the issue is not present in Firefox Safe Mode, your problem is probably caused by an extension, and you need to figure out which one. Please follow the Troubleshoot extensions, themes and hardware acceleration issues to solve common Firefox problems article for that.
To exit the Firefox Safe Mode, just close Firefox and wait a few seconds before opening Firefox for normal use again.
When you figure out what's causing your issues, please let us know. It might help other users who have the same problem.
Thank you.
Hi,
Thanks for replying.
I've re-opened firefox in safe mode but I still get the same message when I try to go on other sites.
Certain Firefox problems can be solved by performing a Clean reinstall. This means you remove Firefox program files and then reinstall Firefox. Please follow these steps:
Note: You might want to print these steps or view them in another browser.
- Download the latest Desktop version of Firefox from http://www.mozilla.org and save the setup file to your computer.
- After the download finishes, close all Firefox windows (click Exit from the Firefox or File menu).
- Delete the Firefox installation folder, which is located in one of these locations, by default:
- Windows:
- C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
- C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
- Mac: Delete Firefox from the Applications folder.
- Linux: If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it - see Install Firefox on Linux. If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the Firefox download page, simply remove the folder firefox in your home directory.
- Windows:
- Now, go ahead and reinstall Firefox:
- Double-click the downloaded installation file and go through the steps of the installation wizard.
- Once the wizard is finished, choose to directly open Firefox after clicking the Finish button.
Please report back to see if this helped you!
I've just removed firefox program files and reinstalled it but the problem still persists.
I've only gotten this problem since firefox autimatically updated. Is there any way of downloading an older version?
you can try firefox esr
No that hasn't worked. I still get the same message.
Hello,
The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information. Note: This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.
To Reset Firefox do the following:
- Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
- Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
- Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
- Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.
Further information can be found in the Refresh Firefox - reset add-ons and settings article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
Thank you.
I've already 'reset firefox' twice but I still get the same problem.
Hello,
In order to better assist you with your issue please provide us with a screenshot. If you need help to create a screenshot, please see How do I create a screenshot of my problem?
Once you've done this, attach the saved screenshot file to your forum post by clicking the Browse... button below the Post your reply box. This will help us to visualize the problem.
Thank you!
Here you go:
Sometimes a problem with Firefox may be a result of malware installed on your computer, that you may not be aware of.
You can try these free programs to scan for malware, which work with your existing antivirus software:
- Microsoft Safety Scanner
- MalwareBytes' Anti-Malware
- TDSSKiller - AntiRootkit Utility
- Hitman Pro
- ESET Online Scanner
Microsoft Security Essentials is a good permanent antivirus for Windows 7/Vista/XP if you don't already have one.
Further information can be found in the Troubleshoot Firefox issues caused by malware article.
Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!
I've scanned for malware with Microsoft security essentials but there have been no threats detected.
Have you tried the other programs, they all detect different things.
I've downloaded the MalwareBytes and it is performing a full scan now.
I will get back to you when it is done.
Try making a new profile too.
This must be a software interference have you checked Windows Firewall? It could be blocking Firefox. It could be your antivirus's firewall. Check them, and make sure they are not blocking Firefox.
I've tried the new profile but this has not worked.
The malware is still scanning. After the scan has completed and if there are no threats, should I try a system restore?
Im sure its a firewall or MSE, you can try a system restore but note that Firefox may need to be reinstalled after and you may lose bookmarks etc.
Thanks for the reply.
I've checked by windows firewall and it allows firefox.Even when the firewall is disabled I still get this problem.
The problem stared after firefox updated itself. I've deleted firefox from the list of allowable programs and then readded it but this did not work either.
Before doing a system restore, i reccomend backing your profile up. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/back-and-restore-information-firefox-profiles