There were not that many changes between Firefox 4 and 5 that would affect freezing.

Due to security vulnerabilities, rolling back to Firefox 4.0.1 is not recommended.

A few suggestions:

(1) Check out this article: Firefox hangs | Troubleshooting | Firefox Help.

(2) To revive the Google Toolbar, check out this thread: google toolbar does not work with firefox 5.0. why not! | Firefox Support Forum | Firefox Help.

Now can we get the answer to the question instead of the rhetoric? How do I roll back to the previous version as this version has blocked my abilities in too many areas, such as javascript!

Just trying to keep you safe and point out that many Firefox problems have nothing to do with the version you're running, but issues with your profile.

Here's the process to roll back:

First, I recommend backing up your Firefox settings in case something goes wrong. See Backing up your information. (You can copy your entire Firefox profile folder somewhere outside of the Mozilla folder.)

Next, download and save Firefox 3.6 to your desktop for future installation. http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/all-older

Close Firefox 5.

You could install Firefox 3.6 over it (many have reported success) or you could uninstall Firefox first. If you uninstall, do not remove your personal data and settings, just the program.

Unless you have installed an incompatible add-on, Firefox 3.6 should pick up where you left off. If there are serious issues, please post back with details.

I don't understand. Why do I have to go back to version 3? I had updated to version 4 (and gone through similar hassles as I'm having with this update, only not as bad). Why can't I go back to the version 4 I had before 5 came along? Version 5 freezes constantly. It's not my virus checker or my word processor or my video card. It happened instantly when I updated to version 5. I just don't have time to do all this troubleshooting every time firefox changes version. Can't I just go back to what I had?

YES, fixed it. I went here:

http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/all-older

which is a site with old versions of good programs. I've used it before to bail out of updates I didn't research. Installed it right over version 5 without a single problem and my Google Toolbar was back. Whew! I even added a new theme!"

It's a little confusing with so many people posting in this thread.

Version 4.0.1 is not secure. The currently available secure versions are 5.0 and 3.6.18.

You can at any time use any insecure version of Firefox, but it's not recommended.

ftp://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/

Can I install two versions of Firefox at the same time?

I am OK with the new 5.0 for most things - except it does not work with the web based email client that my company uses. The company IT department said to go back to 3.6.

So I would like to have two versions installed: 3.6 for my work email and 5.0 as my default browser.

How do I do this?

I am working on OSX 10.6.7.

Can I install two versions of Firefox at the same time?

For Windows, I think 3.6 + 5 would be the same as in this thread: can I install versions 3 and 4 on my PC at the same time? | Firefox Support Forum | Firefox Help.

I don't know whether the same concept applies on MacOS.

My system began freezing and Firefox 5 hanging/restarting. I found that by clearing the cache (manually deleting the files/folders) normal operation resumed.

The cache was getting large with 256 folders in one of the cache areas.

Firefox 5 is a pain in the neck, and I know several people personally who agree. My computer has gone apesh*t crazy, crashing all the time, freezing up. I've removed and reinstalled 5 four times and each times the problems are consistent with 5 being on my computer (problems) and 5 being off (no problems).

Another ridiculous thing is a simple add-on like new tab home page is not available. I'm back to 4, into the 3s if I can.

a simple add-on like new tab home page is not available

Try NewTabURL :: Add-ons for Firefox.

No worries, I'm back to 3.6 and happy again. V5 has absolutely nothing to offer me except frustration and a desire for an older version that works.

Thank you for showing that link, I will post it on my news blog to help others find their way back to Firefox 4.0.

@LizzyRose1, please mention that Firefox 4 is insecure, as shown on this page, and that if the user is at all concerned about security, their best choices are Firefox 5 and Firefox 3.6.18.

http://www.mozilla.org/security/known-vulnerabilities/firefox.html#firefox5

---

The independent security company Secunia has this information on various versions of Firefox:

Mozilla Firefox 4.x - 2011 Advisories

Mozilla Firefox 3.6.x - 2011 Advisories

(There are no advisories posted yet for Firefox 5, but they will appear on this page:
Mozilla Firefox 5.x - 2011 Advisories)

WOW! I did it ! I'm back to 3.6.18 and I have a life again ! FF 4 a FF 5 had caused me so may trouble. I should have gone back earlier!! Tks for the tips!!

ftp://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/

Here is a link for anyone who wishes for whatever Firefox number they want.

@jscher2000, I actually like taking care of my internet myself because I go to a lot of sites and I need fast dial and spell check.

So I don't need some security running my Firefox when I know how to take care of it myself and I already have security call McAfee on my computer that protects me from hacks and bad sites that want my information, or whatever.

So, yea... I'm done talking for now.

edit: replaced random unofficial third-party site since it is not needed.

@LizzyRose1, McAfee and good browsing habits won't protect you from new exploits planted on legitimate sites. That's why security companies focus on the importance of keeping your software patched up-to-date. You are entitled to take whatever risks you like; I just think if others are depending on your advice, they should be informed.

Firefox 5 has been so unstable for me. I don't think it even gets the chance to send crash reports, as it completely locks up my laptop. I have to reset to get going again. I'm just hoping for some bugfixes soon.

@Nsiskin, I assume you've seen the troubleshooting suggestions in this article, but just in case: Firefox crashes | Troubleshooting | Firefox Help.

You might want to try creating a new profile to bypass your add-ons.

First, I recommend backing up your Firefox settings in case something goes wrong. See Backing up your information. (You can copy your entire Firefox profile folder somewhere outside of the Mozilla folder.)

Next, fire up the Firefox Profile Manager as described in this article and create a new blank profile: Managing profiles.

If that one is stable, you can move key settings like bookmarks from your damaged profile to the new profile, see: Recovering important data from an old profile.

Hope this helps.

FF 5.0.1 on Window 7 Prof. 64 bit

After installing 5.0.1 Firefox needs more than 60 seconds - sometimes even 3-4 minutes - to navigate/switch between two open tabs, in 50% FF never reacts. I have around 100 tabs open. With 5.0 I recognized the same problem.

My solution: I just installed FF4.0.1 OVER 5.0.1 (for all cases: backup your profiles!). With 4.0.1 my Firefox all works perfect again!!!