Firefox now occasionally causes 1703 to lock computer, must re-boot

Airider · 27 Jul 2017

This has happened only recently with both the 86-bit Firefox, now uninstalled, and with the 64-bit Firefox replacing it (have 64-bit system). Problem first appeared when I recently tried to repair non-functioning Spotlight, in some cases messing with the registry, etc.. Spotlight now works useably as it is now coming in via Dynamic Theme. Kaspersky updated as is all Windows Update/Security fine (periodic scanning) and apps so far as i know. Now downloaded SUPER Antispyware which found 43 tracking adware cookies which it has removed.

Older 86-bit Firefox (now uninstalled) would occasionally crash before, give crash report and restart itself WITHOUT locking up the computer (HP 840 G2).

After these recent computer lockups which I assume are caused by Firefox (seems to only happen when I try to interact with opened, running Firefox in top bar, as in typing in top address bar, etc.), when I hold down computer's physical on/off switch to turn off the computer, after clean stop and then use on/off switch to re-start .... everything works fine

Caledon Ken · 27 Jul 2017

Hi Airider

To help isolate software issues you can use the clean boot procedure. From your description "Problem first appeared when I recently tried to repair non-functioning Spotlight, in some cases messing with the registry, etc.." I don't think this is a Firefox issue.

Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts

Another item that you can try is the in place repair / upgrade to repair your installation. I use the word repair very loosely.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

While this process should not impact data I always recommend having your data backed up. I also recommend creating an Image with a tool like Macrium reflect. Better safe than sorry.

Ken

Airider · 27 Jul 2017

Now it got locked up when I tried to start Skype (computer had been running very well for hours). So: mechanical stop (on/off switch) then start again with switch, running nicely again, also Skype.

However, as has happened a half-dozen or more times ONLY since updating to 1703 a few months ago, at first re-start (from off) the sound was off at start (all else working, auto-diagnostic found nothing). Another "shut-down" but with click on "shut down", switch re-start and then all fine (so far). THAT's been going on since 1703 was installed

My guess now is 1703 bugs

Caledon Ken · 27 Jul 2017

What is reliability history reporting?

Is there additional info in the event viewer under the System heading?

Ken

Airider · 27 Jul 2017

note improper shut down was me doing the only possible thing I could > manual shut down with on/off switch

also the last crash was when I tried to launch Skype

and during that re-boot the sound was off, as has happened before; no crash but could use Windows "shut down" interface in start menu, after re-boot all fine (till the next time)

Caledon Ken · 27 Jul 2017

Could you please view your windows update history. Is it clean or are updates failing?

Next I would sfc /scannow just to see.

One thing I would consider is a in place repair / upgrade. I say this but as you have registry mods I'm a little concern it might wipe them out

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

Have your data backed up and I would recommend a tool like Macrium Reflect to create an Image. Always want a plan "B".

Let's see what SFC sees.

You could also rule out disk errors with a chkdsk c:, from command prompt, no switches (options) just to see what it reports and I would consider running a tool like memtest86. Tutorial in our library. No harm in checking.

Ken

Airider · 27 Jul 2017

I used the troubleshooter in Security and it indicated incompatibility with Firefox 64-bit, so I uninstalled and put back 32-bit, then also incompatible, this time clicked the correct choice, indicated fixed. Uninstalled 32-bit and installed 64-bit, ran Security troubleshooter, incompatible, clicked correctly again, and indicated fixed. Also checked Skype, no prob
.
NO failed updates. I use stand alone downloads and manually update Defender from within Settings (Periodic Scanning, trust Kaspersky, though it obviously missed 43 ad-tracking cookies, now removed)
Now ran scannow, no integrety violations.

All good so far, but I just remembered, during the time of the "troubles" but not WHILE happening, WinX was beeping the descending pretty 3-note "I'm working" tones a lot more than ever before, now back to normal, only rarely (could be Red Herring?)