Reset Firefox as first step in addressing performance issues
Q: Numerous times during the day I get a message saying Firefox has stopped working. After clicking on ‘try again,’ it comes back on but it is annoying. What could be causing this?
A:
This is a rather generic problem that could be a sign of any number of issues. The first thing I would do is reset Firefox. To do this, type about:support in the address bar and hit Enter. This will bring up a window where you can reset Firefox back to defaults.
This can be one of the most effective ways of restoring stability to the Firefox application. Resetting does not remove any personalization like bookmarks, browsing history, saved passwords and Web form auto-fill information.
If resetting Firefox doesn’t fix the problem, I would then look for things that might be interfering with the program. This could possibly be a problem with spyware or a virus, so be sure you are up to date on your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs.
Problems with Firefox can also be a result of conflict with other programs or installed plugins.
Mozilla offers a comprehensive troubleshooting guide at tinyurl.com/ helplinefirefox. Mozilla also has a very active user support forum at tinyurl.com/helplinefirefoxsupport where you can post questions and get help with the application from people who really know Firefox and how to troubleshoot problems specific to this browser.
Q: Recently I have been having problems printing from internet sites such things as boarding passes, recipes, Randalls’ digital coupon pages, etc. Pages print, but with information randomly omitted. For instance, I got to the airport once to discover my boarding pass did not include my name. Counter clerk did not notice, only when I got to security was I sent back to have another printed. I was going to buy a new printer but realized printer works perfectly except on things I try to print from an internet site.
A:
Something to keep in mind regarding websites is that they are typically not formatted or laid out in such a way as to make them printerfriendly. The pages are designed to display on a computer monitor and, if done right, also on a mobile device.
If you just click on File and Print on most websites, what is sent to the printer can come out looking pretty bad.
For things like coupons, boarding passes and bills, the website will usually offer a link to a printer-friendly version of the document or possibly even a PDF download.
This version is formatted to be printed on paper and will look much better than just printing the web page.
Look for a print icon or a link that says something about printing within the page you are visiting and click on that. This will bring up a version of the page or document that is properly formatted for printing on most printers.