Firefox 2.0.0.2 (#2): Problems accessing some Web sites, other issues; fixes

Problems accessing some Web sites Some users have reported issues accessing specific Web sites after updating to Firefox 2.0.0.2.

One reader writes:

"Since installing Firefox 2.0.0.2, i have not been able to load MySpace.com, CNN.com, ESPN.com and several other sites."

In many cases, the issues affect only SSL (secure socket layer) Web sites that require authentication.

Misc. issues Users are also reporting a variety of other issues, though no particular problem (other than site access difficulty) appears consistent.

MacFixIt reader Jim Kauffman writes:

"I've always used Firefox successfully, but in 2.0.0.2 when I open a second tab, the tabbed windows get crunched to an unreadable sliver on the left side of the Firefox window and nothing can be viewed. There is no problem viewing just one tab or window open. I've had to stop using it."

Another reader writes:

"After a window in Firefox 2.0.0.2 is closed via the red close button, clicking on the application icon in the Dock will not create a new window (as it did previoulsy) unless I quit the application and restart it. A minor annoyance, but still an annoyance."

Potential fixes [solutions are varied and may be applicable to more than one aforementioned issue]

Clear caches/private data In some cases, simply clearing your browser's cache and other stored login data or cookies can resolve site access issues apparent after a Firefox update.

In order to clear the cace, go to the "Tools" menu in Firefox and select "Clear Private Data." Check the boxes for the items you would like to delete. Start with only the cache, then re-attempt the process with other items selected if the issue persists.

Start in safe mode Open the Terminal (located in /Applications/Utilities) and type the following command: /Applications/Firefox.app/Contents/MacOS/firefox -safe-mode then press return. Firefox will now be started in safe mode, which disables all extensions and uses the default theme.

If your issues are resolved, a faulty extension or theme may be to blame. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Add-ons." Disable any themes or extensions that could be causing the problem then try launching Firefox normally and check for persistence of the issue.

Check SSL settings You may want to check and adjust SSL settings after applying a Firefox update if you are experiencing issues with secure sites. To do so, from within Firefox, go to the "Firefox" menu and select "Preferences," then click on the "Advanced" tab. Make sure both "Use SSL 3.0" and "Use TLS 1.0" are checked.

Restart your Mac In some cases, simply restarting your Mac can revive access to previously inaccessible sites.

Downgrade Firefox Note that older versions of Firefox, including 2.0.0.1, are available from: http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/. If you are experiencing significant issues after updating and wish to downgrade, simply download the older release then drag Firefox 2.0.0.2 to the Trash. Next, drag the (newly downloaded) older release to the /Applications folder.

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Firefox 2.0.0.2 released: Closes security holes

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