Firefox 2.0 (#4): Problems with embedded media; Continuing stability issues; more

Problems with embedded media -- potential fixes Firefox 2.0 continues to express issues with embedded media -- particularly an inability to play inline content that is normally handled by QuickTime (.mp3, .mov, .mpg, etc.).

MacFixIt reader Jon Lambert writes:

"There is an apparent disconnect from QuickTime when asked to play an *.mp3 file (Internet Explorer 5.2.3 also fails the test, but may well be excused here, due to old age ...). Sites on which playable MP3 music files do show and play correctly in other browsers tried: Safari, Sunrise and iCab are unplayable with Firefox."

If you are having problems viewing QuickTime media embedded in Web pages (you might see an error message indicating 'No Picture'), look in the /Library/Internet Plug-Ins directory (this is the Library folder at the root level of your hard drive, not the one inside your home user directory). Try removing the following files from that directory:

• QuickTime Plugin.webplugin
• VLC Plugin.plugin

Then close and re-launch your browser and check for persistence of the problem.

If the problem is not resolved, a different plug-in may be causing the issue. Keep removing files from this directory (start with any third-party plug-ins present) until the issue disappears.

Continuing stability issues We previously reported on significant stability issues affecting Firefox 2.0.

In many cases, instability can be caused by themes or extensions that come about after a Firefox update. You can uninstall problematic themes and extensions by going to the Tools menu item in Firefox, and select Add-ons. You can then select the potentially offending files and press the "Uninstall" button.

A few reports indicate that removing the Google Toolbar in particular eliminates the repeated crashes.

For some users, reverting to Firefox 1.5.0.7 has been the only infallible solution for crashes that are endemic to Firefox 2.0.

MacFixIt reader Tyler Martin writes:

"Just wanted to say thanks for offering the 1.5 download for firefox. I'm a web developer and have relied on Firefox until now for managing everything: bookmarks, passwords, etc. In the last two days since I installed 2.0 I've had it crash more than 20 times. Many times it doesn't even load up the restored session before it hangs again.

Rendering issues Some users have taken issue with the changes made to the rendering engine included with Firefox 2.0.

One reader writes:

"It's been rendering pages differently. The problem seems to be with the vertical alignment of table cells in CSS... haven't put my finger on it exactly but it's driving me nuts."

Similar issues? Please let us know.

Previous coverage:

• Firefox 2.0 (#3): Extension, Theme issues; Instability -- fixes; Graphics loading problems; more
• Firefox 2.0 release confusion: Official build now released

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