Firefox disable safe mode window. Firefox: Safe Mode. Update or disable potentially dangerous plugins

This is not a find for hidden surfing, but a tool for troubleshooting the program. Firefox Safe Mode turns off all extensions and themes. hardware acceleration and resets user settings. But at the same time it saves them for restoration. It is quite convenient and most effective method speed up performance and restore stability.

We go to the menu by clicking on the button in the form of three horizontal stripes, which, as a rule, is located on the right top corner application windows. In the panel that opens, click the icon with a question mark - “ Reference».

Select the item “ Restart without add-ons" If everything is done correctly, upon startup the “ Firefox safe mode " To exit, simply close the application, including additional windows.

When starting, two buttons will appear to choose from: “ Run in Safe Mode" And " Clean Firefox».

The second option resets all cache files, cookies, passwords, deletes extensions, history, and resets user settings to default. In theory, the browser should work like new. You will have to restore all your bookmarks and settings manually.

Attention: when loaded random access memory or if there is a small amount of it, the browser will start with a delay of up to 2 minutes. It is also common for the application to crash and freeze in safe mode. In this case, you need to restart your computer or reinstall the application - remove and .

Solving the performance problem

If an application is unstable in safe mode, then the problem lies not in the settings, extensions or theme, but in something else, for example, in the computer hardware. If problems do not arise, Mozilla works stably and quickly, you should turn off the theme and some add-ons.

Mozilla Firefox(or simply Firefox) is a free web browser with open source. There are many add-ons released for Firefox, some of which provide privacy and security while surfing the web.

  • How to work with a stable and secure Internet browser that has many add-ons.
  • How to protect yourself from potentially unsafe programs and malicious websites.
  • How to securely remove digital traces of your online work.

1. Getting to know Firefox

We assume that the reader is already familiar with the web browser, and will not describe the basic functions of Firefox. Let's pay attention to the settings and additions related to security.

1.0. What you need to know about Firefox before you get started

Firefox supports many additions. They are easy to use and provide security and privacy while surfing the web. Depending on your situation, you can choose which add-on to install and how to configure it. If you work on a computer that is controlled by another person (for example, in an Internet café or an office workstation), you may need to set up the program more than once.

In addition to basic Firefox settings, this guide covers installation and basic setup the following additions:


Image 1. Mozilla Firefox website

Step 2. Click button [Download for free] to download Firefox.

Step 3. After downloading Firefox click right click mice according to the downloaded file and select on the menu [Open], as in the illustration below:


Image 2. Opening a downloaded file in Firefox

Step 4. Click button [Install] in the Firefox window that opens to begin installing the program.


Image 3. Beginning Firefox installations

Wait for Firefox to finish installing.


Image 4. Installing Firefox

You can now use the Firefox browser.


Image 5. Mozilla Firefox browser

Note. It's a good idea to use the most recent versions computer programs in the field of security, including web browsers. Therefore, it is important to regularly update the programs you use.

2.2. Setting up search engines

You can configure Firefox to work with the search engine of your choice. Follow the steps:

Step 1. Select paragraph [Settings] from the menu at the bottom of your browser.


Image 1. Firefox settings menu

Step 2. Select paragraph [Search]


Image 2. Search settings in Firefox

You can select a default search engine and define which search engines will be available in the window Firefox search. We recommend DuckDuckGo as default search. This system does not track users and does not share user data with third parties.

Some other "security focused" search engines that can be added to the list search engines in settings Firefox:

2.3. Privacy settings

You can change Firefox privacy settings as follows:

Step 1. Select paragraph [Settings]

Step 2. Select paragraph [Privacy] in the left column of the settings window.


Image 1. Firefox privacy settings

You can now change Firefox settings regarding privacy, third-party tracking, and web browsing history. Follow these steps:

Step 3. Many websites collect information about you. They allow third parties to track which websites you visit. System Do Not Track allows you to avoid being tracked by websites you do not visit, including data analytics services, advertising networks and social platforms.

To turn on Do Not Track V Firefox and keep surveillance of your online activities to a minimum, select two options in the section Tracking. It is important to understand, however, that companies have the ability to ignore your choice and will still track you. Here list companies that have declared their respect for those who ask them do not track.

Step 4. In chapter Story you can manage settings browsing history Firefox. By default the browser is configured remember the history of visited pages and downloads. It means that Firefox will remember the history of pages, downloaded files, completed forms and search queries. The browser will also accept cookies from websites you visit. Cookies allow sites to record information on your device, and Firefox will share information with these sites and their advertising partners.

To prevent this from happening, in the very first option of the section Story- line starting with Firefox:- You can change option will remember the story on won't remember history. You can choose third option will use your history storage settings to configure browser behavior in more detail in the section Story.

Step 5. In chapter Address panel you can indicate the sources from Firefox will suggest website addresses when you type in address bar . By default these are bookmarks, open tabs and sites whose addresses are stored in the browsing history. You can uncheck certain items at your discretion.

2.4. Security Settings

To change Firefox security settings, follow the steps:

Step 1. Select paragraph [Settings] in the main menu of the browser.

Step 2. Select paragraph [Protection] in the left column of the settings window.


Image 1. Firefox Security Settings

You can change Firefox's security settings.

Step 3. Uncheck from the field [Remember logins for sites].

All options under the heading Are common must be selected. If this is not the case, we recommend turning them on. Then Firefox will:

  • warn when websites try to install add-ons,
  • block sites suspected of attacks,
  • block sites suspected of fraud.

Options in the section Logins refer to Firefox's built-in password manager. If you check the box Use master password Firefox will encrypt the website passwords it stores and prompt you master password. In general, we recommend using an offline password manager like KeePassX to store your passwords. However, if you decide to use Firefox to store website passwords, you should check the Master Password option.

2.5. Settings for advanced users

You can change settings for advanced Firefox users - follow the steps:

Step 1. Select paragraph [Settings] from the menu at the bottom Firefox browser.

Step 2. Select paragraph [Advanced] in the left column of the settings window.

In the window Additional There are five tabs:

  • Are common. Various options that affect the usability of the browser.
  • Data selection. Here you can determine what data about the health, security, and efficiency of the browser can be sent to its developers.
  • Updates. Settings automatic update Firefox, including updates for your chosen email systems.
  • Net. Proxy settings, cached web pages and offline user data.
  • Certificates. Here you can determine what Firefox will do with encryption certificates (both when a website asks for your browser's personal certificate, and when Firefox tries to determine whether the certificate is valid https, provided by the website).

Image 1. Tab General settings for advanced users

Tab Are common contains useful option, which allows Firefox to prevent websites from automatically redirecting you to other pages or reloading themselves without your permission.

Step 3. Select option [Warn when websites try to redirect or reload the page].

Additional step 4. In additional settings click tab [Net].


Image 2. Additional settings, Network tab

Additional step 5. Here you can change the proxy settings for your browser (click the button [Tune...].

2.6 Using privacy settings while surfing the web

In addition to the settings described earlier, Firefox offers two important options: they allow you to have some control over the data Firefox stores on your computer and data about the sites you visit. These are the functions Delete recent history And Private browsing mode.

Delete recent history

To delete recent browser data, follow these steps:

Step 1. In the Firefox menu select [Magazine] as shown in the picture below:

Image 1. Journal item in the Firefox menu

Step 2. In the drop down menu click [Delete history...].

Image 2: Deleting recent Firefox history

Step 3. If you want to completely clear your browser history, select in this window All options. Through the drop-down menu, you can also set the time period for which you want to delete your browser history.


Image 3: Deleting recent Firefox history

Step 4. Select types of data that Firefox should delete after each browser session.


Image 4: Delete all Firefox history

Step 5. Select [Delete now] to delete the selected data.

Instead of the steps described, you can use private mode. In this mode, Firefox will not record history at all.

Private browsing mode

To prevent Firefox from storing data about your current browser session, follow these steps:

Step 1. In the Firefox main menu select paragraph [Private window] as shown in the illustration below:

Image 5: Opening a new private window in Firefox

Step 2. Open websites in this window.


Image 6. Using a private window in Firefox

When you're working in a private window, Firefox doesn't record your web surfing data. This applies to any tabs that are already open or will be opened in this window. There are exceptions for the private window - downloadable files and bookmarks. The window also doesn't let you forget that Firefox itself can't stop those who might be snooping on your Internet connections (including your ISP) to find out what websites you visit. To solve this problem, you will need Tor Browser.

3. Firefox Add-ons

Firefox has add-ons that add new options or expand existing functionality. Add-ons include plugins, such as Adobe Flash , And extensions, such as NoScript. In this section, we'll show you how to disable potentially harmful plugins, and then demonstrate several useful add-ons to enhance your privacy, including:

For more Firefox privacy add-ons, visit Tactical Tech.

3.1. Update or disable potentially dangerous plugins

Updating add-ons

You can update your browser add-ons if you follow these steps:

Step 1. Run Firefox.


Image 1. Firefox

Step 2. Click button in the top right corner of your browser.

Step 3. Click [Add-ons]

Step 4. Click menu icon like in the picture below:


Image 3. Firefox Add-ons Menu

Step 5. Select paragraph Automatically update add-ons. Your browser will automatically download and update add-ons. If you do not want You will need to check this option regularly (manually) choose paragraph Check for updates.

Plugin Update

You can update your browser plugins. Follow the steps:

Step 1. Run Firefox.


Image 1. Firefox

Step 2. Click button in the upper right corner of the browser.

Image 2. Firefox settings menu

Step 3. Click [Add-ons].

Step 4. Click paragraph Plugins on the left side of the window.



Image 5. Plugin check page

Step 6. Scroll down to see everything Firefox plugins.


Image 6. Firefox plugins

One of three options is possible:

  • All your plugins are up to date. Continue as described in this guide.
  • Some plugins may be accompanied by a link [More]. If you click on this link, Firefox will show search results that will help you update the relevant plugins.
  • If there is a button next to any of your plugins [Update Now], click and follow the instructions. In the example (see above) Adobe Flash Player shown as an example of a plugin in need of an update.

Disabling potentially harmful plugins

In plugins Adobe Shockwave Flash And Oracle Java browser plugin Vulnerabilities are often discovered that can be used by a remote user to gain access to your computer or install malicious code. We strongly advise that you disable both of these plugins in Firefox.

To disable potentially malicious plugins in Firefox, follow these steps:

Step 1. Run Firefox.


Image 1. Firefox

Step 2. Click button in the upper right corner of the window.

Image 2. Firefox settings window

Step 3. Click [Add-ons]


Image 4. Firefox Plugins Window

Step 5. Click arrow next to the menu item [Always enable] And select Never turn on, as in the picture below (although the plugin in our example is not necessarily malicious).


Image 5. Disabling plugins

Note. If you choose Include upon request Firefox will alert you whenever a website tries to send you data in the format Flash. You can agree by clicking the button [Allow...] in the top right corner of the browser window as shown in the image below. Nevertheless, We recommend turning off Flash completely.

Image 6: Firefox warns about Flash material

3.2. HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS Everywhereaddition which helps Firefox connect securely to websites that support encryption.

When you access a site at an address starting with "http://" (for example, http://www.amazon.com), your connection is not encrypted. Information you send to and receive from the website may be viewed by anyone with the ability to monitor your online traffic. For example, your (ISP) and many surveillance platforms.

When the address begins with "https://" (for example, https://www.amazon.com), your connection is encrypted. It will be extremely difficult for strangers to intercept the data you send and receive. Unfortunately, even sites that support https, often make mistakes by redirecting visitors to the right addresses. This problem is solved HTTPS Everywhere.

U HTTPS Everywhere there is a list of websites that support https, and automatically requests an encrypted connection for these websites, even if you click on a link starting with http(or entered such an address into the browser line).

to install HTTPS Everywhere, follow the steps:

Step 1. Select paragraph [Add-ons] in the browser menu, as shown in the illustration below.

Step 2. Dial Name


Image 2. Search HTTPS Everywhere

Step 3. Click [Install] Near HTTPS Everywhere.

Image 3. HTTPS Everywhere Add-on

Wait while the HTTPS Everywhere add-on is installed.

Image 4. Installing HTTPS Everywhere

Step 4. Click [Restart now] to restart the Firefox browser and complete the HTTPS Everywhere installation.


Image 5. HTTPS Everywhere add-on installed

When you restart your browser, you will be able to determine whether you need to enable EFF's SSL Observatory, a tool that will alert you to unsecure connections or attacks on your browser.


Image 6. SSL Observatory

Step 5. Click [Yes] to use SSL Observatory for greater privacy protection.

Step 6. Make sure the HTTPS Everywhere add-on is installed correctly. To do this, select items in the Firefox menu [Add-ons > Extensions]. The list of extensions should include HTTPS Everywhere, among others.

Image 7. HTTPS Everywhere add-on installed

The installation of HTTPS Everywhere is complete. When you try to visit one of the websites included in this add-on, if that website supports https, your connection will be automatically encrypted.

Note. When HTTPS Everywhere works, you still You will see "https://" in your browser's address bar. If it doesn't, your connection is not encrypted.

3.3. Privacy Badger

3.5. NoScript

When you visit a website, your browser automatically downloads the content of the site's pages. In addition to text and images, this often includes scripts, small programs that run inside the browser. NoScriptaddition For Firefox, which prevents the browser from running such programs without your permission.

Basically, these scripts are harmless. Their task is to increase the interactivity of web pages. However, some are dangerous, while others know how to collect information about your online activities; these are the so-called third party trackers .

Unfortunately, NoScript is not able to automatically determine which scripts are safe and which are not. If you first select the total blocking option ( Block Scripts Globally), many sites will not display correctly. On the other hand, adding different sites to White list, you will gradually bring the situation back to normal and at the same time be protected from potentially harmful content on the network.

To install NoScript, follow the steps:

Step 1. Select [Add-ons] in the browser menu, as shown in the illustration below:

Image 1. Firefox Add-ons

Step 2. Dial Name V search bar in the Firefox Add-ons window.


Image 2. Search NoScript

Step 3. Click button [Install] next to NoScript.

Image 3. Installing NoScript

Step 4. Click [Restart now] to restart the Firefox browser and complete the NoScript installation.


Step 5. Make sure the NoScript add-on is installed correctly. To do this, in the Firefox menu, select items [Add-ons > Extensions]. The list of add-ons should also include NoScript.

Image 5. NoScript add-on installed

Your browser now supports NoScript and can block malicious code if it appears on your computer.

NoScript may seem a bit inconvenient at first (sites you're used to visiting will be garbled), but you'll quickly be rewarded by automatically blocking annoying ads, pop-ups, and malicious code embedded in website pages.

NoScript runs silently in the background. When the add-on detects the presence JavaScript elements, Adobe Flash or other scripts, these elements are blocked, and an information bar appears at the bottom of Firefox. NoScript tells you what object it's about we're talking about(for example, advertising or pop-up window) and which script is blocked in the system. However, because NoScript does not differentiate between malicious and benign code, some important parts of the site (such as the toolbar) may not be visible.

Image 6. NoScript Dropdown Menu

Some websites display elements (including scripts) from other sites. For example, sites like www.twitter.com contain scripts from two sources (twitter.com and twimg.com). To unblock scripts in such situations, try choose option Temporarily allow[site-name] (in in this example– Temporarily allow twitter.com). If it doesn’t work right away, then through trial and error you can get the main sites with the information you need to look normal. For example, for Twitter to work, you need choose options Temporarily allow twitter.com And Temporarily allow twimg.com. If you frequently visit a particular site and trust its content, select option Allow [website-name]. In this case, NoScript will consider the site trusted without a time limit.

Step 6. You can continue configuring NoScript permissions, pressing button [Settings] next to NoScript in the list of extensions (or choosing paragraph [Settings] in the NoScript drop-down menu in your browser).

Image 7. NoScript settings

Note. Recently a vulnerability was discovered in NoScript. We still recommend NoScript because this vulnerability not dangerous as long as you Also did not install a separate (initially malicious) add-on. We strongly advise you to carefully study add-ons before installing and remove any add-ons that you do not need or have doubts about.

4. Portable Firefox

4.1. Differences between installable and portable versions of Firefox

The portable version of the program cannot be installed on your computer. Her very presence may not leave any traces. But in general portable programs as safe as yours external devices, USB flash drives and gadgets. Risk of infection by viruses, spyware and other things malicious code is saved.

Functional differences between portable Mozilla version Firefox and there is no installable program.

4.2. Download and unpack the portable version of Firefox

To download and extract Firefox portable, follow these steps:

Step 1. Go to the website http://portableapps.com/apps/internet/firefox_portable .

Step 2. Below the big button (don't press it) find and click link Other Languages. A page with language functions will open.

Step 3. Scroll page down to line Russian.

Step 4. Click big button on this line.


Wait for the process to complete.


Step 6. Right click on the downloaded Firefox file And select on the menu [Open].


Image 3: Opening a downloaded Firefox file

Step 7 Click button [Further] in the installation window.


Image 4. Installation window portable version Firefox

Step 8 Specify the location where you want to record the portable Firefox version. In our example this is the folder Downloads, but you can select a folder directly on removable media using the button [Review...].


Image 5. Choosing a location for the portable version of Firefox

Step 9 Click button [Further] to install Firefox in the specified location.

Wait while the portable version of Firefox installs.


Image 6. Installing portable version of Firefox

Step 10 Click button [Ready] to complete the installation.


Figure 7: Firefox portable installation completed

There is now a portable version of the Firefox browser in the location you specified (this could be removable drive, for example, USB flash drive).

Step 11 To run the portable version of Firefox, come in to the folder where Firefox is installed, and double click by file .


Image 8. Firefox portable folder

FAQ

Question. Why are there so many different add-ons needed to protect against malicious websites? For example, if NoScript protects against dangerous scripts, why other add-ons that work in much the same way?

Answer. Often good advice is to use several tools to solve a particular security problem (except for antiviruses, since these programs tend to conflict with each other). Firefox add-ons are very useful different technologies to protect your browser from threats. For example, NoScript blocks all scripts from unfamiliar sites, but the user can exclude a frequently visited site from being suspicious - and, if he makes a mistake, be vulnerable to a number of threats. The user can also temporarily allow an unfamiliar site to load scripts if they are necessary for the page to display correctly.

Want to further verify the site's authenticity before making a purchase? Click on a site icon to instantly identify it. Click again to get more information: how many times have you visited this site, whether your passwords have been saved. Check suspicious sites, avoid fakes, and make sure the site is what it claims to be.

Content Security Policy
Firefox's Content Security Policy is designed to prevent cross-site scripting attacks by providing a mechanism for sites to explicitly tell the browser what content is legitimate. The browser can ignore any content not approved by the site, which increases your security.

Customizable security options
Control the level of thoroughness with which Firefox scans sites. You can even create exceptions for sites that don't need to be fully scanned. Configure settings for saving passwords, cookies, downloading images, and installing add-ons for complete control over your online experience.

Parental control
Use options parental controls, entered by you in Windows 7 - they will stop unwanted downloads and much more.

Secure Updates
Firefox uses a secure connection before installing or updating third-party add-ons software and wallpaper.

Detecting outdated plugins
Plugins are small components third party applications, created by companies such as Adobe Systems or Apple, and making it possible to run videos, animations and games. Outdated versions plugins can be a big security hole, so we've created a lightweight tool to help you keep them in check. current state. Check your plugins.

Sometimes you need to surf the Internet secretly, leaving no trace. If private browsing mode is turned on, then after your journey, others will not find a single trace of web surfing after you. You can quickly enter and exit private browsing mode, so you can easily go back to what you were doing before as if nothing happened (you can also work in private browsing mode all the time). This is especially useful if you work with your bank on shared computer or checking your email in an Internet cafe.

Integration with antivirus
Firefox works well with your Windows antivirus. When you upload a file, your antivirus program automatically scans it, protecting you from viruses and malware that might otherwise attack your computer.

Fraud protection
Securely conduct your shopping and business online. Firefox updates its lists of fake websites every half hour, so if you try to visit a fraudulent site that imitates a site you trust (like your bank), you'll be stopped by a big warning message.

Erasing recent history
Erase all your personal data or just your activities from the last few hours with a few clicks. You have complete control over what is deleted, and at your direction, your information will be erased - whether on your computer or the computer at your local library. It is so simple.

Protection from malicious sites
Firefox protects you from viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and spyware. If you accidentally end up on a site that attacks users, Firefox will warn you that you should not visit this site and tell you why the site is unsafe.

Surveillance protection
Many websites track your online activities and sell this data to advertisers. If this makes you uncomfortable, Firefox allows you to tell sites that you don't want them to collect data about your online behavior and want to keep where you go private.

Forget about this site
Do you regret visiting a certain website? The "Forget About This Site" feature will help you remove all traces of your presence on this site from your browser - quickly and cleanly!

Securing website connections
Firefox prevents attackers from intercepting sensitive data by automatically establishing a secure connection to websites that offer a connection to a secure https server.

Firefox will automatically notify you when you quit new version, so you can be sure your browser is always up to date with the latest security patches.

Many computer users are familiar with what safe mode is. operating system Windows. This is a special type of computer boot, in which the OS starts only with the necessary minimum set of services and drivers, thanks to which the user can diagnose errors that occur in the operation of the device.

Developers are adopting the same experience. modern browsers– recently we have the opportunity to enable FireFox safe mode, which ignores all user changes made to the browser, and also disables extensions and themes. My story today will be devoted to this very mode and how to enable it to troubleshoot problems with the browser.

Important! The troubleshooting process can take a very long time, so it is recommended to use the function, which will reset the browser to standard condition, without deleting the user’s personal data, such as , etc.

Launching the browser

There are several ways you can enable Safe Mode in Mozilla. The first of them is suitable if the browser works, but is not stable, and the second is for those situations when Mozilla does not start at all.

  1. To open the browser using the first method you will need:
  2. Launch Firefox and open the main menu by clicking on the corresponding button on the toolbar.
  3. Click on the button with the image of a question mark.
  4. Select the item “Restart without add-ons”, and then confirm the operation in two pop-up windows by sequentially clicking “Restart and “Start Firefox in Safe Mode” (the content of the inscriptions may differ depending on the version of the program, but the essence is the same).


The second way to turn on the browser in this mode is somewhat simpler: you just need to double-click on the browser icon on the desktop with the left mouse button, while holding down Shift key on keyboard.

Diagnostics

Once Firefox Safe Mode has been enabled, you will need to test the browser to see if the error now occurs.

If the browser works stably, then the problem lies in one of the installed extensions. If not, then the problem is related to the browser settings, and resetting the settings, which I wrote about at the very beginning of the article, will help you.

To reset:

  1. Go to the same menu from where you launched Safe Mode in Mozilla Firefox.
  2. But select "Problem Solving Information".
  3. On the page that opens, click on the “Reset Firefox” button, after which the browser will restart with default settings.


I hope this information about Safe Mode and factory reset options will help you identify and fix the issue that is causing your browser to not function as normal. First of all, I would recommend just checking installed themes design and expansion.

No Internet user is immune from problems in the browser. As a rule, they arise at the most inopportune moment, and make everyone, especially inexperienced users, very nervous. However, when such an unpleasant surprise arises with a web browser, you can get away with little loss, even if you lack experience or knowledge.

As an example I will give Mozilla browser, and for good reason, because it is deservedly popular among Internet users from all over the world. So, if there is a problem with Mozilla, the smartest thing you can do is to activate firefox safe mode. What it is, how to enable and disable it, you will find out below.

What is Safe Mode

The term “Safe Mode” means a special mode of operation in the browser that can be used to solve problems in the web browser. It helps restore some parameters, change settings, disable extensions (, visual bookmarks etc.), which are a potential cause of problems.

In this browser mode, it is easier for the user to find the source of the problem and eliminate it.

How to enable safe mode

  • To enable safe mode in firefox, you need to perform a few simple steps, namely:
  • There are several options for starting Safe Mode. Standard means that you need to go to the start menu and click on the “Run” line. By the way, for those who like to use hot keys: if you simultaneously hold down the “Win ​​+ R” combination, the result will be the same;
  • then a new window will appear, in the input line of which you need to write the same as in the screenshot below and click . Ready!

After you have launched Safe Mode, a window with the settings that you see in the screenshot should appear.

Let's briefly go through some of them: the line “Disable all add-ons” means that Mozilla will function as usual for you, but its extensions will be disabled. Don't be afraid, you won't be able to do this by accident.

The “Replace your bookmarks...” option means that all previously opened bookmarks will be deleted and replaced by the browser with others that are more preferable to it. As for the “Restore set...” option, if you check it, everything search plugins default settings will be restored immediately.

How to exit safe mode

Disabling safe mode in firefox is very simple: you need to close the copy of Firefox running in safe mode and click on the browser shortcut to launch it as you normally would.

Safe mode is undoubtedly important, because not a single computer is immune from problems with the browser. However, now you don’t have to worry if such a problem happened to you, because there is a solution, and it’s absolutely simple!

Video to help