Firefox problem

[jadyn]

I'm using Firefox 3.6.8 on a PC with 4GB gb of memory and windows 7 Ultimate installed.. Up until yesterday, I've been able to open six new firefox browser windows or more when I work with lots of stuff by clicking on the firefox icon on my desktop or start menu with no ill-effect to the PC.
Since yesterday, I can only open two Firefox windows and no more. When I click on the Firefox icon on the desktop, the small blue revolving circle appears the firefox icon for around two seconds and then disappears without opening a new window. Whilst I can open a new tab window without any problem, I prefer not to use this method.
Can anyone suggest how I can remedy this situation please?

Thanks.

[Buenchico]

99% of Firefox problems can be solved by simply re-installing the program. You don't need to uninstall it first and all of your bookmarks & settings will be retained.

Chris

[ChuckFickens]

"six new firefox browser windows or more"

Why do you want to do this.... it's a tabbed browser, just use 6 (or more) tabs.

[ChuckFickens]

Oh OK, just spotted you prefer not to! (why?)

[jadyn]

Does this mean I need to go to the Mozilla website and simply download it again?

[jadyn]

Chuck, I do a lot of research work and often have to open sub-windows on a website. To keep track of which window holds the information I need, Windows 7 gives me miniature picture of the window above the taskbar and I can refer back to the right one straight away. Tabbed windows don't give me this facility.

[Milvus]

I tend to open new windows rather than tabs like Jadyn. In terms of system resources what is the difference. Why would opening say 6 windows be more of a load than 6 tabs?

[ChuckFickens]

it can

http://windows7themes...ws-7-integration.html

[Buenchico]

If you've kept the set up file on your PC you don't even need to download it again. You can just re-run the installation file. (However it might be best not to do that if you downloaded Firefox a long time ago, as you'll be installing an older version than your current one). Otherwise simply download the installation file again and run it.

Chris

[jadyn]

That's very interesting Chuck. I'll give it a try once I'm back up running normally. Thank you.

[jadyn]

Thanks Chris. I'm off to the mozilla website now!

[ChuckFickens]

Last post was to OP, not you milv...

I've not looked into it to be honest, but I'd be sure opening 6 separate instances would use more resources than 6 tabs, you'd be opening six entire new containers rather than one with the 6 tabs.

But, I'd imagine it's probably marginal and on modern computers is not an issue.

[Milvus]

Thanks Chuck, but that seems to be a perfect explanation of why it's simpler to open windows rather than tabs. Back to the original question does it take more resources to run separate windows than tabs?

[jadyn]

Chris I'm very grateful. Re-installing has solved the problem! Thank you.

[Milvus]

Thanks Chuck

[ChuckFickens]

That's not really the original question. but I am curious now, I may run some checks tomorrow and I'll post back :)

[jadyn]

I'd also like to know the merits of tabs over windows too Chuck. I'll be watching for your post tomorrow,. Thank you.

[Milvus]

You're right, not the original question at all. Bit of thread snitching on my part there. Apologies. I am interested in your results though. I've never quite seen the difference in windows and tabs in terms of usage yet it seems to be a demand for all new browsers