Solved: Firefox Couldn’t Load XPCOM

Accessed by many individuals across the globe, Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source web browser. Various operating systems support this browser, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

However famous and technically astute something might be, there’s always a risk of some glitches. For example, one common problem people usually face while using Firefox is loading XPCOM error.

Like others, the developers keep releasing updates for Mozilla to provide the users with new features. However, the new features may sometimes become incompatible with windows for no specific reason. These incompatible features tend to cause issues with the browser.

XPCOM loading error may also appear after installing the windows update. But, again, third-party extensions are usually the culprit behind it.

Is your computer also showing you a “Firefox couldn’t load XPCOM” error message whenever you try opening the browser? Don’t worry; there are simple solutions to it too.

This article will discuss some reasons behind the failure of Firefox to load XPCOM and how you can fix the issue while sitting at home.

What is XPCOM?

Short for Cross-Platform Component Object Model, XPCOM is a component model from Mozilla similar to Microsoft’s COM and CORBA. It highlights various language bindings and IDL reports. This allows users to install custom functionality into the structure and link other components.

XPCOM is a primary feature that gives the Mozilla application environment a framework look. All in all, it is the soul of the browser in the absence of which the browser won’t open.

Causes of the Firefox XPCOM error

Before proceeding with the solutions, you must know why XPCOM starts acting up in the first place. By and large, there is no specific reason for this firefox error.

Here are a few things that may lead to load XPCOM error in firefox:

• In addition, corrupted or damaged Windows operating system registry files may initiate the issue.
• Corruption of the Mozilla firefox profile folder due to malware or virus attack is another common reason for the “Firefox couldn’t load XPCOM error” message.
• I am trying to open Mozilla Firefox immediately after a windows update on Windows OS.
• Internal insignificant issues of the computer are also sometimes behind this error.

How to Fix Firefox Couldn’t Load XPCOM Error?

Now that you have known some of the common reasons for the XPCOM loading error, let’s move on to the possible solutions.

Try these easy methods to resolve the issues with Firefox XPCOM.

Method 1: Run Firefox As Administrator

Sometimes the easiest of solutions can eliminate the gravest of issues. Therefore, we are going to start with a simple solution first.

A lack of administrative privileges might lead to glitches in a program’s functionality. So, whenever you run into an XPCOM error in firefox, open it as an administrator before anything else.

To do this,

• Right-click the shortcut icon of Firefox and select the properties
• From there, go to the compatibility tab
• Then, check Run the Program as an administrator icon
• Lastly, click Apply and Ok, to save changes

Now go back and see if the “Firefox couldn’t load error” is removed. However, if the problem continues, you may move on to the next fix.

Method 2: Start Firefox in Safe Mode and Uninstall Extensions

As stated earlier, third-party extensions running in your Firefox may cause the problem. Therefore, start in safe mode and disable those extensions to fix the XPCOM issue.

Besides, only the safe mode would open Firefox in these circumstances.

Follow these steps to start Firefox in safe mode:

• Double-click the Firefox shortcut icon after pressing and holding Shift
• When a window pops up, select the Start in safe mode option to proceed
• In the Firefox menu, click on the Add-ons to see all the installed extensions
• Then, click on the Disable button to stop them at once

Once the extensions are disabled, you may close Firefox. Now try and restart Firefox normally to confirm if the issue is eliminated.

Method 3: Reset Firefox to Default Settings

At times, Firefox’s irregular settings may also cause XPCOM loading problems. However, an easy way to eliminate it is to reset the browser setting to default altogether.

• Start Firefox in safe mode as explained in method 2
• Now in the pop-up window, select the refresh Firefox option
• Finally, in the confirmation window, hit the refresh button again to complete the process

You should be aware that by resetting Firefox to default, any extension, existing profile, or customizations will be removed or restored to the defaults.

However, your history, bookmarks, or any saved password will not be affected.

Method 4: Reinstall Firefox

If opening firefox in safe mode does not work, it’s time to uninstall and re-install the web browser. It is an effective method and may also fix the persisting issue.

However, just deleting the Firefox shortcut icon won’t work. Instead, you have to remove the program from your computer altogether.

To remove and reinstall Mozilla Firefox, do as follows:

• From the start menu, open Control Panel
• Next, go to the Programs and Features option in the control panel
• Search for Firefox Browser from a long list of applications and programs
• Right-click on Mozilla Firefox
• From the pop-up, select uninstall Firefox option
• Now, click on the Ok button to proceed with the uninstallation process

This will remove Firefox from your system. Then, using the Windows default browser, i.e., internet explorer or another web browser, go to Firefox’s website and reinstall the latest version of Firefox. Usually, the XPCOM problem is resolved in this way.

Method 5: Fix Corrupt Files

The XPCOM loading error is usually caused by corrupted files lying in the system. Hence, you can resolve this issue by repairing them.

To repair the damaged files on the computer, you may:

• First, open the start menu and run Command Prompt
• Writing “cmd” in the run dialogue box can also open Command Prompt option
• Next, start the command prompt as an administrator and clear the screen with the “cd’ command
• Now, in the command prompt, type “SFC/ SCANNOW” and click the enter option

After putting in all the commands, the windows will scan for corrupt or damaged files through the System File Checker. Moreover, if a corrupted file is detected, the computer will fix it.

Although it is a technical process and may take some time, it will instantly fix any bug or damaged file found in the system.

Method 6: Update Firefox Browser

This error may also appear when your current Firefox version is outdated. Moreover, an advantage of updating your Firefox browser is that the latest version of firefox may remove any issues with the browser.

Usually, browsers install a new version themselves over the web. However, you may manually update the Firefox program too.

To update, go to the developer’s website and download and install the latest browser version. After the installation is done, this error will be rectified automatically. However, if it does not go away, you should try a different method.

Method 7: Try Troubleshooting

Has nothing worked till now? Don’t worry; there is always an option to run the troubleshooter. In addition, the window provides a basic fix in case something is wrong with your computer.

Troubleshooting will remove the issue entirely and instantaneously.

You can start troubleshooter according to the steps below:

• Open start menu
• Type Troubleshooting in the search bar
• Next, select the Troubleshooting option
• From the pop-up, click on the Advanced option
• Then, select Run as Administrator from the advanced option box
• Make sure the checkbox beside Apply Repairs Automatically is selected
• Finally, choose the Next button
• Now windows will automatically look for a problem in the browser and resolve it.

Remember to be patient, as the whole process can take some time to complete. Once troubleshooting is complete, restart the system. Then, check whether the problem is fixed or not.

However, if the “Firefox couldn’t load XPCOM” error is still there, you must proceed to the next solution.

Method 8: Deactivate Security Software

As security software is designed to block particular programs from running, it may also cause Firefox problems. Hence, a simple fix for the XPCOM glitch in Firefox can disable the system’s security software.

• Right-click on the Security Software from the system tray
• There you will find the Live Protection or Disable Security option
• Click on the option, and a window will come up
• In the pop-up window, specify for how much time you want it disabled
• Next, save changes

After finishing the process, restart Mozilla Firefox and check if the problem is settled.

Method 9: Reset the System to an Earlier Working Version Using System Restore

This technique is the last resort for eliminating an XPCOM error in windows.

To perform a system restore, follow these steps:

• Open Run Dialogue Box by simultaneously pressing the Windows Key and R Key on your keyboard
• On the run dialogue box, type “rstrui” and click on the Ok button
• You may also press Enter on the keyboard, alternatively
• Then, on the first screen, click on the Next option
• From there, choose Earlier Working State and date/time
• Finally, click on the Next button to start the restore procedure

Now, restart Firefox. Hopefully, the “Firefox couldn’t load XPCOM” error will not appear. However, if it still is there, choose any other solution.

Conclusion

XPCOM is the soul of Mozilla Firefox. If it does not work, your browser will not be able to connect to the internet. Many users report this issue; therefore, it is not uncommon.

Generally, it would be best to eliminate the “Firefox couldn’t load XPCOM” error using one of the above-detailed solutions. The methods are simple and easy, and even a non-tech-savvy person can perform them at home.