Firefox tabs very slow to load web pages

[hipockets]

When I enter a url, the progress circle in the tab usually never quits, and the progress bar in the status bar at the bottom usually goes to about 60% or 90%, and then hangs. Clicking on RELOAD one or more times sometimes helps. It happens on almost all web pages.

I believe that the problem is not in my ISP or the website -- If I copy the url and paste it into Opera (while Firefox is still open) the site usually opens in Opera within one or two seconds. When I disable the add-ons, it's a little faster, but not a whole lot.

I tried tweaking several of the entries in the config file, such as number of pipelines, etc., per several articles found by googling the problem. Again. it's a little faster, but not a whole lot.

I also tried emptying the cache, with no luck.

My system is XP SR3, 1.8 gh, 1 gig memory, over 2 gigs hd space available, with a OptOnLine broadband connection, using AVG free and ZoneAlarm Free.

Anybody have any ideas about what else to try? Thanks!
....Hipockets

[Raymond]

This happens when you have a lot of URLs in Firefox history.
Check out this article.
http://www.raymond.cc/blog/archives/2009/08/15/firefox-3-5-slow-and-hangs-after-typing-a-few-letters-in-url-location-bar/

[safeguy]

Use FireTune to 'tweak' your Firefox according to how fast your computer and internet connection is (what it does is actually make some changes to your about:config settings) and then use SpeedyFox to optimize your sqlite databases. Set Firefox to remember your browsing history to 7 days (or any other number as long as it's smaller than the default which is 90).

That's what I do to 'speed' up my Firefox whenever it feels slow...

[hipockets]

I tried the three suggestions. The one that helped the most was SpeedyFox. I put it in my start-up list so that I'm reminded to optimize the sqlite databases.

Paraphrasing the TV commercial, "Firefox is almost fast, now!". Still not as fast as Opera or Chrome, but much better.

'Preciate your help, and thanks again!

Hipockets

"I have met the enemy, and it is me."

[noaccount]

in case anyone is interested, Ccleaner (latest build) now also features a compact databases option for Firefox (and Chrome too)... however only places.sqlite and not urlclassifier2.sqlite seems to be processed.

[voltron]

Hi;

You may wanna check these links...

www.tweakguides.com/Firefox_11.html

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/20_essential_tweaks_every_firefox_user_should_know


Hope it may gve you a tip or two..

regards,

voltron