Firefox memory usage issue - continued

[Broni]

First of all, I have to back off of my statement, which I often used to present:
"Ehhh, with today's amount of RAM available on computers, who cares, how much RAM Firefox uses".
Apparently, it doesn't work that way, at least for me.

I have a Vista here with 2GB of RAM, using Firefox 3.
Unfortunately, when FF memory usage reaches 300K, FF slows down, and at 400K it becomes a pain.
I have no other option, but save the session, close down FF, end FF process, and start it again.

At some point, I tried Firefox Ultimate Optimizer: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,65404.msg420263.html#msg420263, but apparently, it's more like a trick, than a real solution. It moves FF processes from real RAM to virtual memory, which firstly is slower than RAM, and at some point it becomes clogged by FF processes as well. The result: FF slows down anyway.

We all know where the real FF problem lies - add-ons.
When I run FF in Safe Mode, everything is beautiful, and I can run FF for ever.
We also know, from Mozilla list, which extensions cause memory leaks, leading to FF slowdown.
But, the problem is, I need, or I like some of those extensions.
I've tried ALL POSSIBLE settings in about: config, but they either don't work, or have very minimal influence on FF behavior.
Catch 22? No solution?

Since yesterday, I've been trying Minimem: http://minimem.kerkia.net/
 

Initially developed for Firefox only, Minimem now can reduce the memory footprint of any application. It runs in the background and can be set up to optimize as many proceses as you'd like, using a very intuitive graphical interface. Unlike other memory optimization tools, it gives you full control over what applications you want to optimize, when and how often, as well as the possibility to only optimize memory when required and relevant.

It optimizes memory by removing as many non-necessary memory pages as possible from the selected processes. It does so at regular intervals which can be user-defined as well and every 30s by default, though uses an advanced pooling mechanism to ensure the CPU usage of Minimem remains low at all times. This then optimizes your applications which can load those pages back whenever they need, and makes your overall system perform much better whenever it is memory limited.

Minimem runs in the background and is fully non-intrusive. It stays in your tray where you can access its settings at any time and will remember your favorite settings for an optimal ease-of-use. Its intuitive GUI should make it useable for any type of user so no specific skills are required to take advantage of this great tool.

I haven't restarted Firefox since.

I'd very pleased with your opinion about the program, if you wish to install it.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I might give it a try. Downloaded.

[Broni]

Thank you.

[evilfantasy]

FF 3.1 is supposed to greatly improve the memory issue. Haven't tried it yet though.

Firefox 3.1 beta 1: *censored*, this thing is fast!

[evilfantasy]

Well I just ran 3.1 sandboxed and it seemed much faster. But not one of my add ons work with it. Thats a bunch of BS. Mozilla needs to do more to make sure add ons work with the new versions.

[mcxeb52!]

I wondered why sometimes firefox has this bug. I'm using version 3.0.3. When I close firefox, sometimes it's still in memory (you can still see firefox.exe in task manager)

When I try clicking the orange firefox icon to open a new firefox window, it'll display a message that basically says that one instance of firefox is allowed so please close firefox first before opening new one.

And this is in windows vista.

[evilfantasy]

Firefox stays running for at least 15-20 seconds after you close it.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Firefox stays running for at least 15-20 seconds after you close it.

Any ideas why? Anyone know a way around it? 

[evilfantasy]

Not sure why but it's probably related to the memory usage issues. Since it relies so heavily on memory it probably takes a while to "unload" itself.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Well that really sucks....

Broni, I'll try that software eventually.

[Broni]

Firefox stays running for at least 15-20 seconds after you close it.

I also noticed, that the longer FF was up (= bigger RAM usage), the longer FF process stays up after closing FF.

[Broni]

I'm gonna try FF 3.1 beta on my XP installation. I wonder how much influence on better speed has the fact, that basically there are no compatible add-ons, yet.

[evilfantasy]

I wonder how much influence on better speed has the fact, that basically there are no compatible add-ons, yet.

Good point!!

[Broni]

It seems to be very fast.
But....read my previous comment about add-ons.

[Calum]

I'd say the reason it stays for a few seconds is probably session store.
Mine disappears instantly and I don't have problems with memory usage either (9 extensions, 1 extra theme, Flash, Shockwave, Java installed).
Try using File - Exit to close it instead of the standard X if you haven't already.

[evilfantasy]

Session Restore probably does have a lot to do with it.

[Broni]

Firefox.exe always open
http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firefox.exe_always_open
 

Legitimate explanations for the symptoms

There may be rational explanations for some of these issues, so it's best to rule them out before getting unnecessarily worried that your system has been maliciously attacked. Often - especially on a shared computer - a user may be unaware of (or have forgotten about) a manual change to the configuration which might explain the problem(s). Note: the following list may not cover all possibilities, so use discretion.

    * You exited Firefox but, due to a glitch, the firefox.exe process did not close. (However, once manually killed, it should never restart & reappear by itself.) Read Firefox hangs - Hang at exit for common causes and solutions.

    This may be due to problematic extensions, plugins, or Internet security software installed on your computer.
    This may be due to a corrupted Profile - follow the *Standard diagnostic - Firefox for troubleshooting procedures.
    Your Firefox profile may be "in use" (locked). See the article Profile in use for steps to resolve.

    * Firefox has been manually added to the Windows Startup folder. (Start Button -> All Programs -> Startup)
    * Firefox has been manually added to the msconfig start up via the Windows System Configuration utility. (Start Button -> Run, type 'msconfig', click OK, and then look through the Items in the Startup tab)
    * Another instance of Firefox is running, either as a result of using a 3rd-party utility, the -no-remote command line option or the SET MOZ_NO_REMOTE system environment call.
    * The Firefox Preloader utility has been installed and due to a Bug, the firefox.exe process continues in the background after unloading.
    * Due to a bug or extension issue, the main Firefox window may close normally, but child windows (Download Manager, Addons, Help Contents, etc) that were open remain open yet hidden (by another open Task window) - and are nowhere to be found on the Task Bar.

    .. Try hitting the Show Desktop icon in the Quick Launch bar to check to see if they were hidden, and also double-check multiple Windows Explorer items on the Task Bar as sometimes Firefox inexplicably finds itself there. An "End Task" in Task Manager should kill the process.

    * There is a legitimate request on Port 3460 (unlikely, but possible), or whichever Port the trojan-maker decided to use.
    * Internet connection problems (check by using another browser / check firewall settings / reset router/modem).
    * High CPU and/or system memory usage creates a delayed response to commands and/or keyboard input.
    * Faulty mouse creates erratic cursor movement.

[patio]

Well I just ran 3.1 sandboxed and it seemed much faster. But not one of my add ons work with it. Thats a bunch of BS. Mozilla needs to do more to make sure add ons work with the new versions.

EF DLoad and try MR>Tech Toolkit...works for my Extensions...

[Broni]

OK, some update.
I kept watching Task Manager, and I've noticed, that one of svchost.exe processes CPU usage kept jumping between 0 to 40%.
I investigated further, using Process Explorer, and that particular svchost process was responsible for 4 other sub-processes.
Two of them well definitely needed by Windows, so I didn't touch them, but two others were worth to play with them.
At first, I disabled Telephony service, but it didn't have any influence on svchost jumping CPU usage.
Secondly, I disabled Network Location Awareness service, and svchost CPU usage dived to flat ZERO, and stayed there.

Now, interesting part - Firefox connection.
Actually, I have no clue, as of now, what's the connection between disabling Network Location Awareness service, and Firefox RAM usage is, but...
As I stated before, when I start FF3, it's RAM usage is at around 80K, but it pretty rapidly grows to 200K, and after 1-2 hours of usage, it gets to 300-400K, and at that point FF becomes extremely sluggish. Even, if I'm not doing anything, but watching Task Manager, I can see FF RAM usage growing in front of my eyes. I'm forced to restart.
Now, after disabling Network Location Awareness service, FF has been open for about 30 minutes, and its RAM usage stays at around 115K. I'll see in another hour, but so far, so good.
Also, when I shut down FF after disabling Network Location Awareness service, firefox.exe service disappeared from Task Manager almost instantly.

This is what BlackViper site has to say about Network Location Awareness service:

Collects and stores configuration information for the network and notifies programs when this information is modified. If this service is stopped, configuration information might be unavailable. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
It has been reported to me that Real Player may require this service, otherwise it will stall. It has also been reported to me that Windows Live OneCare firewall requires this service.

So far, I didn't notice any negative impact by disabling the above service.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

So far, I didn't notice any negative impact by disabling the above service.

Neither did I, but Firefox still stays there for about 30 seconds after heavy use....

Broni, you on a Vista?

[Broni]

Yep.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Well darn.

[Broni]

Why?

[patio]

Well I just ran 3.1 sandboxed and it seemed much faster. But not one of my add ons work with it. Thats a bunch of BS. Mozilla needs to do more to make sure add ons work with the new versions.

EF DLoad and try MR>Tech Toolkit...works for my Extensions...

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Why?

Doesn't do anything on XP except keeps the computer looking for a network when a connection is established.

Well I just ran 3.1 sandboxed and it seemed much faster. But not one of my add ons work with it. Thats a bunch of BS. Mozilla needs to do more to make sure add ons work with the new versions.

EF DLoad and try MR>Tech Toolkit...works for my Extensions...

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Ahah! Problem solved.

Had to change a setting for the add-on Session Manager.

[mcxeb52!]

Firefox stays running for at least 15-20 seconds after you close it.

well for me when it happens, I have to force firefox to close with the task manager's end task function usually.

I hope 3.1 is better but I'm not into beta software that much, at least for firefox.

And sure, firefox needs a new skin. The blueness in vista looks quite out of touch.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I hope 3.1 is better but I'm not into beta software that much, at least for firefox.

Just in case you didn't know, Firefox is up to 3.0.3 and is out of Beta.

[mcxeb52!]

I hope 3.1 is better but I'm not into beta software that much, at least for firefox.

Just in case you didn't know, Firefox is up to 3.0.3 and is out of Beta.

I am taking about 3.1. Yes, I knew 3.0.3 is out of beta. But I'm taking about the next release that mozilla has planned that will include a private browsing option that's supposedly easy to access (without having to unlock it the hard way)

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

There are Firefox add-ons that can get you into private browsing mode too.

I think Mozilla just wants to compete with the new version of Internet Explorer (Or was it Chrome?)

[evilfantasy]

Actually most of the add-ons are made by third parties. Mozilla just signs off on them.

[Broni]

...and this is what bothers me a little.
Many of those add-ons start as GreaseMonkey scripts. Anyone can post a script there, and it's up to you, if you want to install it, or not.
Then, if the script gets Mozilla approval, it goes on official Mozilla web site.
My question is, why do they approve some add-ons, which are later listed on another page, as problematic add-ons: http://kb.mozillazine.org/Problematic_extensions

[evilfantasy]

I had one a while back that after a few days made my right-click stop working. Anything that's not on the Firefox add-ons site is risky. Scripts probably being the most risky, not sure. I suppose that's a pitfall of Open Source...

[Broni]

I guess....