Fix Firefox "Unresponsive Script" warnings...

Categories: HTML/ColdFusion, JavaScript, qForms

I've run into this problem from time-to-time. I think the main time I run into the problem is when uploading files to a server, where the form submit is triggered by JavaScript—although I haven't dug around enough to confirm if this is the case or not. Anyway, here's a way to increase the default timeout.

The dom.max_script_run_time is an integer that is the number of seconds to wait before prompting that a script is taking too long to respond. I found this information over at Itchy Hands.

Ever since I upgraded to Firefox 1.5, I’ve been getting some unresponsive script warnings on sites that employ heavy Javascript like Gmail or Bloglines. Curious about it, I dug around and managed to find out how to fix the problem.

Firefox unresponsive script dialog

To fix it, you’ll need to access the hidden configuration page in Firefox. Just type about:config in the address bar and you’ll get a page full of hidden configurations which you can tweak till your heart’s delight.

In the 'Filter' box, type dom.max_script_run_time. This will narrow the options till only the dom.max_script_run_time option remains. Right-click it and choose Modify. A box pops up. Change the number to something bigger like 20. This is the maximum time a script can run before Firefox considers it 'unresponsive'.

If you can’t find the string in the about:config page, create it by right-clicking anywhere and then choose New—> Integer and enter dom.max_script_run_time. When prompted for the value, use 20.

So far I’ve not had anymore unresponsive script warnings, so I guessed that fixed that problem! However some extensions may also cause similar problems. Hope this helps.

Comments

Roland's Gravatar Thanks - I was annoyed when I added certain modules to my personalized Google homepage.
Lannie's Gravatar Itchy Hands, Thanks so much for the fix on script errors in FireFox. It was so fast following your instructions! I appreciate the time you took to help with this annoyance!
Ed's Gravatar Thank you sir. helped alot. lotus notes domino on a semi slow connection timed out alot.
Web Designer's Gravatar Thanks for pointing this out. It has made using Firefox on JS heavy site's "usable" on my slow old 400Mhz G4. Cheers.
PP's Gravatar DUDE! You saved me from literally throwing coffe cups in my house!
Don Messer's Gravatar I get script errors on lines 1,6,and 8 when I boot up. Normally when yahoo messenger is loading and when icq is loading. I'm using firefox 2.0. would I use the fix described above for this?

thank you
Peter's Gravatar unfortunately it doesn't work for me :(
Alex B's Gravatar Get the updated version of the Firefox add-on called Google Calendar Quick Add. Earlier versions of the add-on caused this error.
[anonymous]'s Gravatar You can find further suggestions for fixing the problem at at http://kb.mozillazine.org/Unresponsive_Script_Warn...
Carla's Gravatar Thank you!! I know it's been ages since this was posted but it helped fix the problem I have been having. My computer was basically not functioning because of the script errors, now I have no problems at all :D
steve newberry's Gravatar Anti Firefox Virus

I need some feedback from other Firefox users on the Comcast access to internet.

Ive picked up some kind of disabling virus which prevent Firefox from reaching ANY servers, and I dont know how to get rid of it.

HELLLLLLP!

stevnewb
Mythy's Gravatar It didn't help for me.....
Hunterseeker's Gravatar May 4, 2008 Used these instructions to adjust my browser. Had been getting unresponsive script notice each time I posted at Wordpress. So far I’ve not had anymore unresponsive script warnings, so I guessed that fixed the problem! These instructions work just as well for Firefox/2.0.0.14
Thanks
pearl1003's Gravatar i tried doing the about:config...... but still im having unresponsive script warnings.... i hate it! what else can i do? please help me. tnx.

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