Mozilla Firefox: Error Could Not Load XPCOM. Delete it

Various errors appear recurrently when starting systems, browsers and web applications, becoming a real annoyance for the computer user. One such error reported is Could not load XPCOM.

XPCOM could not be loaded is an error that pops up when opening the Mozilla browser , on computers with Windows OS, preventing the start of web browsing. There are several methods to solve this problem, here we present some of them.

What is the Error Message Could Not Load XPCOM

The XPCOM could not be loaded error is a warning about a problem or a failure that interrupts the loading of the xpcom.dll file in the Windows operating system.

This failure prevents the correct execution of an application, program or interrupts the start of a web browser. It usually occurs during the installation of one of these tools, when restarting or turning off your computer.

It may also appear under other names such as:

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• dll not found.
• The file xpcom.dll is missing.
• Cannot register xpcom.dll.
• Cannot find C:\Windows\System32\xpcom.dll.
• This application could not be started because xpcom.dll was not found. Reinstalling the app might resolve the issue.
• Xpcom.dll Access Violation.
• Can’t start Firefox. A required component is missing: xpcom.dll. Reinstall Firefox.

In the case of Mozilla Firefox pops up a dialog box with the message XPCOM could not be loaded, preventing the web browser from starting..

User reports indicate that this error occurs more specifically in Windows OS versions 10 and 8.1generally immediately after performing system updates.

It is a relatively important problem as it arises from problems loading the xpcom.dll file developed by Firefox as a component for execution on Windows.

Xpcom.dll is one of the files with which Firefox works, it is hosted in the Dynamic Links Library, and since it cannot be detected, it causes a failure in the browser, hindering its start.

When an xpcom.dll file becomes corrupted, the error message appears: Could not load XPCOM. But what causes the corruption or damage of this type of files. Below we indicate the possible causes.

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Causes of the error: XPCOM could not be loaded

Generally in Mozilla Firefox the error: Could not load XPCOM tIts main cause is the execution of Windows updates.

However, the problem is not limited to a single cause and we find other reasons why it can occur and cause this error code to appear.

Among other causes we can describe the following:

• Firefox profile folder corruption.
• Unauthorized installation of third-party extensions in the Firefox browser.
• Invalid registry entry for file xpcom.dll; because the required version was overwritten by another program or because the file was inadvertently deleted or uninstalled.
• As a result of a virus or malware infection.
• Mozilla Firefox failures.
• Outdating of computer drivers.

Whatever the cause of the error XPCOM could not be loaded, you will will absolutely prevent you from starting Mozilla Firefoxwhich can be a serious problem if it is your default browser.

But when faced with failures, the best response is the search and application of effective solutions or methods, so we invite you to set aside the obvious concern and take action.

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Methods to fix the error: Could not load XPCOM

Below we present in a few simple steps, some of the solutions that have been proven to be effective to remove XPCOM Could not be loaded error in Mozilla Firefox with Windows 10 operating system.

We hope you select the one that best suits your needs and experience and you can continue enjoying the web browsing experience of Firefox, one of the most reputable and most popular browsers among users.

Method 1: Activate running Firefox as Administrator

Problems that arise in the operation of programs, applications or browsers can be solved by activating the run as administrator action.

To solve the error: XPCOM could not be loaded in Mozilla Firefox with this method, follow the following instructions:

1. Click, with the right mouse button, on the icon Mozilla Firefox shortcut.
2. Choose Properties.
3. Click on Compatibility and choose Run program as administrator.
4. Press Apply and Accept for the changes to be made and saved.

As a final check, try starting Mozilla Firefox again to see if the error: Could not load XPCOM disappeared.

Method 2: Completely remove Mozilla Firefox from your computer and reinstall it.

Reinstalling Mozilla Firefox can fix the error: Could not load XPCOM, the usual uninstall indicates that you should do the following:

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1. In menu open control Panel and select Programs.
2. Press Uninstall programs.
3. From the displayed list select Mozilla Firefox and browser related files.
4. Press Uninstall.

These are the essential steps, however, this process does not completely uninstall the browser, therefore, you must eliminate all traces of the files and registry entries related to Mozilla Firefox, like this:

1. Complete removal of Mozilla Firefox files and logs from your PC.

In the 32-bit version of Windows 10 you must delete the folder:

• C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

In the 64-bit version delete the folder:

• C:\Program Files(x86)\Mozilla Firefox

It is advisable to also remove:

• C:\Users\your_user_name\AppData\Local\MozillaFirefox
• C:\Users\your_user_name\AppData\Local\Mozillaupdates
• C:\Users\your_user_name\AppData\Local\VirtualStore\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox

2. By completely uninstalling Mozilla and its directory, Reboot the System.
3. Download and install the latest available version. (This step must be done from another active browser).

As a final check, start Mozilla Firefox to see if the error: Could not load XPCOM disappeared.

In some cases, uninstalling Mozilla Firefox on Windows 10 prompts to start the system in Safe Mode oa Fail Testfor it :

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1. Simultaneously press the key Capital letter and the option Restart.
2. Select the option Problem solverthen press Advanced Options.
3. In Advanced Options Choose System Startuppress Restart.
4. After the reboot a list of options will be displayed, select Safe mode.
5. After starting in Safe modeperforms the entire Mozilla Firefox uninstallation process described above.

Method 3: Start the browser in Safe Mode to disable Mozilla Firefox extensions and/or add-ons

With the following steps, you can, by starting the browser in Safe Mode, eliminate Firefox extensions and/or add-ons that have been installed on your computer, and that are probably the cause of the error: XPCOM could not be loaded.

1. Capital letter (Shift) and simultaneously double click on the Mozilla Firefox shortcut.
2. In the window that opens, select Start in Safe Mode.

Now you must disable each of the Mozilla extensions and/or add-ons, this way you will verify which of them is the one that generates the error: XPCOM could not be loaded

1. In it Menu from Mozilla Firefox (three lines icon, located in the upper right corner of the home page), select Accessories.
2. In the option Extensionspress Disable For each Firefox extension and/or add-on, restart the browser.

Important: You only have to disable one at a time, following all the steps.

If the error does not appear when you restart, you will know which plugin is the problem and you should eliminate it completely. For it:

Go back to the option Extensions and press Eliminate in the plugin causing the problem.

Method 4: Create a new Mozilla Firefox profile

One of the causes of the error: XPCOM could not be loaded is the presence of a corruption in the default Mozilla Firefox profile, in which case you have to create a new profile, as follows:

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1. Simultaneously press the keys Windows and Rto open the run box.
2. In it run box add the text: firefox.exe –ppress Enter or okay.
3. In the new window click the option Create profile and press Following.
4. In the next window add the name of the new profile and press Ffinalize.
5. Select the newly created profile and press Start Firefox.

Another option is to completely delete the default Firefox profile and create a new one. For it:

1. Simultaneously press the keys Windows and Rto open the run box.
2. In it run box add the text: firefox.exe –ppress Enter or okay.
3. In the new window click the option Delete either Delete Profile. Confirm by clicking Accept.
4. Then carry out the process to Create a new Profile of Firefox, described above.

Method 5: Delete all files from Temp folder

The Temp folder is where all the temporary system files are stored. This accumulation can cause space problems on your computer and consequently generate system errors such as XPCOM could not be loaded.

The solution is to delete all the temporary files found in the Temp folder, as follows:

1. Locate and open the Temp folderfor this you must simultaneously press the keys Windows + Rthis will open the run box.
2. In it run box add the text: %temp%press Enter or okay.
3. When opening the Temp folderselect all stored temporary files and delete them.

Complementary action: If this method does not fix the error: Could not load XPCOM, it is also recommended Temporarily disable antivirus software that you have in use, then when you restart the system, check if the error disappeared by starting Mozilla Firefox again.

Don’t forget to re-activate your antivirus protection when you finish the check.

Method 6: Update your Mozilla Firefox browser

Updating Mozilla Firefox is also presented as a possible solution to the XPCOM could not be loaded error, this method will allow you to return to the browser’s originally default settings. To do so follow these steps:

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1. Start Mozilla in Safe Mode (See method 3)
2. Press the button Update Firefox.
3. Confirm by clicking again Update Firefox.

When finished, check if the problem is eliminated by starting the Mozilla Firefox browser again.

Method 7: Windows OS Recovery

Restoring your computer to a time when the Mozilla Firefox browser was working fine is another method to fix the error: Could not load XPCOM.

It is about restoring or recovering the operating system, to do this you must make a rollback to the time when the problem had not appeared.

System recovery is carried out by completing the following steps:

1. In the start menu select Control Panel.
2. When it opens, locate and select the option Recovery.
3. Choose Run system restore.
4. In it…