Fixing EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ Error in Firefox Crash [Resolved]

Fixing EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ Error in Firefox Crash [Resolved]

The Firefox crash identified as EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ has increasingly become a frequent issue among users. Various reports suggest several root causes, such as conflicting extensions, graphics driver problems, missing Visual C++ Redistributables, and conflicts resulting from antivirus programs.

Before diving into solutions, ensure to update Firefox, start the browser in Safe Mode, uninstall any recently added applications, check for the latest Windows updates, and if applicable, disable any overclocking settings!

How can you resolve the EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ Firefox crash?

1. Eliminate conflicting add-ons/extensions

  1. Open Firefox and click on the Extensions icon located in the top toolbar.
  2. Select one extension to disable, continue using Firefox, and monitor for further crashes.
    disable extension
  3. If the browser still crashes, disable another extension. Repeat this process until the crashes cease.
  4. Once the crashes are resolved, click on the ellipsis next to the last disabled extension and choose Remove.
    remove extension to fix firefox crash exception_access_violation_read
  5. Confirm removal by clicking Remove in the prompt.
  6. Reopen Firefox and the EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ crash should no longer occur.

In about 60% of cases, users found installed extensions to be the main trigger for Firefox crashes. Some users identified the Webroot Filter extension specifically as problematic. Thus, it’s wise to remove such extensions!

2. Restore the previous graphics driver version

  1. Press Windows + X to access the Power User menu, then select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section, right-click on the active graphics adapter, and choose Properties.
    adapter properties
  3. Navigate to the Driver tab and select Roll Back Driver.
    roll back driver to fix firefox crash exception_access_violation_read
  4. Choose a reason for the rollback or type one into the field, then confirm by clicking Yes.
    roll back
  5. Reboot your PC to implement the changes.

Many users have confirmed that the EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ Firefox crash can stem from a graphics driver bug, and reverting to an earlier driver version often resolves the issue. Check the crash report for any references to graphics driver files.

If the Roll Back Driver option is disabled, visit the manufacturer’s website to find and manually install a previous driver version.

3. Update your graphics driver

  1. Open Search by pressing Windows + S, type Device Manager, and select the appropriate result.
  2. Double-click on Display adapters, right-click on the active graphics adapter, and select Update driver.
    update driver to fix firefox crash exception_access_violation_read
  3. Click on Search automatically for drivers and wait as Windows searches for and installs the best available version.
    search automatically
  4. Restart your computer to apply any updates.

If rolling back the driver is not an option, updating it can be worthwhile. If the issue is due to a known bug, it’s likely that the developers will provide a patch in a future driver update!

4. Download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributable

  1. Visit Microsoft’s official site and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributables. For 32-bit systems, download the x86 package, whereas for 64-bit systems, obtain both x64 and x86 packages.
    download
  2. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the instructions provided on-screen.
    install visual C++ redistributable to fix Firefox crash EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ
  3. Finally, restart your PC and see if the EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ error in Firefox is resolved.

5. Turn off compatibility mode for Firefox

  1. Right-click the Firefox executable and choose Properties.
  2. Go to the Compatibility tab and uncheck the option labeled Run this program in compatibility mode for.
    disable compatibility mode to fix Firefox crash EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ
  3. Click Apply and then OK to save your adjustments.
  4. Reboot your PC to check for any changes in behavior.

6. Assess the RAM modules

  1. Press Windows + S to access Search, enter Windows Memory Diagnostic, and select the relevant result.
  2. Click on Restart now and check for problems.
    mdsched.exe
  3. After the scan concludes, inspect the mdsched logs for any reported issues.

If Windows Memory Diagnostic reveals no problems, you may want to use Memtest86+, a robust open-source RAM testing tool that conducts comprehensive checks on individual modules to pinpoint even minor issues.

Should problems arise, replacing the faulty module with a compatible one is crucial for resolving the Firefox EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ crash in Windows!

7. Remove any third-party antivirus or security software

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
  2. Locate any active third-party antivirus in the list and click Uninstall.
    uninstall antivirus to fix Firefox crash EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the uninstallation, then reboot your PC to check for changes.

In several instances of the EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ Firefox crash, users found that antivirus or security applications were at fault. This includes programs such as Malwarebytes, AntiLogger, Avast, and Internet Security Essentials. If using any of these, consider their removal!

Additionally, security solutions often leave residual files that can interfere with Windows even after uninstallation. Thus, employing a reputable software removal tool to eliminate all remnants, including files and Registry entries, is advisable.

If all else fails, you might consider switching to Firefox Beta as a final option. This version of the browser receives earlier updates and fixes, assisting users in avoiding the EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION_READ crash.

For questions or to share which solutions worked for you, feel free to leave a comment below.

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