Gmail and Firefox: Not Stronger than Dirt

November 12, 2007 4:43 AM

Yesterday, the "dynamic" (aka AJAX) version of Gmail stopped working for me in Firefox. I am using FF 2.0.0.9, but when I go to gmail (or Google Calendar) I am getting a message saying my browser is not supported, and they throw me into the standard html version. What's going on here? (more after the jump)

I am using Windows Vista Home edition, have JavaScript enabled in Firefox, and gmail was previously working fine for me with this version of FF. Haven't installed anything new lately. I have tried disabling extensions, no help there either. Basically it's as if gmail thinks I'm coming in on some weird browser.

Looks like this guy had a similar problem, but his workaround solution (using https: instead of http:) didn't work for me.

Suggestions on how to troubleshoot?

posted by Ike_Arumba to computers & internet (8 comments total)

Open a new tab and type about:config in the location bar. Filter out the results by typing in the following:

general.useragent.extra.firefox

Make sure it says: Firefox/2.0.0.9

Sounds like an add-on may have modified your useragent string (which is what GMail uses to identify your browser). What add-ons were installed (if you don't mind my asking)?
posted by purephase at 4:57 AM on November 12, 2007

Gmail just rolled out a new version that was incompatible with my "better Gmail" addon. I fixed it by going back to the old version. Have you tried just clicking the "older version" link on the top right menu and gone back to the old system?
posted by parkerjackson at 4:57 AM on November 12, 2007

purephase: went to about:config, and the useragent is set to Firefox/2.0.0.9

parkerjackson: I don't see an "older version" link in the top right menu of gmail, so I don't think I've gotten upgraded yet.

Add-ons that I have: CuteMenus 1.9.1, DOM Inspector 1.8.1.9, FetchText URL 1.6.1, Gmail Notifier 0.6.2.2, Talkback 2.0.0.9, URL Fixer 1.3

I tried disabling Gmail notifier, btw, no effect.
posted by Ike_Arumba at 5:03 AM on November 12, 2007

Tried disabling any of the other add-ons?
posted by purephase at 5:04 AM on November 12, 2007

purephase: tried disabling all of them. no dice.
posted by Ike_Arumba at 5:11 AM on November 12, 2007

Check how your user agent appears to an outside website, eg here.
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 5:42 AM on November 12, 2007 [2 favorites]

These Premises: you win. My user agent is showing up as:

iTunes/4.7 (Macintosh; N; PPC)

There was a useragent override set in about:config. Disabled it, gmail now working. Thanks.
posted by Ike_Arumba at 5:52 AM on November 12, 2007

...and thanks to everyone who jumped in to help me on this one.
posted by Ike_Arumba at 6:08 AM on November 12, 2007