Comments on: Gmail and Firefox: Not Stronger than Dirt

Question: Gmail and Firefox: Not Stronger than Dirt

Ike_Arumba — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:43:00 -0800

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?

By: purephase

purephase — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:57:13 -0800

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)?

By: parkerjackson

parkerjackson — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:57:58 -0800

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?

By: Ike_Arumba

Ike_Arumba — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:03:41 -0800

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.

By: purephase

purephase — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:04:50 -0800

Tried disabling any of the other add-ons?

By: Ike_Arumba

Ike_Arumba — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:11:03 -0800

purephase: tried disabling all of them. no dice.

By: These Premises Are Alarmed

These Premises Are Alarmed — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:42:52 -0800

Check how your user agent appears to an outside website, eg here.

By: Ike_Arumba

Ike_Arumba — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:52:17 -0800

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.

By: Ike_Arumba

Ike_Arumba — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:08:06 -0800

...and thanks to everyone who jumped in to help me on this one.