Could not initialize the browser’s security component

Could not initialize the browser’s security component

Here explains the causes of this error message in Firefox.

‘ERROR MESSAGE’

‘Could not initialize the browser's security component. The most likely cause is problems with files in your browser's profile directory. Please check that this directory has no readwrite restrictions and your hard disk is not full or close to full. It is recommended that you exit the browser and fix the problem. If you continue to use this browser session, you might see incorrect browser behavior when accessing security features.’

The causes are the following.

1. Corrupted file is present;
2. New profile;
3. File permissions are set improperly;
4. Hard disk space is not enough;

1. Corrupted file
   • In Profile folder, cert8.db file is corrupted. So when exit Firefox, delete this cert8.db file.
   • Click menu ‘Firefox’ and cert8.db file
   • Choose ’Delete’.
   • Restart.
2. New Profile
   • Open ‘Profile’ folder.
   • Click menu ‘Firefox’ and ‘Help’.
   • Choose ‘Troubleshooting Information’. The tab will be opened.
   • Go ‘Application Basics’ section and choose ‘Open Containing Folder’.
3. File permissions
   • In profile folder, you shall examine the file permissions and that file of cert8.db shall not be set read-only.
   • Click-right on file cert8.db.
   • Select ‘Properties’ and tab ‘General’.
   • See if ‘Read-only’ box is un-clicked and enter OK.
   • Restart.
4. Check your The free space on the hard drive could be checked by following method. Follow these steps.
   • Choose ‘My Computer’ and click ‘Drive C:’ and ‘Properties’.
   • A dialog will appears. Choose tab ‘General’.

If free space available is less than 1 MB, extra space is needed.

Could not initialize the browser’s security component

The error is because the file permissions are incorrect.
There are multiple solutions to resolve this error.
Solution 1: Change the file permissions
1) Click 'Firefox' button, go to the 'Help' menu
2) Under the 'Basic applications' section, click 'Show folder'
3) Right click on the file 'cert8.db'
4) Choose 'Properties', a dialog box will open
5) In the 'General' tab, ensure that the 'read only' checkbox in unchecked
6) Click 'OK'

Solution 2: Insufficient hard drive space
1) Click 'Start', Select 'My Computer'
2) Right click on the C drive
3) Select 'Properties', go to 'General' tab
4) Check for the free space, if it is less than 1 MB make some space for the files