Windows 7 - Firefox - Start Firefox in "Safe Mode"

Description:
Firefox has a "Safe Mode" function, similar to Windows "Safe Mode".
It allows you to temporarily (or "permanently") disable add-ons, toolbars, etc.
This can be handy if you are troubleshooting problems (e.g. faulty add-ons).

Actions that you can perform in "Safe Mode":

• Disable all add-ons
• Reset toolbars and controls
• Delete all bookmarks except for backups
• Reset all user preferences to Firefox defaults
• Restore default search engines

How to start Firefox in "Safe Mode"

Step 1a - Quick Method

Hold the "Shift" key and click on the Firefox icon in the "Start Menu" (or on the pinned "Taskbar" icon).
This only works for single click items (it doesn't work with double click icons).
Go to step 4 below.

Step 1b - The Long Method

This works without the Firefox icon.
Open the "Start Menu" and type "run" in the "Search" box.
(You can also use "Windows Logo key + R" and go to step 3).

Step 2

Click on "Run" in the results.

Step 3

Type "firefox -safe-mode" (without the quotes; remember the space)..
Click on the "OK" button.

Step 4

If you have enabled "Firefox - Choose User Profile", this window will open (if not, go to step 5).
Select the profile that you wish to run in "Safe Mode".
Click on the "Start Firefox" button.

Step 5a - Temporarily disable Firefox features

The "Firefox Safe Mode" window will open.
Click on the "Continue in Safe Mode" button.

Step 5b - "Permanently" disable Firefox features

The "Firefox Safe Mode" window will open.
Select the items that you want to "permanently" disable (or reset).
Click on the "Make Changes and Restart" button.

Note:
"Permanently" disabled add-ons will still appear on the "Add-ons" tab and can be reactivated.
Deleted and reset items have to be restored manually (reconfigured, recovered from backups or reinstalled).

See this link for more information:
Safe Mode | How to | Firefox Help


Create a Firefox "Safe Mode" shortcut.
Before Firefox 8, Firefox used to create a "Safe Mode" shortcut when it was installed.
You can create your own "Safe Mode" shortcut.

Step 1

Duplicate your Firefox shortcut and rename it (e.g. Firefox (Safe Mode)).

Step 2

Replace the "firefox.exe" in the "Target:" box, with "firefox.exe -safe-mode" (without the quotes; remember the space).

In this gif I have created a "Safe Mode" shortcut.