What is the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox and How to fix it?

Learn the causes and solutions to fix Secure Connection Failed – PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox

In the third quarter of 2022, over 30% of internet users voiced worries about online privacy. This emphasizes the critical need for webmasters to prioritize secure connections on their servers.

Ensuring secure connection by installing SSL Certificates helps keep sensitive data out of reach of malicious characters. HTTPS helps encrypt data and safeguards it from prying eyes.

A secure connection does not only build trust. It goes further to assure your web visitors that they can trust you with their confidential information. This trust translates to better user experience, higher rankings on search engines, and increased credibility for your site.

However, SSL Certificate Errors can pose issues. So, ensuring a secure connection isn’t just about safety, it’s also smart business. The PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox is linked to secure connection issues. Here we explain what it is and easy ways to fix it. Keep reading!

What is the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox?

The PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR is a Mozilla Firefox-specific problem. It arises when these browsers struggle to establish secure connections with websites.

So, it does signal a client-side issue. To help you better understand this error, we will touch on “cipher suites.”

These are sets of instructions that aid in securing and authenticating a network connection over an encrypted protocol. When a connection uses Secure Sockets Layers (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS), the browser attempts to connect by running through its list of cipher suites.

Once a match is found, the connection is established. If not, a secure connection error crops up.

The error indicates that the browser has exhausted its cipher suite options and found no suitable match. This then leads to an empty return.

Crucially, the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR is exclusive to Mozilla Firefox. It won’t surface in Safari, Chrome, Brave, or Edge.

While it’s categorized as a secure connection issue, it differs from those encountered in other browsers. Here, the problem often traces back to third-party software or a browser configuration quirk. It is not always about an inherent security lapse.

Error Code	PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR
Error Type	Browser error
Error Variations	Secure Connection Failed
Error Causes	Interference from VPN or Proxy Incompatibility of Cipher Variants Corruption of Firefox Profile Involvement of Third-Party Suites

What are the Causes of the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR?

There are several possible explanations for PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox. The best way to understand the key causes, which include;

• Interference from VPN or Proxy

  VPNs and proxies are designed to help protect online privacy. They work by disguising your real location. To achieve this, they route your internet traffic through servers in different places. However, when these tools are misconfigured or interfere with your connection, Mozilla Firefox might throw the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR message.

  This happens because the disguised connection confuses Firefox about your actual location. And due to this confusion, there may be a mismatch with the website’s security requirements.

• Incompatibility of Cipher Variants

  Cipher Variants are different configurations of encryption algorithms browsers use to secure connections. They play a key role in establishing secure links between a browser and a website.

  When Cipher Variants are incompatible, the browser and the website can’t agree on a suitable encryption method. This mismatch leads to the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Mozilla Firefox. It’s like trying to speak two different languages – communication breaks down, and the connection fails.

• Corruption of Firefox Profile

  The Corruption of Firefox Profile is a frequent trigger for the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR. When your browser profile is incorrect or damaged, it can lead to this error, especially in Firefox. This corruption disrupts the secure connection process and can cause the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR message.

• Involvement of Third-Party Suites

  Third-party suites refer to external security software not native to the browser or operating system. They can be used to add an extra layer of protection.

  However, these suites can clash with Firefox’s attempts to establish secure connections. They might conflict with the browser’s list of cipher suites. This may then lead to the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR.

  This issue is quite common on Windows systems due to interference from third-party security software. Macs are less prone to this problem.

How to Fix the ‘Secure Connection Failed’ PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR?

The best approach to resolve the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox is to identify potential causes. Investigate factors leading to this issue before attempting any fixes.

Understanding the root causes can guide you towards an effective solution. Here are some of the best ways to fix the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR ‘Secure Connection Failed’ in Firefox, depending on the cause;

Modify Browser Configuration

Improper browser settings can hinder secure connections. So, adjusting browser configurations is crucial if you suspect they’re causing the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR. Here are some helpful suggestions for browser configuration modification;

• Reset Firefox’s SSL Settings

  Step 1: Open the “hamburger” menu in Firefox.

  Step 2: Select Help, then More Troubleshooting Information.
  
  

  Step 3: Click “Refresh Firefox” and let the browser restart.
  

• Disable DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) in Firefox

  To resolve the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR caused by DNS over HTTPS (DoH) in Firefox, follow these four simple steps:

  Step 1: Launch Firefox and navigate to Preferences via the toolbar or the hamburger menu.

  OR

  Type about:preferences into the address bar

  Step 2: Ensure you’re on the General screen.
  

  Step 3: Scroll down to Network Settings, click Settings, and navigate to Connection Settings.
  

  Step 4: Locate the Enable DNS over HTTPS option and uncheck it. After restarting Firefox, check if the error persists.

• Create a New Firefox Profile

  Step 1: Save your bookmarks. Follow these steps for saving bookmarks;

  • Access the bookmark library through the Library button in the toolbar. You can also use a keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+O. Or simply click Bookmarks > Manage Bookmarks in the hamburger menu.
    
  • Select “All Bookmarks,” then choose “Import and Export” at the top (represented by two arrows).
    
  • Click “Export Bookmarks to HTML” and save the file.
    

  Step 2: Type “about:profiles” in the Firefox browser bar and press Enter. This displays your current list of profiles. There should also be an option to create a new one. Click the button to create a new profile.
  

  Step 3: Follow the instructions in the Create Profile Wizard.
  

  Step 4: Enter a username and confirm. The new profile will appear at the bottom of the Profile Manager.
  

  Step 5: Click “Launch profile in new browser.” This should resolve the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR. To restore your bookmarks, follow the earlier advice but choose “Import Bookmarks From HTML” this time.

• Clear the Startup Cache in Firefox

  Step 1: Click the hamburger icon and choose Settings.

  Step 2: Select Privacy & Security.

  Step 3: In Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
  

  Step 4: Uncheck Cookies and Site Data, leaving Cached Web Content checked. Click Clear, then close the Settings page. Your changes will save automatically.

• Disable Firewall Settings

  Step 1: To proceed, first, open your firewall settings from the Control Panel. Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
  
  Step 2: Check the radio button. Disable Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both private and public networks.
  

  This should allow you to proceed without encountering the error. Remember to re-enable the firewall after resolving the problem.

Adjust Network and DNS

Having trouble surfing the web while using a VPN or proxy? The first thing to do is turn it off and see if the issue disappears.

It is very simple with VPNs – temporarily turn it off for testing. Or go the extra mile and uninstall it for complete assurance. The process of turning off a VPN may vary depending on the software you’re using. But in most cases, it’s as straightforward as toggling a switch in the settings.

For those using a proxy server, you can disable it through your settings menu. These simple steps can often resolve the issue:

• For Windows:

  Step 1: Click on the Windows icon, go to Settings > Network & Internet.
  

  Step 2: Select Proxy > Scroll down to the Manual proxy setup section. Turn off Use a proxy server.
  

• For macOS:

  Step 1: Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network
  

  Step 2: On the left panel, choose Wi-Fi, and then press the Advanced button.
  

  Step 3: Access the Proxies tab, uncheck all items in the “Select a protocol to configure” box, and click OK.

• Disable Firefox Proxy Settings:

  Step 1:

  • Click on the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the Firefox window’s top-right corner.
  • From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”

  Step 2:

  • In the Firefox Settings page, scroll down until you find the “Network Settings”
  • Click on the “Settings” button within the Network Settings section.
    

  Step 3:

  • The Connection Settings window will appear.
  • At the top of the Connection Settings window, you’ll find the “Configure Proxy Access to the Internet”
  • Select the “No proxy” option to turn off the proxy server.
    

• Temporarily Disable Security Suites

  To temporarily disable security suites, start by turning off your antivirus software. Locate its icon in the system tray or settings, and choose the disable option.

  To temporarily uninstall security suites, navigate to your computer’s Control Panel. When here, find the Programs section and then select the security suite.

  Click uninstall. Be sure to re-enable or reinstall these after the task is complete.

Tips to Avoid the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR

The PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR message can be frustrating to get. Luckily, there are several hacks to minimize the chances of getting it again. To avoid the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR, try these three fixes;

• Review Proxy Settings: Start by examining your proxy settings. Sometimes, adjustments here can trigger the error. It’s essential to ensure that your proxy configuration is not causing any conflicts with your connections.
• Evaluate Security Software and Antivirus Programs: Consider whether your third-party security or antivirus software is genuinely necessary. Sometimes, these programs can interfere with secure connections. If so, explore alternative solutions or adjust settings to prevent recurrence. Similarly, check your VPN solution for potential conflicts.
• Handle SSL Settings with Caution: It’s important to note that SSL settings are often configured optimally. Unless you’re well-versed in SSL protocols, avoid making unnecessary adjustments, as this may lead to unintended consequences.

It’s a Wrap!

There are several possible explanations for why you could be getting the PR_END_OF_FILE_ERROR in Firefox. We hope this guide helped you troubleshoot and resolve the error. If you’re unsure about any step or fix, please proceed with caution or seek further assistance.