Cannot uninstall unverified add-on
OS: Windows 8.1 x64 Pro, fully updated, (except for the "Windows 10" and "Telemetry" group of updates. Fx: 45.1.0 ESR (32 bit). Problem Add-on: "WordWeb one click lookup".
Description: Got this new laptop just yesterday, for use while traveling. It came with "Ubuntu" (I absolutely hate Ubuntu, if they gave OpenSuse 13.2, or some other version of Linux, I'd have kept it), Created a "recovery disk", wiped the HDD, and installed Win 8.1 x64 (Pro) + Drivers (downloaded from dell.com) + a few other software which work fine on my other two laptops (HP Envy K204TX and HP ProBook 4530S, this is my 3rd laptop- it's a Dell Vostro 3558. The ProBook runs OpenSuse 13.2, the Envy runs Win 8.1 x64 HOME Edition, and this Vostro is running Win 8.1 x64 Pro).
It's up and running but I have a weird problem. There's this software called "WordWeb", it's a small "English-to-English" dictionary, you can look up meanings of obscure words WITHOUT an internet connection using this software, it's got its own local database of words and pronunciations.
It has installed a weird plug-in in my firefox, and firefox doesn't give me the "Remove" option. I couldn't care less about this plug-in, I don't need to use this inside firefox at all.
Please suggest me a way to remove this plug-in without having to uninstall the parent software altogether. Thanks.
Gekose oplossing
According to an FAQ:
Q: Does WordWeb need a Firefox or Chrome extension? A: WordWeb 8 does not need a Firefox extension (WordWeb 7 and earlier did, but this is no longer needed). To work well with Chrome, you do need to install a Chrome extension, and will be prompted to do so when you first use WordWeb to look up a word in a Chrome window. Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer do not require extensions.
Lees dié antwoord in konteks 👍 0All Replies (4)
Firefox 43+ requires that extensions be digitally signed by Mozilla. This article has more information: Add-on signing in Firefox.
Are there any updates available for that extension?
Assuming none are currently available, you could make a temporary global exception to the signing requirement. Unfortunately, there's currently no way to only make an exception for specific extensions and therefore you need to be vigilant about bad add-ons creeping in if you do this.
(1) In a new tab, type or paste about:config in the address bar and press Enter/Return. Click the button promising to be careful.
(2) In the search box above the list, type or paste xpin and pause while the list is filtered
(3) Double-click the xpinstall.signatures.required preference to switch it from true to false -- note that this is for Firefox 43-46 only
Gekose oplossing
According to an FAQ:
Q: Does WordWeb need a Firefox or Chrome extension? A: WordWeb 8 does not need a Firefox extension (WordWeb 7 and earlier did, but this is no longer needed). To work well with Chrome, you do need to install a Chrome extension, and will be prompted to do so when you first use WordWeb to look up a word in a Chrome window. Microsoft Edge and Internet Explorer do not require extensions.
It must be too early, since I missed the part about removing the extension on the first read. The Add-ons page doesn't have Remove buttons for files in shared locations, such as the corresponding program's own folders.
As far as I know, Firefox doesn't have a simple way to discover the physical location of an extension. The inconvenient way is to look inside one of its data files. Either:
- "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Troubleshooting Information
- (menu bar) Help > Troubleshooting Information
- type or paste about:support in the address bar and press Enter
In the first table on the page, click the "Show Folder" button. This should launch a new window listing various files and folders in Windows Explorer.
Scroll down and find extensions.json and make a copy somewhere convenient, then open the copy in a text editor.
In the file, search for wordweb and then look forward for "descriptor".
jscher2000, thnx bro :) Removed WordWeb 7, downloaded/installed WordWeb 8, and the problem plug-in doesn't show up in firefox any more :)