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Firefox 12 installer asks for Administrator account

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I am trying to do a fresh install of Firefox 12 on my Windows Ultimate x64. When I try to run the installer, it asks for Administrator rights.

Regardless of what I choose (use my current account, which is an administrator account OR type in the password for the main Administrator account), the installer does nothing. Just stops, without any errors, etc.

1. Why does this version of Firefox need to use the main Administrator account? For the previous versions (and for any other browser) a regular administrator account is enough. What exactly is Firefox 12 doing to the system that requires more access rights?

2. How (in case I decide to go through with this install) can I convince it to actually install?

I am trying to do a fresh install of Firefox 12 on my Windows Ultimate x64. When I try to run the installer, it asks for Administrator rights. Regardless of what I choose (use my current account, which is an administrator account OR type in the password for the main Administrator account), the installer does nothing. Just stops, without any errors, etc. 1. Why does this version of Firefox need to use the main Administrator account? For the previous versions (and for any other browser) a regular administrator account is enough. What exactly is Firefox 12 doing to the system that requires more access rights? 2. How (in case I decide to go through with this install) can I convince it to actually install?

All Replies (11)

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Check that you do not run Firefox as Administrator.

Right-click the Firefox desktop shortcut and choose "Properties".

Make sure that all items are deselected in the "Compatibility" tab of the Properties window.

  • Privilege Level: "Run this program as Administrator" should not be selected
  • "Run this program in compatibility mode for:" should not be selected

You can also check the Properties of the firefox.exe program in the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\).

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Hello,

I'm not running it as administrator or in any compatibility mode, the boxes are unchecked (wouldn't it be strange if windows would check them by default for a downloaded program?). I guess that's why it asks for administrator.

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Hello,

Also, if I do check the administrator box, Firefox 12 installer actually starts so I guess that in fact it *has* to be checked. However, this doesn't answer my previous question: why does Firefox suddenly need administrator mode?

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Try to uninstall and reinstall Firefox to see if that repairs it.

Do a clean (re)install and delete the Firefox program folder (C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\).

Download a fresh Firefox copy and save the file to the desktop.

Uninstall your current Firefox version, if possible.

  • Do NOT remove personal data when you uninstall your current Firefox version, because all profile folders will be removed and you will also lose your personal data like bookmarks and passwords from profiles of other Firefox versions.

Remove the Firefox program folder before installing that newly downloaded copy of the Firefox installer.

Your bookmarks and other profile data are stored elsewhere in the Firefox Profile Folder and won't be affected by a reinstall, but make sure that you do not select to remove personal data if you uninstall Firefox.


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I'm sorry, I think you misunderstood.

Firefox 12 is NOT installed. The problem is that I can't install it without Administrator rights.

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Did you try to run the Firefox installer as Administrator via the right-click context menu (Run as Administrator)?

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Hi,

I did, if I select run as Administrator or if I tick the "run as administrator" in the properties, then it runs.

But I still want to know *why* Firefox 12 wants administrator rights to install? No other browser requires that and even Firefox 11 installs ok without administrator rights.

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Similar problem here. I get a message that I need to log in as adminstrator to install, but the installation never launches. I've already taken the following steps: 1. Fresh download of 13.0.1 2. Uninstall old version of Firefox 3. Delete Firefox program folder 4. Disable ZoneAlarm

I'm running Windows 7

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I have the same problem. Running Windows 7, x64 machine.

I had a previous installation and uninstalled. Then noticed still had folder. Deleted folder.

Then retried running but keeps going into a Loop asking for Administrator even though using Administrator account.

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Just found a SOLUTION on another thread and seemed to work:


try to save the mozila and not to run while dowloading it. THEN RIGHT CLICK click the downloaded mozilla and run as Administrator (there will be a selection to "Run as Administrator". It then seems to run with no problems.

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THAT worked! Thanks, though somehow, I am thinking it should not have been so difficult...